Washington, D.C. (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — First Lady Jill Biden is extending a warm invitation to esteemed guests to join her in the viewing box during President Biden’s State of the Union Address scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024. These distinguished individuals have been personally invited by the White House for their embodiment of key issues and themes that the President will address in his speech, as well as for their representation of the impactful policies championed by the Biden-Harris Administration. Accompanying the First Lady in the viewing box will be the Second Gentleman, Mr. Douglas Emhoff.
The following notable individuals, listed in alphabetical order, will share the viewing box with the First Lady and Second Gentleman:
Latorya Beasley (Birmingham, Alabama)
Beasley, along with her husband, embarked on their journey of parenthood through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 2022. However, their efforts to expand their family faced a setback when a recent Alabama Supreme Court decision abruptly halted their embryo transfer. Beasley’s story underscores the far-reaching impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which has disrupted access to crucial reproductive health care services for women and families nationwide.
Kris Blackley (Fort Mill, South Carolina)
Blackley serves as an oncology nurse and holds the position of Director of Patient Navigation at the Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. Her groundbreaking research in patient navigation has demonstrated significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced readmissions and enhanced treatment compliance. In alignment with the Biden Cancer Moonshot initiative, Blackley has been instrumental in expanding access to vital patient navigation services, a testament to the administration’s commitment to supporting cancer patients and their families.
Jazmin Cazares (Uvalde, Texas)
Cazares has emerged as a prominent advocate for gun violence prevention at both the state and national levels following the tragic loss of her sister in a shooting incident at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. Her tireless efforts in raising awareness and advocating for tighter background checks and protective legislation have garnered widespread recognition, including acknowledgment from the First Lady during the inaugural “Girls Leading Change” celebration at the White House.
Kate Cox (Dallas, Texas)
Cox, a mother of two from Texas, courageously shared her personal ordeal navigating the challenges posed by state abortion bans. Her poignant testimony sheds light on the profound consequences of restrictive policies, underscoring the critical need to safeguard women’s access to comprehensive reproductive health care services.
Samantha Ervin-Upsher (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Ervin-Upsher, a dedicated apprentice with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 432, embodies the spirit of resilience and determination in pursuing career opportunities. Her partnership with the First Lady underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive workforce development initiatives aimed at creating pathways to success for individuals across diverse sectors.
Shawn Fain (Metro Detroit, Michigan)
Fain, a respected leader within the United Auto Workers (UAW), played a pivotal role in advocating for workers’ rights and securing landmark agreements that have significantly improved working conditions and benefits for UAW members. His unwavering dedication to labor advocacy exemplifies the administration’s commitment to supporting working families and strengthening labor unions.
Bettie Mae Fikes (Selma, Alabama)
Fikes, renowned for her contributions to the civil rights movement, continues to inspire generations with her indomitable spirit and commitment to social justice. Her presence at this historic event commemorates the enduring legacy of those who courageously fought for equality and civil rights.
Steven Hadfield (Matthews, North Carolina)
Hadfield’s journey highlights the challenges faced by individuals grappling with chronic health conditions and the exorbitant costs of life-saving medications. His story underscores the transformative impact of legislative measures aimed at reducing healthcare expenses and enhancing access to vital treatments for millions of Americans.
Mayor Garnett L. Johnson (Augusta, Georgia)
Mayor Johnson’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in driving economic revitalization and fostering innovative workforce development initiatives in Augusta, Georgia. His collaborative efforts with the Biden-Harris Administration reflect a shared commitment to expanding opportunities and empowering communities to thrive.
Keenan Jones (Plymouth, Minnesota)
Jones, a dedicated educator and advocate for public service, represents the countless individuals who have benefited from initiatives aimed at easing the burden of student loan debt and promoting career stability in public service professions.
Natalie King (Detroit, Michigan)
King’s entrepreneurial endeavors underscore the transformative impact of investments in clean energy and small business development. Her pioneering efforts reflect the administration’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities across the nation.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden
Prime Minister Kristersson’s presence underscores the enduring partnership between Sweden and the United States in advancing shared values and ensuring global security. Sweden’s formal inclusion in the NATO Alliance further strengthens international cooperation in safeguarding peace and stability.
Governor Stephen Roe Lewis (Gu-u-Ki, Sacaton, Arizona)
Governor Lewis’s visionary leadership has ushered in a new era of progress and innovation within the Gila River Indian Community. His partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing tribal sovereignty and addressing long-standing challenges facing Indigenous communities.
Commander Shelby Nikitin (Wakefield, Massachusetts)
Commander Nikitin’s exemplary service in defending maritime shipping and combating destabilizing threats underscores the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding global security and promoting free commerce.
Justin Phillips (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Phillips’s unwavering dedication to combating substance use disorder and preventing opioid-related deaths epitomizes the grassroots efforts driving positive change within communities nationwide. His advocacy efforts have been instrumental in expanding access to life-saving overdose prevention medications and raising awareness about the opioid epidemic.
Kameryn Pupunu (Lahaina, Hawaii)
Pupunu’s heroism and selflessness during the devastating wildfires in Lahaina exemplify the courage and resilience of first responders in the face of adversity. His bravery serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for communities grappling with natural disasters.
Maria Shriver (Los Angeles, California)
Shriver’s tireless advocacy for women’s health and Alzheimer’s research underscores the importance of prioritizing comprehensive healthcare initiatives. Her collaboration with the Biden-Harris Administration reflects a shared commitment to advancing women’s health research and promoting gender equity.
Dawn Simms (Davis Junction, Illinois)
Simms’s journey as a third-generation autoworker highlights the transformative impact of collective bargaining and labor advocacy in securing fair wages and dignified working conditions for workers across diverse industries.
Tiffany Zoeller (Fayetteville, North Carolina)
Zoeller’s dedication to supporting military spouses and caregivers underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing economic opportunity and enhancing support systems for military families.
These esteemed guests symbolize the diverse voices and experiences shaping our nation’s trajectory, and their presence underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, progress, and unity.
Source: White House
