What Cory Booker’s 25-Hour Speech Reminded Me About Power
Reclaiming the mic, reshaping the moment
There’s something unforgettable about what happened yesterday. Senator Cory Booker spoke on the Senate floor for over 24 hours. Not to stall. Not to obstruct. But to stand for something. As someone who builds from a place of purpose, I couldn’t stop watching. We were witnessing history. A reminder that even when the system tries to silence you, your voice can still shake the room.
This post is for the people who are building businesses, communities, and brands rooted in purpose. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or underestimated, Senator Booker’s speech was a moment that said, keep going. They may not listen at first, but you keep speaking. Eventually, they have to hear you.
The Record He Broke Matters
Before yesterday, the longest speech in the U.S. Senate was given in 1957. It lasted 24 hours and it was used to block civil rights. Yesterday, Senator Cory Booker broke that record, but not just for the sake of history. He flipped the purpose completely. He used his platform to advocate for justice, for equity, and for the communities often pushed to the margins.
That context makes all the difference. This wasn’t just a political stunt. It was a reclaiming of narrative. It was a reshaping of what endurance in leadership looks like. And it reminded me that how we use our platforms, no matter how big or small, can either hold the door open or shut it in someone’s face.
As a creative entrepreneur building a mission-driven brand, that hit. Because I know what it feels like to use your work as protest. As reminder. As resistance. Watching Senator Booker felt like someone modeling what it means to speak from the inside out.
Narratives Shift in Real Time
What fascinated me just as much as the speech itself was how differently it was being reported. Some outlets called it a filibuster. Others labeled it a protest or even an anti-Trump tirade. But at its core, it was none of those things. It was a call to conscience. And depending on your lens, that can either look like disruption or leadership.
This is something I think about a lot as a brand founder. What people label your work does not always match the intent behind it. Sometimes being bold and vocal makes people uncomfortable. Sometimes silence is mistaken for indifference. Either way, we can’t let outside framing define our purpose.
Senator Booker’s ability to stay grounded in his message while the headlines tried to twist it - that’s what leadership looks like. It’s what many of us have to do every day in our own way, especially when building values-driven businesses.
Endurance That Speaks
What stayed with me the most was the endurance. Not just physically speaking for that long. But mentally staying rooted in the mission. Senator Booker did not waste time. He used every moment to bring attention to policies, people, and possibilities. That kind of stamina comes from something deeper than ambition. It comes from clarity.
I’ve found that the same kind of energy is required in entrepreneurship. Especially when you’re building something rooted in purpose. There are seasons where the returns are not immediate. Where the noise is loud but your vision has to stay louder. The kind of stamina Senator Booker showed is the kind of stamina many of us are developing right now in quieter ways.
This Is What Values in Action Looks Like
Senator Booker didn’t need applause. He wasn’t waiting for a viral clip. He was willing to speak until his voice gave out because the stakes were that high. That’s what it means to live your values in public. And that’s the part that inspired me most.
When you build a brand like CISE or lead with a mission, you know that not everything will be easy to explain. Sometimes it’s not flashy. Sometimes it’s hard to sell. But you do it anyway. Because the purpose behind it demands that you stay present, especially when the world would rather you stay quiet.
That’s the lesson I’m walking away with. The microphone won’t always be handed to you. Sometimes you have to hold it. And sometimes you have to keep speaking long enough for the room to realize you’re not leaving.
We Needed This Reminder
Yesterday was a moment. But it was also a mirror. For anyone who feels like their work is unseen, this was your reminder that the impact doesn’t always show up immediately. Sometimes it echoes. And sometimes it gets recorded in history when no one expected it.
The way Senator Booker stayed rooted reminded me of why I write, why I build, and why I speak up. Especially when it's uncomfortable. Especially when it's easier to stay quiet. If you're building something from the heart, keep going. This is the kind of leadership we need more of.
Thoughts for You:
What does leadership look like when no one’s clapping?
How do you stay grounded in your mission?
When was the last time you saw someone reclaim a space like this?
Brands That Build
Each week, I curate a list of brands, creators, and experiences that embody exceptional connection-building through their digital presence, product innovation, or community engagement. These recommendations highlight those who turn transactions into relationships and products into experiences all while maintaining authentic brand personalities.
This Week's Recommendations:
The Love You Collection by Brain Love: Luxury pieces that double as mental wellness reminders - perfect for anyone looking to wear their self-care journey while making a style statement.
Nomads Swimwear's Expressivo Collection: Dreamy swimwear created by a founder who actually wears her own designs - ideal for beach days where you want to feel both confident and adventure-ready.
The Crosby Boot by Kendall Miles: Italian-crafted statement boots from a family business that proves luxury can be both ethical and wearable for those bold everyday moments.