I know this photo has nothing to do with the topic, but this picture snapped with one of the neighborhood dogs in front of his owner’s happy sidewalk art always makes me smile! 

I originally had a fluffy post planned for yesterday, but it didn’t seem appropriate to post in the light of the chaos that unfolded at the Capitol yesterday. It didn’t really seem appropriate to post it today, either. So I figured today I would just compile and share my thoughts on yesterday’s roller coaster. 

Some Hopeful Thoughts After Yesterday

Actually, it was less like a roller coaster and more like the Tower of Terror ????. (I’m laughing but like, not laughing.)

It started off on SUCH a high note, witnessing an incredible moment in history when Georgians defied the odds and elected Warnock and Ossoff to the senate. Then it went downhill in what felt like a matter of minutes when, incited by the president himself, thousands of pro-Trump terrorists broke into the Capitol and were met with very little resistance from police because–why else? They weren’t Black. They were allowed to break into a building that is typically one of the most high-security buildings on the planet because they were white. It was truly horrifying to watch and something that I will never forget. 

I woke up early this morning with such a feeling of dread and decided to go back to sleep. When I woke up the second time, reflecting on everything that happened yesterday and reading what had transpired in the early hours of the morning, I felt more optimistic.

I thought I would share those thoughts today because it always helps me to discuss these things with you–as a community. (And thank you to all of you who have dmed me. We’ve had so many good conversations.) So if you’re feeling hopeless, I hope this can remind you that we have so much to be optimistic about. 

1. First and foremost, the constitution was upheld 

The Trump administration has put the constitution and American democracy to the biggest stress test in modern (or ever?) history. Never before has a president not understood how the constitution worked (!?) or advocated going against the constitution for his own personal gain, against the will of the majority of the American people. Our democratic system said, “nice try, but no, that’s not how this works.” THIS IS A BIG DEAL! I never really doubted that it would go any other way. But still, it’s reassuring that even in times of immense chaos, democracy will prevail. Our “for the people, by the people” foundation is still rock solid. 

2. Many Republicans finally put their egos aside and stood up for what was right 

I know it’s easy to say, “too little, too late”–but it is what it is. We can’t go back in time, but we can applaud those Republicans who decided to drop the act and acknowledge the results of our fair and free election (even though they didn’t like them) and put the voice of the American people first. We saw teamwork yesterday that we haven’t seen in decades. And that gives me hope that it’s possible for progress to be made in the Biden administration and that both sides of the aisle are capable of working together under the right leadership. I also hope this means that the future will look brighter for the Republican party as a whole. 

3. AMAZING HISTORY WAS MADE! Thanks to Black voters, the first Black senator and a 33-year-old Jewish senator and son of immigrants were elected in Georgia’s Senate runoff! 

This is what makes me proud to be American! Without a doubt, this will be one of the high points of 2021. Thanks to Black voters (especially Black women–ESPECIALLY the incredible Stacey Abrams, her colleagues, and team!) Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff defied the odds and won their senate runoff races. Not only is this monumental in itself, but also means Democrats secured a narrow majority in the senate. Because of this, I am incredibly hopeful for the future, especially as it pertains to recovery from the pandemic. 

4. Trump finally admitted there would be an “orderly” transition

Something he vowed he would never do, and whether you believe him or not, I think this is important nonetheless. Because he is no longer fanning the flames of his dangerous loyalists. Not to mention, since Twitter and Facebook shut down his social accounts, he will no longer be able to spread false information, conspiracy theories, and other dangerous rhetoric that could further incite violence. 

5. Speaking this afternoon, Biden condemned the inaction of law enforcement yesterday, calling out the inequities between how BLM protesters were treated while yesterday’s terrorists were met with little resistance. 

This gives me hope. Yesterday was a glaring reminder of how much work we have to do in dismantling racism in every facet of this country. And how particularly dire that is as it pertains to law enforcement. But having a leader who understands and acknowledges this problem and makes a plan on how to fix it is a crucial step in the right direction. (Not to mention, builds a cabinet that looks like America and represents all American values–one that is filled with BIPOC and women!) 

6. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will take over the presidency on January 20th 

This will happen regardless of how much Trump kicks and screams–we only have two more weeks of the Trump administration. The light is at the end of the tunnel. 

I know these positives don’t undo the terrible events that unfolded yesterday. And they absolutely don’t overshadow how much work we have to do, and how far we have to go. But today, I am filled with more hope than despair. And I think that really, really says something. 

I hope you are hanging in there today and that you can set aside some time for yourself. Sending you lots of virtual hugs!