By Chrissy M. Thornton
My 25-year-old son told me that I should channel my inner “2008 Obama” as his generation wants and needs to focus on “hope.”As life would have it, at this moment, I am actually extremely hopeful.
Credit: Courtesy photo
As we usher in another year, it is vital for Black America to approach the coming months and years, amidst the changing political landscape, with as much hope and determination as we have ever mustered. For centuries, we have navigated the turbulent waters of systemic oppression. This familiarity, while burdensome, equips us uniquely for the confusion and challenges that lie ahead.
In a time where freedoms are under attack – religious, reproductive, marital and more – and where communities are reeling from mass deportation threats and heightened prejudice, Black people must find solace in our resilience and preparedness. We know what to do, how to stand tall and how to seize opportunities for transformation. While some communities will be navigating unfamiliar turmoil, for us, it is time to organize, to build coalitions and to chart a path forward rooted in both hope and action.
Certainly, with the upcoming shifts in leadership, we can expect an increase in hate crimes, blatant displays of racism and efforts to roll back hard-won rights. After all, we’ve already seen neo-Nazi marches and heard of Black college students receiving vile, racist messages – emboldened acts designed to intimidate and demean. For Black people, this is unfortunately familiar territory. However, this moment is not one to despair but to dig deep and take decisive steps toward collective action. Within our ability to do so, hope lies.
Historically, periods of regression have often sparked our most powerful movements. The Civil Rights era emerged from the Jim Crow South, and the Black Lives Matter movement grew in the face of police brutality. Each time we’ve been told we were powerless, we’ve proved the world wrong. Today is no different. The tools we have honed over generations – community building, faith and perseverance – will be most useful and are more critical than ever.
Though many have said it jokingly, it is essential that we “mind our Black business” in these times. This does not mean turning a blind eye to the suffering of other marginalized groups but rather prioritizing our survival and progress without shouldering the trauma of everyone else’s chaos. While other communities may be grappling with the initial shock of losing freedoms they’ve long taken for granted, we are veterans in the fight. We can –and must– offer a blueprint for resistance, but we cannot afford to exhaust ourselves in the process.
A positive approach involves focusing on strengthening our communities: bolstering Black businesses, supporting Black-led organizations and nurturing spaces where Black joy and excellence thrive. By doing so, we ensure our survival and create a model for collective action that others can observe and emulate.
To capitalize on this moment, Black communities must get into formation. Coalition-building within our neighborhoods and across the diaspora is key. We must strengthen local networks. Our local organizations, churches and community centers have long been pillars of Black resilience. Investing in these spaces, both financially and with our time, ensures that we have safe havens and resources in the face of adversity.
We must educate and mobilize. All of our historical movement work has taught us that knowledge is power. Hosting workshops on voter rights, financial literacy, wealth building and community organizing can prepare us to face barriers head-on. Mobilizing our youth to take active roles in these efforts ensures the longevity of our movements.
We must support Black leadership. From grassroots activists to politicians, supporting Black leaders who advocate for equity and justice amplifies our voices. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply showing up, our alignment can make all the difference.
We must collaborate across communities. While our focus must remain on Black progress, strategic alliances with other marginalized groups can strengthen collective resistance. Shared goals, such as preserving reproductive rights or combating hate crimes, can unite us without diluting our mission.
Over the next four years, Black people can follow a clear roadmap to ensure our resilience and progress. The key areas of focus must be around reclaiming economic power, expanding political engagement, investing in education, protecting our mental health and preserving our culture and history.
The pathway toward hope will be found in prioritizing the support of Black-owned businesses and advocating for policies that close the racial wealth gap. Economic independence has always been a cornerstone of Black liberation. Then, we must register voters, run for local offices and hold elected officials accountable. Political power is essential in shaping policies that impact our lives. Compounding those actions with supporting initiatives that address disparities in education, from equitable funding to culturally inclusive curricula must also happen. Empowering our youth with knowledge is an investment in our future. We must also acknowledge that the weight of systemic oppression is heavy. Providing our communities with accessible mental health resources and fostering environments that prioritize Black safety and healing are crucial.
And, while we do those things, we must celebrate our achievements, honor our ancestors and pass down traditions that instill pride and identity in future generations.
Hope has always been the backbone of Black survival. From the spirituals sung in the fields to the chants of protestors marching for justice, hope has carried us through the darkest times. It reminds us that change is possible, that joy can be found even in struggle and that our future is worth fighting for.
My son was correct. Even under a Trump (or Elon Musk) administration, hope remains our most potent weapon. It fuels our creativity, drives our resilience and unites us in purpose. Without hope, there is no progress. But with it, we can defy the odds, as we have done time and again.
As we step into this new year, let us carry the lessons of our history and the strength of our ancestors. Let us remember that while the fight for justice is long and arduous, it is one we are equipped to win. By focusing on community, building coalitions and nurturing hope, we can navigate this world as we’ve always done – with confidence and with purpose.
It is time for the Black community to organize, to rise and to thrive.
We can do it.
The post Hope for America: Entering the New Year with purpose and resolve appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
