What Now?

Written By: Enjelle M.

Journalist

@ Google Images

Donald Trump is president again. I’m still trying to process it, and honestly, it feels surreal. How did this happen? How did he win both the popular and electoral votes? The emotions have been overwhelming, anger, confusion, disappointment, but giving up isn’t an option. Kamala Harris laid the groundwork for so many of us.

As the first Black and South Asian woman vice president, she didn’t just break barriers, she smashed them. She inspired young Black women like me to see ourselves in positions of power. Her grassroots fundraising, her ability to connect with people, and her unwavering dedication to progress are part of a legacy that can’t be erased. That inspiration still matters, even in moments like this.

This election result feels like a major setback, but history reminds us that progress is never smooth. It’s always been a battle, and this is just the next chapter. We’ve been here before, and we’ve fought through worse. The movements for racial justice, climate action, and equality haven’t disappeared just because one man is back in office. These fights are bigger than any one election, and the work doesn’t stop now.

I know it’s hard not to feel defeated, but this is the time to step up. Change comes from people like us, activists, students, organizers, and creators, who refuse to let moments like this define our future. The systems we’ve built, the voices we’ve amplified, and the communities we’ve formed are still here. That foundation is strong, and it’s what we’ll use to keep pushing forward.

We’ve seen what’s possible when we come together. Look at what we achieved in 2020. That same energy, that same fire, is what we need now. This isn’t the time to back down, even if the road ahead feels impossible. If anything, this moment shows how much more work there is to do.

Feel the anger, the sadness, the frustration, but don’t let it stop you. Use it to fuel the fight for justice and equality. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay ready to hold those in power accountable. We’re not starting over; we’re building on the progress we’ve made. The fight isn’t just about one election. It’s about the future we want to create and the legacy we want to leave behind.

To my fellow Black women: I know this moment feels heavy, and it’s okay to feel every emotion that comes with it. But remember to take a step back and breathe. You don’t have to carry everything on your shoulders alone. Be gentle with yourself, and don’t be too hard when things feel overwhelming. Lean on each other, because we are strongest when we stand together.

Our community, our resilience, and our love for one another will get us through this. We’ve faced impossible challenges before, and we’ve always found a way forward. We will do it again. Keep your head high, your spirit strong, and your heart open. We are the backbone of so much progress, and we will rise above this too. You are not alone, and we’ve got this together.