In the past year, many individuals have stepped up in unprecedented ways. They engaged in social media activism, attended protests for racial justice, read influential books like “How to Be an Antiracist”, and shared crucial articles on racial equity. They cast their votes for the Biden-Harris ticket, seeking an end to the troubling legacy of the previous administration.
While these actions were significant, I can’t help but feel concerned. Will those who rallied for justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor remain committed once the new administration takes office? It’s important to remember that electing our first Black president didn’t eliminate racism. When President Obama left and Trump took over, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Where is this promised post-racial society? (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist).
We shouldn’t aspire to a colorblind society; rather, we should strive for one that recognizes and cherishes racial differences. The colorblind ideology is harmful, as it overlooks the reality that discrimination is prevalent, with people often making judgments based on race.
As we prepare for the transition, there’s a collective sense of relief that the previous administration is on its way out. Yet, the responsibility for fostering a racially equitable society doesn’t rest solely on the shoulders of Kamala and Joe. They can’t achieve this alone.
For those who were passionate about social justice before the election, it’s crucial to maintain that momentum as we move into 2021. Continue to read anti-racism literature and apply those lessons in your life. Listen to your friends of color, trust their experiences, and learn from them without expecting them to educate you at their emotional expense. Teach your children to be anti-racist so they don’t have to unlearn harmful stereotypes and whitewashed narratives later on.
Activism can be exhausting, but consider how much more challenging it is for those who face racism daily. My four children, all Black, encounter the impact of systemic racism in various aspects of their lives—whether through media representation, school policies, or biased history lessons. Racism is pervasive and insidious.
Many are still processing the trauma of an administration that has perpetuated racial harm. The previous president’s actions—from dismissing white supremacy to calling African nations derogatory names—have left a lasting impact.
Combating racism goes beyond wearing a BLM t-shirt or attending a single protest; it requires ongoing commitment. It’s not sufficient to just read a book or tell your racist uncle to stop making offensive jokes. Being kind to Black individuals or claiming to have “one Black friend” does not equate to anti-racism. Now is the time to deepen our genuine efforts. Anti-racism is a marathon, not a sprint, and there’s no finish line.
Yes, we can celebrate the Biden-Harris victory, but we must continue the fight against racism. The burden of dismantling systemic racism does not rest solely on this new administration. We’ve allowed it to persist for over four hundred years, and it will take the diligent efforts of white individuals to create meaningful change.
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In summary, while the recent election may have brought some hope, the work of combating racism is far from over. It requires continued dedication from all of us, especially those who hold privilege, to create a more equitable society.
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