Just breathe….

Hallelujah! We have a shiny, new President and the first female Vice President of the United States. Both of them have the experience, temperament, and appropriate focus to actually lead this nation out of darkness. It felt like it took forever to get here. 

“We must end this uncivil war.”

President Joe Biden

The tyranny and error of the past 4 years is hopefully over. I spent most of that time feeling anxious and in disbelief of all that had been revealed about the ills of our country. He gave misogynists and white supremacists permission to come out of the shadows and into the mainstream. Because of him, we have an attempted rapist on our Supreme Court. Because of him, we have a resurgence of white supremacist groups in the form of Proud Boys, etc. Because of him, we had an attempted coup, aided by sympathizers in our own government. In my conservative county, Trump flags fly almost more than the American flag. And just Monday, flyers with swastikas were posted all over the small town of Ashland in my county. It was one last, desperate attempt to scare those fighting for social justice. 

But ladies, watch out! Make sure you’re wearing your shoes. There’s glass everywhere! Kamala Harris has broken the glass ceiling! I enjoyed seeing posts from my friends who are Alpha Kappa Alpha members like Kamala. My best friend from graduate school is not only an AKA sister, but also a fellow alum of Howard University, just like Madam Vice President. I thought about them all day. Like them, I also wore my pearls and Chucks on Inauguration Day. We have much to owe Black women in restoring our faith in American democracy.

What a beautiful ceremony! I’m grateful I had the day off to watch it all live. It was lovely, despite the weirdness of the circumstances as the dangers of the pandemic and threat of violence from white supremacist terrorists loomed, forcing limits to the crowd size. 

Although I loved Lady Gaga’s interpretation of our National Anthem, and I appreciated the performance of Jennifer Lopez, I was most impressed by the poetry of Amanda Gorman.

“The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Amanda Gorman

Such poignant words from such a young soul. I remember the idealism I possessed at 22 years old. But by no means did I have the wisdom and way with words to express my feelings like Amanda. She is simply outstanding. 

I was admittedly nervous that something terrible would happen to prevent this day from culminating. But I’m relieved that the inauguration is complete. Let the work begin. There is much to do. Because now, the status quo is not enough. We must be better. We must seek and demand justice and truth. We must drive hate back into the shadows from which it came. And we must find the light. 

But at last, I feel like our country has leadership that’s here for the people, not for sheer power or to reap the benefits of office for themselves. That, in and of itself, is light. 

I hope you are finding the light this week. As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.