If my ancestors could endure 400 years of the brutal, relentless reality of slavery, I can handle four years of a presidency I didn’t vote for. Let’s be clear—this isn’t about minimizing the harm caused by policies or rhetoric. It’s about putting my challenges into perspective and grounding myself in the strength of those who came before me.
My ancestors faced unimaginable conditions, waking up every day in a world designed to break them physically, mentally, and spiritually. They didn’t have the luxury of venting frustrations on social media or debating injustices over a latte in a cozy café. They endured without comforts, without rights, without freedoms, and often without hope of justice. Yet they survived. Some even thrived against all odds, building legacies that gave us the opportunities we have today.
Here I stand, with their resilience in my DNA. I’m living in a time where, despite the challenges we face, I have tools my ancestors could only dream of: the right to vote, access to education, freedom of speech, and the ability to mobilize. Yes, four years of an administration that feels hostile to everything I believe in is infuriating and exhausting. But it’s not the end of the fight. If my ancestors could endure centuries of oppression without wavering, I can endure—and resist—for four years.
This isn’t about being complacent or settling into despair. It’s about drawing strength from history, reminding myself that I am the product of people who didn’t quit. It’s about channeling their perseverance into action—voting, organizing, holding those in power accountable, and creating change that builds on their legacy.
Four years might feel heavy, but it’s a far cry from the unrelenting depths of enslavement. And because of my ancestors, I know I can carry this weight, too.
