Today We Cry, Tomorrow We Rise - SARN Minis #56

Today We Cry, Tomorrow We Rise - SARN Minis #56 Transcript

Hi, I'm Sharon Hurley Hall. Welcome to the SARN podcast. I'm publishing on a different day and making this episode open to all.

I woke in the early hours of November 6th 2024 with a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. A feeling I hadn't had since the twin blows of Brexit and the election of the orange one in 2016.

When I checked the news it was to see the headline I hoped I'd never see again.

Despite his many character deficiencies, criminal convictions and dystopian plans for the future, tens of millions of Americans had once again elected the orange one to the White House.

And even more than before, they knew - know - exactly what they voted for. I mean, there is a whole plan - Project 2025 - for how he and his party plan to unravel the freedoms we previously took for granted. He's also stated pretty clearly his intention to retain power at all costs.

This vote is not an anomaly. It is not a surprise. We hoped it would be different but we were never sure. It was always too close to call. It shouldn't have been, but it was.

Even more than in 2016, the future looks uncertain and terrifying. Some people have made their exit plans, though not everyone has that privilege.

I weep for my American friends - the Black people and people of the global majority, for the trans folx, LGBTQ+ folx, Disabled folx, for the immigrants who contribute so much to the country, for all those whose rights will be taken away by Project 2025.

I weep for all of us, because tens of millions decided to ignore humanity and decency and because this election result could easily bolster the rising tide of far right sentiment worldwide. That's been happening since the last time he was elected.

I don't know how long the mourning period will last. It was weeks the last time. Even though I don't live in the USA, I feared for my family and friends who do. That fear is exacerbated now.

Yet, more than ever, those of us who care about equality have work to do. Despite the bone deep weariness so many of us feel, and a context that's only going to become more challenging, it's imperative to shine a light on what's happening and to keep up the pressure where we can.

We always talk about listening to Black women. Here are two whose words can serve to inspire us:

First, Toni Morrison:

“There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge—even wisdom.”

And then Maya Angelou:

“You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.”

We cannot afford to give up, even if we don't personally benefit from our activism. My ancestors would expect no less than for me to keep fighting for equality for all.

I hope their words will inspire you, as they do me.

So yes, let's cry today. Let's take time to heal. Let's ensure our safety. And then let's go, because no matter how it feels today, this isn't over, and we have work to do.

Thanks for listening, and I'll catch you on the next episode.

Sharon

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I am an anti-racism educator and activist, the author of “I’m Tired of Racism”, and co-host of The Introvert Sisters podcast. This newsletter is published on beehiiv (affiliate link).

© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2024. All Rights Reserved.