a sigh of relief
on my mind
What a finale to a long week (and year). I spent most of yesterday feeling overwhelmed, disembodied, and relieved.
I heard cheers as I took my morning walk through my neighborhood and saw people walking their dogs who were glued to their phones. Then I went out to Black Lives Matter Plaza right outside the White House, where people had been gathering all day since the news broke of Biden’s win. Cowbells, drums and car honks filled the air. “Irreplaceable,” “We are the Champions,” and “Celebration,” were blasting from people’s stereos. It felt like almost like regular day in DC before the pandemic where you could walk around safely and share pure joy and energy with complete strangers.
There is obviously so so much work ahead of us, but the fact that a man like Trump has been unseated from power is something we can and should celebrate (even though he’s still challenging the election results, which is one of the scenarios the Hold the Line guide predicted.)
2020 has been a nightmare for so many reasons. We have another chance to make things right and better for our country. Tireless activists and communities powered by Black women leaders put in the work to get us here and we cannot stop now. Holding on to that hope right now as we look ahead and prepare for what’s next.
How are you doing? Send me one word to describe how you’re feeling right now.
what I’m noting
The media have called the presidential race for Joe Biden. What’s next? // Read this from Politifact to learn what it means when media “calls” a winner and when the results are official
Dave Chappelle on SNL // His monologue, Uncle Ben and Weekend Update were my favorites
always be critical about who is extended the privilege of empathy. empathy can be weaponized as a tool of oppression and violence like everything else. when those in power make calls for empathy, ask empathy *for whom* and take note of who is not afforded that privilege.
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— Nesima