The new year is supposed to bring new blessings, new energy, and a fresh start. But for Black Americans, 2025 is already sizing up to bring the same ‘ol problems from the year before.
Just think about it. We’re only three days into the new year, and already the country has been ravaged by multiple terrorist attacks, political upheaval, and continuous forms of violence.
And we all know that Black folks get the brunt of it all.
If that wasn’t enough, in just a couple weeks, President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the Oval Office. And a second Trump term is set to include his plans of mass deportation, the horrifying Project 2025 (which he unconvincingly denied affiliation with), and abolishing DEI projects. Many Black Americans are frustrated at the state of the nation. Many of us are scared for the future. Some even think it’ll all be downhill from here.
So What Do We Do?
The most important thing to remember is that the Black community has survived any and everything that’s been thrown our way. From slavery and Jim Crow to mass incarceration and a first Trump presidency, we’ve seen and experienced it all. And despite the challenges, the Black community remains strong.
Black Americans are resilient. It’s in our genetic makeup. So now, it’s time to buckle up for the rollercoaster that will be 2025 and get to work. Yes, the United States has problems, but now is when we fight to resolve them. In the meantime, find joy in the little things, and support each other when you can.
The community has four years to regroup and bounce back. Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign was a start, but she said it best in her concession speech. “The fight for our freedom will take hard work. But, like I always say, we like hard work. Hard work is good work. Hard work can be joyful work. And the fight for our country is always worth it.”