How should we react
to Trump’s election? © 2017




It’s a wrap. Donald Trump has been elected, and he will take office in a few days.
A lot of us are disappointed with the outcome of the election—as we should be. So, how should we react?




When people reflect on the campaign, the appeals to racism, and Trump’s selection of cabinet members, it promises to be a bumpy ride for Blacks, Muslims, women, and people with progressive views.




For African Americans, in particular, the perfect response is to close ranks and get ourselves together. Ironically, the best response to racism is not to always focus externally on racism and racists. The best response might be an internal focus.




The more united African Americans are, the more prepared we will be to deal with external concerns such as racism.





Here are some areas we need to focus on that will make us stronger and better equipped to deal with the adversities we face.


• The home. Whether it’s a single parent or two parents. Our children must to taught old fashioned values. We’ve gotten away from that. Many of the issues going on in our communities, unemployment, crime, school drop-out rates, and drugs relate to values that were taught or modeled in the home.

• We must develop a deeper understanding of politics, how it works and how we can maximize our power. We have to learn how to organize to may politics work for us. It’s not enough to protest for a day but fail to show up to vote.

• We must understand the power of the dollar. We are major players in the American economy, but we’re not organized and do not realize the power we have. We have enough money to make major changes on our own without begging government or
others.




Here’s a thought:

Even if Pres. Obama had a third term, these issues and others would still exist and have to be confronted. Who’s president is extremely important. However, a president cannot make us love, respect, or stop committing crimes against each other.




Unfortunately, we can’t wish away Trump’s election nor can we simply pray it away. Will he, however, take the smart route and finally use this election as motivation to unite? Or,will it be business as usual whereby we continue to think and act like powerless victims?