God Bless America…and send HELP!!

Dear God,

Through it all, I will continue to trust you. Thank you for your protection, your love, and for always watching over my family, even when I don’t see or feel it. You are always on time, and I know you are in control. Thank you Lord. 

Amen.

Election Day 2024 has come and gone. To say I’m devastated and disappointed is an understatement. This is America, as Childish Gambino famously said, and his song captures the disheartening reality we face today. America has become a place where blatant disrespect and disregard harm people of color, especially women. God forbid we say “Women of Color” together—the most undervalued and unappreciated group. Malcolm X said it best: “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman.” As a Black woman who works hard, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Let’s talk about the election. I know what it’s like to take a loss—I once was an athlete. I understand competition and that not every race will go my way. But my disappointment goes beyond losing; it’s about who was chosen to lead. Trump, a man with a history of felony charges, two impeachments, and blatant disrespect toward minorities, lower-class citizens, and even his own wife, was chosen again. Should we even address the fact that Americans can hardly get a minimum wage place of employment with a felony? (Inserts hard eye roll) How is it that a person without real experience in government and no respect for so many groups can be elected to this office? If there’s one thing that confounds me, it’s how there are no minimum qualifications for the presidency.

People say Trump is a great businessman, but we can list countless failed ventures—Trump Airlines, Trump Vodka, Trump University, Trump Casinos. He’s left each of these in ruins. This same man thinks it’s okay to “grab women by their private areas” and once called for the execution of the innocent Central Park EXONERATED Five. He disrespected Puerto Rico by tossing supplies to citizens in need, and let’s not forget he claimed to have spoken to the “President of Puerto Rico” while he was in office. It feels like ignorance personified is running our country, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s just a pawn in a larger scheme.

I remember the security I felt during President Barack Obama’s years in office. In contrast, Trump’s presidency seemed to make it acceptable for people to be openly racist. Why, in this day and age, are so many against equality? It feels like we’re living in a world turned upside down. And it’s painful.

I’m deeply proud that Kamala Harris—Vice President Kamala Harris—ran. While I wish her time in office had been more visible and consistent, I admire her courage. I understand she may have tried too hard to connect with a younger audience, and I do wish we saw more of her real self. And while there are criticisms about her time as a prosecutor, she worked hard to protect the law. However, she must reckon with any unfair outcomes from those actions.

Ultimately, a man with no political qualifications was chosen over a qualified, experienced Vice President. My prayer is that in this upcoming term, women’s rights and choices will be honored and that we can move forward as a unified people. No matter our background, nationality, or heritage, we deserve to live with respect. We’re all human—born to live, bleed, and die.

To my ancestors, thank you for your labor. You are appreciated. We are trying to make things better. Keep watching over us and leading us. To my African American Kings, I pray for your safety in the coming years. Be wise and vigilant. To my American brothers and sisters, live with integrity. Last but certainly not least, to my African American Queens: I see you. I am you. I know and I love you. Keep your head up, smile brightly, and continue to be amazing. We got this—God’s got us!

Signing off…

Simply Shaye ❤️