Hope Has Returned

By Basia Alicia Powell

Over the past few months, it became increasingly difficult to write motivational articles or do uplifting vlogs, (something I am known for). Today represents the return of hope for me. It’s the first day in months, I have been able to write without pause, from my heart.

I am fully aware that the election of President Elect Joe Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris, will not solve all our problems. I am not foolish. I am simply hopeful, based on what their appointment represent to the majority of Americans.

Today, a daughter of two immigrants (Jamaican and Indian) will become the Vice President of the United States. More importantly,  she becomes the first female Vice President. What a moment in history.  Today, I get to tell my children and future grandchildren that anything is possible once you work hard, and have hope. Discrimination and equality exists, but if Kamala Harris  became the first female Vice President during a pandemic and a time when America is experiencing one of the worst periods of civil and racial unrest, anything is possible for them.

We have all had a few choice words, for the negative impact that the year 2020 has had on all of our lives. But, some of us can agree that 2020 has delivered a much needed change in government and tone.

"Joy Cometh In The Morning."

Finally we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Not because the Democrats have won and the Republicans have lost. This does not represent a partisan win for me. It represents a return to decency, civility, respect for diversity and the list goes on.  The lights have been blinking red for a long time, and many of us have been pretending that the lights are on green to simply maintain our sanity. Silently, we have been afraid for ourselves and our children for the past 4 years. As people of color, we are not asking for racial supremacy. To the contrary, we want an end of all forms of racial supremacy and we are simply asking for a seat at the table. We asking to matter.

The results at the poll shows an America that is deeply divided. It is my belief at this time, that President Elect Joe Biden can bring about healing and unity among different races. He brings years of bipartisanship experience to the White House, and I feel certain that he understands the importance of inviting people of all races, gender and backgrounds,  to the table.

I recognize that a win for the Democratic party will not be celebrated by all. Why shouldn’t it though? Why would you not want a government  that includes white, blacks, browns, gays, transgender etc? What are you afraid of? America belongs to the people of America.  We have a democracy, which means we all have a say. We decide who becomes our President and Vice President. 

For the past  4 years, we have been moving away from a democratic model. The fact that the sitting President is unable to accept the results of the election is the opposite of what democracy in America (or anywhere) represents.  We hold elections to appoint the leaders, the majority of people want to represent them. It is frightening to me personally, when a leader decides prior to election that he or she would not accept this results.

Today’s results represent the return of hope. There is hope when people of all races and backgrounds can come together and end what resembles fascism. I feel hopeful that no President can permanently occupy or acquire 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as if it is a part of their personal real estate portfolio. This address belongs to the people. The people decide who lives in that house and for how long.

Today, I wish to thank President Elect Joe Biden for leading a steady campaign during the most challenging times in modern history. Thank you for listening to the people of the United States of America, and for rescuing us during a time when we all need so much hope. Regardless of what side of the aisle we represent,  we cannot deny that this country is pain and in need of healing. Most of all thank you for appointing a woman of color as your running mate and consequently to the office of the Vice President of The United States of America. 

By the way, I also feel that it is not by accident that both Arizona and Georgia, (two red states), flipped in this election, for the Biden/Harris ticket. I am not surprised, as these states were both represented by the late great John Mc McCain and John Lewis of Arizona and Georgia respectively. This victory was ordain from above.

While hope and decency have now returned, I  would still like to remind both Democrats and Republicans that we all have the right to vote for who we believe is the best leader for us. However,  we must accept the will of the majority and continue to be civil to one another. This is why we have elections. True equality resides at the ballot. Regardless of your economic circumstances,  you have the right to appoint the leaders who will govern on your behalf. This is America, where hope lives on.

Finally, I would personally like to thank President Trump. Many people may not agree with this move, but I am grateful that he created an environment for many people who dont look like us to let us know how they truly feel.  If it were not for his brashness, we would not have known what is truely on the minds and hearts of people we work with, live next too or in some cases related  to. Knowledge is power. It does not matter how the Information is delivered.  What matters is we now know what’s on the minds of those who think differently from us.

Either way, today marks an end to the feelings of entitlement and privilege.To the people who voted early and in record numbers, thank you. We have been delivered. Time for healing.

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