The election may have concluded, but it’s crucial that the dedication to anti-racism doesn’t wane. In the past year, many individuals, particularly white people, have shown unprecedented support for social justice. They shared blackout squares on social media, participated in Black Lives Matter demonstrations, read books like How to Be an Antiracist, and actively promoted articles that highlight the significance of racial equity. They even cast their votes for new leadership, eager to move away from the previous administration’s blatant racism.
While these efforts are commendable, I find myself feeling anxious. Will the passion that drove people to advocate for justice for individuals like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor persist into January with a new administration in place? The reality is that electing the first Black president didn’t eliminate racism, and when President Obama left office, things took a turn for the worse. The anticipated post-racial society never materialized, and we need to acknowledge that.
Instead of striving for a colorblind society, we should aspire to appreciate and celebrate racial differences. The idea that we don’t see color is not only misguided but also harmful. Discrimination is rampant, and people do make decisions based on race.
As we prepare for the Biden-Harris administration, it’s essential to understand that they cannot shoulder the entire burden of creating a racially equitable society. Those who were energized to take action before the election must maintain that momentum moving into 2021. This means continuing to read anti-racism literature and applying those lessons in our daily lives. It’s important to listen to our friends of color, support them, and respect their experiences without expecting them to educate us every step of the way. Teaching our children about anti-racism now will help them avoid the pitfalls of a whitewashed education.
Activism can be draining, but it’s vital to remember that people of color endure the daily realities of racism. My own children, who are Black, encounter the impacts of systemic racism regularly, whether in person or through societal structures like media representation and school policies.
We are still recovering from an administration that has perpetuated harm against marginalized communities. The previous president’s actions—like tossing paper towels at hurricane victims or refusing to denounce white supremacy—have left deep scars. Addressing racism goes far beyond wearing a BLM shirt or attending one protest. It requires ongoing commitment and action. Speaking out against harmful comments, even from family during gatherings, is only a starting point.
Merely being friendly to Black individuals or claiming to have “one Black friend” isn’t enough to combat systemic racism. It’s time to intensify our genuine efforts; anti-racism is a marathon, not a sprint, and the work is far from finished.
So, while it’s worth celebrating the Biden-Harris win, let’s not relax our efforts. The responsibility of dismantling racism rests on all of us, especially those who have benefited from systemic inequalities. If we want to create meaningful change, it will require sustained effort and dedication.
For more insights on this topic, check out this related post from our other blog. And for those on a journey toward parenthood, resources like Make a Mom and Progyny can provide valuable support.
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Summary: The election’s conclusion shouldn’t signal the end of anti-racism efforts. As individuals who have engaged in social justice initiatives, it’s vital to sustain that commitment. Acknowledge racial differences, listen to people of color, and teach future generations about being anti-racist. The work of dismantling systemic racism requires ongoing dedication and should not rest solely on new political leadership.