Don't Let the Far Right Steal Your Joy

To My Fellow DEI Advocates, Civil Rights Leaders, and Champions of Change,

We find ourselves at a crossroads where the very ideals we have fought for—freedom, justice, equality—are being challenged by forces determined to turn back the clock. The far right, emboldened by a wave of regressive policies and rhetoric, is doing everything in its power to dismantle the progress we've made. They aim to sow division, to stoke fear, and to erode the hard-won victories that have brought us closer to a just and equitable society.

It’s disheartening. It’s exhausting. And it can feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on our shoulders. But let me remind you of this: do not let the far right steal your joy.

Think back to the moments when your work made a difference—when you mentored someone who others overlooked, and they achieved what no one thought possible. Remember the student who, with your encouragement, soared beyond their wildest dreams. These are the moments that define our journey. They are the quiet victories that speak to the power of our collective efforts, filling us with a sense of euphoria that only comes from seeing lives transformed.

Reflect on those who came before us, the giants upon whose shoulders we stand. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, Barack Obama, Shirley Chisholm, Medgar Evers, Thurgood Marshall, Kamala Harris, Ruby Bridges—these heroes faced unimaginable adversity. They endured violence, hatred, and persecution, yet they never wavered. They fought with every ounce of their being so that we could walk a little taller, reach a little higher, and dream a little bigger. Their struggles, their sacrifices, laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today.

And yet, here we are, witnessing a concerted effort to undermine their legacy. The far right is not content with simply halting our progress; they want to reverse it. They seek to create an America that is less inclusive, less diverse, less fair, and less free. They hope to wear us down, to make us question the value of our work, to steal the joy—and the deep sense of bliss—that fuels our resolve.

But we cannot—we must not—allow them to succeed.

Yes, the challenges we face are immense. Yes, the current landscape can feel hostile and unyielding. But I urge you to take a moment and breathe. Center yourself in the knowledge that you are part of a movement much larger than any one of us. This is a struggle that has spanned generations, and it is far from over. Our fight is righteous, our cause is just, and our impact is real.

As Kamala Harris has so powerfully stated, "We ain't going back." We will not retreat. We will not give in to despair. Instead, we will rise each day with renewed determination. We will continue to push back against those who seek to strip away our rights and undermine our progress. We will stand together, united in our commitment to a future where equity and justice are not just ideals, but realities for all.

Remember the words of the Psalmist: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." The darkness we face now will not last forever. With each challenge, we grow stronger. With each setback, we become more resolute. And as we move forward, let us do so with the understanding that our joy—our unshakable belief in the goodness of our cause—will be our guiding light.

In this adaptive, agile, and resilient journey, we will find not only the joy but the euphoria that comes from knowing we are on the right side of history. We will embrace the bliss that arises from standing firm in our convictions, even when the path is steep and the way forward is uncertain.

So let us keep moving. Let us keep fighting. Let us keep resisting the forces that seek to turn back the clock. And above all, let us never forget to find joy in the journey. For it is that joy, that deep, abiding sense of purpose, that will carry us through even the darkest of times.

We are stronger than they know. And together, we will continue to soar—on wings like eagles—in the fight for freedom, justice, and equity.

In solidarity and with unwavering resolve,

Effenus Henderson