"I Went to Sleep at Peace and Woke Up Angry: The 2024 Election and What It Represents for me

I went to bed the night before the 2024 election feeling as prepared as I could be, accepting that there were things beyond my control. While I didn’t agree with every policy Vice President Harris supported, I respected her vision and commitment to progress. I also knew that some of Trump’s policies might address genuine needs in areas like the economy and national security. But as I woke up to the news that Donald Trump had won the presidency again, I found myself not just disappointed, but deeply angry—an anger that ran deeper than policy differences. It was a feeling stirred by what this election represented for America and, more personally, what it means for me.

Beyond Policy: The Symbolism of Trump’s Win

This election wasn’t just about policy for many Americans, and especially not for Black Americans. Trump’s return to the presidency strikes a specific chord because of what he symbolizes: a version of America that often seems to turn a blind eye to the experiences, challenges, and history of its Black citizens. His leadership has, at times, seemed to embolden attitudes that dismiss or downplay systemic issues, including racial inequality, police brutality, and voting rights. For many of us, these aren’t abstract issues; they’re realities we face and fight against every day. Trump’s win feels like a signal that a significant portion of America is either indifferent to these issues or actively resistant to addressing them.

The American Divide: Whose Voices Count?

The anger I feel isn’t solely directed at Trump as an individual. It’s a frustration with what his victory suggests about the priorities of many American voters. Trump represents a vision of America that, to some, appears steeped in nostalgia for an era that wasn’t equitable for all. His presidency seems to signal that the voices and concerns of Black Americans can be marginalized or ignored, as long as the “American dream” is maintained for those who already hold power.

For Black Americans, this sense of exclusion is painful. We’ve been central to the building and shaping of this country. From the civil rights movement to today’s calls for social justice, Black Americans have fought tirelessly for recognition, equality, and the promise that America can indeed become a place where “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase.

Resentment at Regression

What hurts, too, is the sense of regression. With this election, it feels as though we’re stepping backward on issues that matter deeply to Black Americans. In recent years, there’s been increased awareness around racial justice, police reform, and the importance of diverse representation in leadership. These steps toward equity have felt like victories, but Trump’s return to office seems to threaten their permanence.

While I don’t have to agree with every policy Vice President Harris championed, her leadership was symbolic of America’s potential for change. She represented the possibility of inclusivity, a leader who was, at least in part, attuned to the needs of all Americans. With Trump back in office, it feels like the progress made is being undermined or even reversed, and that brings an anger rooted in a longing for justice that has yet to be fully realized.

Anger as a Catalyst for Change

This anger, as heavy as it is, doesn’t have to be paralyzing. It’s a reminder that the work isn’t over. Black Americans have long known that our fight for justice, equality, and respect isn’t a sprint but a marathon. We know the challenges of living in a country that hasn’t always valued our contributions or acknowledged our struggles. But we also know how to turn our frustration into action, our pain into power.

The anger I feel now, sparked by this election, is a call to engage even more deeply, to advocate more fervently, and to demand a future where Black lives, voices, and dreams are as integral to America’s story as any others. This is our America too. We have every right to be here, and we will continue to fight for a nation that honors that truth.

Moving Forward: Building an Inclusive Future

For many Black Americans, the anger following this election isn’t just about one leader; it’s about the future of this country and what it will take to make it truly inclusive. This election result is a reminder that America’s journey toward equity is far from over, and that Black Americans, along with all those who believe in justice, have a vital role to play in shaping what comes next.

This moment of anger is a call to keep pushing, to keep voting, to keep holding leaders accountable, and to demand a country where every citizen, regardless of race, background, or beliefs, feels seen, valued, and heard. I went to sleep at peace, but now I'm awake, and that means it’s time to work toward the America we all deserve.