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This year we celebrated the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women’s suffrage. While it was a glorious day and step forward in the United States for women, I would be remiss in not acknowledging that this initially only applied to white women. It took much longer for Black women to find themselves among the electorate. Even still I can recognize the importance of this milestone. It has an equal importance to me now because this year is my first time voting and 100 years ago women who looked like me could not vote. However, overshadowing my excitement to vote I find myself in disbelief by the state of politics and humanity in America.
So much division, so much hatred, so much violence but where is the resolution? People are hurting. America is hurting. We are still combating the domineering presence of racism that seeps into every crevice and institution of society. This was displayed through the senseless deaths of Black Americans such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police. Protests across the country erupted in response to news of their deaths, but to say these instances were the only cause of anguish and hurt for many Americans would be wrong. Unfortunately, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are just more names added to the list of the many Black men, women, and children killed and brutalized at the hands of police. Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Walter Scott, Alton Sterling, Philando Castille, Stephon Clark, Aiyanna Jones, Jamarion Robinson, Sandra Bland…I have shed tears for people I do not even know because I understand their plight. Where do we find unity when those in leadership perpetuate the lies that systemic racism and white privilege don’t exist? How do we find unity in the things that matter?
As I sit here writing this, I patiently await the results of this significant presidential election. Many thoughts come to mind but mostly disappointment. I want to have faith in our democracy again. I want to have faith in humanity again. Seeing how close the margins are between each candidate only increases my realization that America is just as racist as I thought and white supremacy is alive and well. No matter who experiences a political win, I know America lost in morality and virtue. I can only speak from my own experience as a young Black woman, but it has been emotionally taxing to explain why my rights and humanity are not a political debate. Refusing to acknowledge the bigotry and hatred that has emerged from the current presidential administration is a direct attack on my livelihood, and I know I am not alone in my sentiments. I don’t want to be a pawn to win votes by either side of the aisle. I want to be seen and valued simply for being a human because that’s all that should matter.
What can have the power to change my confidence in our country? When I see a country that values human rights over profit, love over hate, knowledge over ignorance, truth over lies, and ultimately unity over division. Although my confidence has been tested, my resolve to fight for justice never stops and my hope for a better future is never lost.
Paighton Brooks is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2024. She is studying political science at the University of Louisville.