On November 9th around 12:30 AM, I walked home in the rain, sobbing. Although I was physically by myself, I was not at all alone. Friends, family, and the other members that make up over half of the United States felt that same sadness, hopelessness, frustration and rejection that I did when it became clear that Donald Trump would be our next president. HOW, how on earth could a racist, homophobic, rapist be elected president? As my roommate and I laid in bed that night, crying and staring at the ceiling, this question was racing through our minds.
On November 11th at 10:30 AM, Cornell amongst many other universities across the country participated in a walk-out protest. It was my first rally, and never before had I felt so moved, so empowered, and so determined in my life. The air was frigid and the sky was grey, yet I saw not one person shiver. The fire in our hearts and strength of our voices kept us lively and resolute. Once we reached the statue of Ad White on the arts quad, we stopped marching and gathered for speeches. As the hundreds of us lifted our fists in solidarity, an amazing thing occurred: the sun, hidden all morning, appeared from behind the clouds and shined down upon our diverse sea of hands. It was as if the universe, so threatened by climate change, was joining our fight and uniting us in sunlight.
Our fists lowered, the sun receded, and speeches began. And finally, my question was answered. As a black female spoke, she explained this: to people that experience extreme bigotry and oppression daily, Donald Trump’s election was no surprise. The fact that I and many others were so astounded by it attests to our privilege. Her point was that the various levels of privilege need to be acknowledged, and we must use them to our advantage. The fight for freedom and equality will not be easy, but we are ready and we are strong. And, if everyone tries their absolute hardest, then we are HUGE. Until a little girl of any race can grow up certain that she can be president and that her “pussy” is safe, we will keep working.
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