History has a way of repeating itself. Time has been sure to remind us of this notion. However, beyond hindsight, time also grants us the gift of reflection. And now, as the world grapples with the effects of having more time spent at home, a new understanding of how we represent ourselves, personally and professionally, has emerged.
While it took one of the most upsetting events broadcasted in our modern-day with the senseless killing of George Floyd and Breona Taylor to cause this necessary shift in education and acknowledgment in our society, I am nonetheless energized by the response it received worldwide — particularly within a House that rarely seemed to know I exist.
In January, we welcomed a new administration, but more importantly — for me at least — we welcomed a series of firsts for our country, specifically with the appointment of our first female, Black and South Asian Vice President. After everything that occurred in 2020, this is one change I look forward to: a reminder that while there will be instances where it seems we are moving backward, there will always be people willing and ready to push us forward. Kamala, I am so excited to be living in this moment with you, watching you take up space in ways our nation, and the world, have never seen before.
Some might say that this act and the plethora of calls for action centered around creating more diverse, equitable, and inclusive initiatives seems just that: an act; disingenuous, and simply “for show.”
While I don’t believe myself an optimist, I can’t help but see it, and all the other changes occurring, as a plethora of opportunities for us, as one race, to reeducate, readdress, and reaffirm that we all can and must do better and try harder to create spaces that make each one of us feel like she/he/they/we belong.
Maybe then, when history repeats, it will be kinder to us all.
Looking at you, 2021.
-T.
