Lets not talk about Trump: Two Progressive Historical Things That Happened This Election
Despite the devastation many Americans are currently feeling and the fear of the blind hatred that Trump has incited in many, a few good things happened during this 2016 election. The two things I want to share remind us one man cannot stop progress and that we have power in numbers. Firstly, Minnesota elected the first Somali-American muslim female legislator: Ilhan Omar. Secondly, Kamala Harris became the first Black woman elected to Senate in California and the first black U.S. senator since 1999. (Kamala is also the first Indian-American U.S. senator, as one of her parents is Indian and one is Black).
Minnesota has one of the highest numbers of Somalians outside of Somalia. For a couple decades now Somalis have been emigrating to Minneapolis, creating a huge Somalian Diaspora there. Having political representation is a big step for this group, especially in a state that is not known for its diversity like California is. As for California, despite it being considered a very liberal and diverse state, Kamala’s win shows that there’s still work that needs to be done even though we have made so much progress. Both of these wins are historical in their own right.
Having two Black women make national history in an election year that feels like we have been set back — should propel us forward to keep fighting the good fight. Keep demanding political, social, and cultural justice. To keep demanding representation. We have not all been deterred by the bigotry the 2016 U.S. election has shown, these two women exemplify that perseverance and belief can get us there. Those of us from the African/Black Diaspora have shown and continue to show resilience. Despite the ignorance created by 9/11 Ilhan Omar, a muslim, has still made political history. Despite racism in America, Kamala Harris has prevailed. Despite global sexism, two more women have made history and paved paths for those who come after them. Although this election was a failure for the presidency, there were small victories for Minnesota and California, Black women, and those committed to progress.
The African Diaspora continues to come through. I’m not done fighting, what about you?
