BY: Cheryl Smith
Last year, around this time, I was in a deep funk.
I just knew that America was in the redemption business and Americans were going to do the right thing and vote for, not against, something.
I dared to believe that Black women would finally get the respect they deserved. I was banking on a miracle that would show the world that we Americans could spread love, instead of hate; that we were operating with all of our mental faculties.
At first I was optimistic, even though other points throughout my life—like the assassinations, uprisings, boycotts, strikes that led to teachers walking out, snipers, mass murders, terrorist attacks, and so much more, including the recorded murder of George Floyd and the pandemic—were great opportunities for reform.
I just knew American people would be nicer, kinder, gentler, and focused on building a future for all of our children. Did I think that was too much to ask, hope, and pray for?
If I did, I definitely had another “think” coming.
We are not kinder, nor are we gentler. Crime is up across the country, and we still have those who think the best way to keep up with the Joneses is to take what they have, instead of of working hard to get their own.
It’s Sad.
The person you flip your middle finger at may be the very person who saves your life.
I never want to ever feel like I felt as the year 2025 came to an end. I hope and pray that we each spend time in the mirror, because that’s a great place to begin making the world a better place.
And despite all the low points during 2025, I am going to remain optimistic that 2026 will be better. I am hoping we will do more things that our descendants will be proud of.
