The election was not a repudiation of the forces that divide our nation

RIGHTS

With the convergence of the pandemic, joblessness and police brutality of recent months, our nation was once again forced to grapple with the centuries-old legacy of systemic racism. A new movement similar to the civil rights movement of the ‘50s and ‘60s saw the building of bridges as Blacks, indigenous people, people of color and non-Blacks marched and organized together for change.

Yet this election, regardless of the outcome, confirms we are a country deeply divided by race. The full story of the election has yet to be told — especially the pivotal role played by African American women. Rather than a repudiation, we see an undeniable surge in support for those who would divide our nation, endangering all of us. There is a chasm between us.

During our monthly conversation, Trail volunteers grappled with this painful realization. Wounded, hurt and angered by the stark truth revealed by the election results, it was hard to see a way forward in the moment. It was clear that actively listening to each other’s stories could create an opening for understanding and ways to build on common ground. Still, we had more questions than answers. How does a nation repair, heal and move forward?

No matter where the election ends when the counting is done, the Trail will continue to struggle with those questions as we continue our work. We believe in the dignity and resilience of the human spirit.

JerriAnne Boggis is executive director of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. This article was originally published in the Nov. 7 Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire newsletter.