Ellington

There's a rumbling in the auditorium. All eyes are focused on the stage, on the latest peddler of promise, the Pied Piper of propaganda. Then a white guy sucker-punches a black guy, and a brawl ensues.

This isn't Monday Night Raw. It's a campaign rally for someone who aspires to be president of these United States. Really?
 Well, the 2016 U.S. elections are finally over, but the fight continues.

I've never seen an election that brought out the worst in us, or played to our innermost fears and rawest emotions. Never in my time have I heard a constituent boldly state that it didn't matter what a candidate said because he or she already had their vote.

Regardless of your party affiliation, the reality is that there is work to do.

America is great because of her citizens and oftentimes in spite of her leaders.

I have black friends crying because they have no hope, and white friends popping pills because they have no hope, either. Yet, we're all still here, and therein lies the hope.

If you are a follower of Jesus, then activate your faith. Jesus was no pacifist. He didn't idly stand by when he saw injustice. He didn't just pray to Our Father; he got in front of the stones. So should you and I. Don't hide behind a faith that secludes you or stand behind the anonymity of a blog. Get out there.

Approach a young black male and hear his story. Understand that before he took up arms, he had the same hopes and dreams as the rest of us. For my white friends and closet Trump supporters, honestly define what you mean by "make America great again." America is only as great as her poorest citizen—the least of us. Realize that the American dream has become an American nightmare for so many.

I just returned from Europe, where people begged me to stay. In Lisbon I was shocked to learn that once the country's president is elected, he or she is taken to Pena Palace, where they are required to sign a pledge promising to do what they said they would do during their campaign. I wondered if we in America could hold our president-elect to such a promise—or better yet, would we really want to?

As I was preparing for my return to the States, my newfound European friends were sincerely concerned for my safety in either a Trump or Clinton administration, but how could I stay in Europe? America is my home, and Americans are my dysfunctional family. The white racist who hung black mannequins from a tree for Halloween and the black man who shot white police officers are both my brothers, and I am my brothers' keeper.

I still believe. I believe in the Golden Rule that instructs us to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Malcolm X reminded us that: "You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it."

That's what I believe. I believe in the best of us, and I shall do my part to make America better, not just for my children but for all children. That's patriotism. America has seen dark days, but joy does come in the morning. If you're afraid, I understand, but courage is not lack of fear but acting in spite of it.

So get out there. Cross party lines, for this is our cross to bear. Demand lasting change from your legislators; demand respect for America's daughters, and love and compassion for her sons. Make the American dream everyone's reality. Do your part.

In the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: "We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters, or perish together as fools."

Shay Lawrence-Love works for a local nonprofit and is also an independent financial consultant. She's an avid reader and world traveler. For speaking engagements, email her at [email protected]. Shay resides in the Jackson metro area.