Dear Friends,
How are you? We hope you are taking a moment to feel what you need to feel as we all navigate the complexities of these times.
On the evening of November 8, 2016, I fell asleep on my couch, watching the election results unfold. The race was closer than expected, but it still seemed likely that we would soon witness the election of the first woman President. When I woke, groggy in the early hours, the somber expressions on the TV told a different story. Moments later, news outlets announced that Hillary Clinton had conceded to Donald Trump. It felt surreal; the country I believed I knew suddenly felt unrecognizable. The next day, I saw firsthand how deep the impact was—two of my Mexican-American staff members broke down in tears during a meeting, and my aunt became the victim of a hate crime on her morning walk.
I was left with more questions than answers, and as I prayed for guidance, one question echoed: “How will you respond?” When I asked for direction, I heard it again. This conversation with God led me to run for local political office—the Library Board—without knowing that upon winning my race, I would soon be on the frontlines of defending a public institution from a Trump Administration that cut funding and encouraged book bans.
In the next few years, I would continue to respond, running for office again, launching grassroots initiatives, becoming an unapologetic advocate for reparative justice, and eventually being selected as the first Executive Director of Reparation Generation. In many ways, it all started that night in 2016, although I now understand God had been preparing me for this path for a long time.
As we look around today, the echoes of that night in 2016 reverberate still. The recent election results have revealed that our country continues to grapple with questions of justice, equity, and the very foundation of our democracy. Yet, history reminds us that our ancestors have faced similar moments before. On November 4, 1856, abolitionists suffered a crushing defeat when John C. Frémont, who opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, lost to James Buchanan, a staunch advocate for slavery. In response, the abolitionist movement strengthened its resolve and continued building momentum. By 1860, they helped elect Abraham Lincoln, who opposed the spread of slavery and would eventually issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
In becoming the first Executive Director of Reparation Generation, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of collective resolve, exemplified by your unwavering commitment to our mission. Our work is rooted in the belief that repair is not only possible but essential for securing our democracy. Through dedication and courageous action, we strive to mend the deep wounds inflicted upon Black Americans, both historically and today, and in doing so we heal our nation.
So now, I turn the question to you: How will you respond? In a time that demands each of us to confront injustices, big and small, how will you choose to show up? What will your role be in shaping the narrative we hand to future generations? VP Harris has called on us to not throw up our hands but roll up our sleeves.
I invite you to lean in with us once more. This letter is not a call out but a call in—a reminder of the work we share and the purpose that unites us. In 2025, Reparation Generation will expand our programs and deepen our impact in Detroit and beyond, and we have set an ambitious goal of raising $300,000 to make this vision a reality. Your support directly fuels our Home Ownership Reparative Transfer program, our Community Education and Activation efforts, and our ongoing evaluation work that provides real data on the efficacy of reparative acts to policy makers and movement partners. Together, we’re building a blueprint for tomorrow. Let’s continue to be the ones who do not look away, who do not back down, who dare to imagine and build a future worthy of us all—just as our ancestors did for us.
How you can respond right now:
- Join us for a Post-Election Debrief on Thursday, November 14th, where we will discuss “Where Do We Go From Here?” Register here.
- Contribute financially to support our ongoing programs and ensure the continued success of our mission. Contribute now.
- Host a House Meeting and create a safe space for friends and family to come together and discuss a path forward. Inquire here.
- Urge President Biden to Sign an Executive Order for a Reparations Commission before leaving office. Click Here.
In solidarity and purpose,
Executive Director, Reparation Generation