The Future

The Future

“Afrofuturism is an evolving concept expressed through a Black cultural lens that reimagines, reinterprets, and reclaims the past and present for a more empowering future for African Americans.” 

I took a picture of an exhibit with this quote at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in November 2023. I’ve been to this museum several times, each time better than the last. I love it here. This trip was with my soror Geneva, and we walked through the halls and read about Black innovation, joy, hope, and the promise of freedom. 

Fast forward to this year’s election. A heartbreaking reality check that I cannot put into words. I’ll pivot to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott to express what many lacked the energy to do. 

@couriernewsroomWatch Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s reaction to Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris♬ Beethoven Moonlight Sonata-High Sound Quality – Amemiya

I still haven’t watched Vice President Harris’ concession speech. I can’t bring myself to do it. It’s overwhelming. I understand that she didn’t get the votes. What I cannot stomach is that so many people did not vote, and those who did voted for the worst possible choice. 

The days following the election results felt dark and heavy. Lots of tears. Frustrations. Outpouring of disappointment. Conversations with friends, family, and colleagues revolved around despair.

There’s the occasional “God is still in control” text or social media post but there is also a hate-filled, dangerously unqualified, twice-impeached failure of a businessman with 34 felonies set to take the oath of office for the second time. 

And there are a lot of people remaining quiet. 

I have yet to see someone (especially in my digital circles) express joy for the election results. The Klan covered their faces with sheets, and now others choose silence even though they gleefully voted for hate. 

What now? 

This brings me back to the Afrofuturism exhibit. I saw Trayvon Martin’s flight suit on display and read about how he dreamed of a career in aviation. Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura represented Black women in power on the Star Trek Enterprise. Hop aboard the Mothership with Parliament Funkadelic, whose rhythms took us on fantastic voyages. Ronald McNair’s legacy is cemented in this exhibit and through McNair Scholars (like me) all over the country. OutKast brought us ATLiens and Katherine Johnston’s Black excellence took us to space. 

Vice President Harris was a step in the right direction. Her America was one of opportunity, equality, and ethics. 

People wanted AmeriKKKa. 

So what does that mean for us? I don’t know what’s going to happen after inauguration day. Women, Black people, immigrants, children, the queer community, educational standards, taxes, the economy … I just don’t know. 

I am, however, holding on to the hope of Afrofuturism. It’s for us, by us … “we all we got.”