Reflections of Black College Students

In a remarkable gathering at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Atlanta University Center (AUC), nearly 500 Black Gen Z voters representing Morehouse, Spelman and the broader Atlanta college community came together to participate in election observation. a party like no other. Organized with the generous support of The Cause International’s United Negro College Fund, as well as university organizations such as the Morehouse and Spelman Student Government Associations, the event was filled with excitement and hope from young voters invested in shaping the future. However, as the night wore on and former President Donald Trump emerged as the likely winner, many in attendance began to grapple with complex emotions about the implications of the election for their lives and their communities.

For these young voters, this election was personal. They have witnessed firsthand the systemic inequalities in health care, education, criminal justice and economic opportunity that continue to disproportionately impact Black communities. This is a generation that watched the murder of George Floyd, faced the repeal of abortion rights, saw the banning of classic black American literature, and witnessed the tenacious struggle for civil justice. And now, faced with the reality of a new Trump presidency, many fear their fight has only become more bitter.

Following the election results, Joshua Gandy, a senior political science major, president of the Morehouse-Spelman Law Society and a member of the Chi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., spoke forcefully about the complex emotional implications of the election. took it. “The difficult struggles faced during this election season have brought both fatigue and hope,” he said. “The turnout at the election watch party held at AUC was a sign to me that our generation is still fighting, despite the obstacles in our way. While the results have not been what we hoped for, and feelings of anger, uncertainty and caution are expected and even necessary, the work I have seen from student leaders across campus is nonetheless deeply appreciated and impactful.”

Gandhi’s words of resilience serve as a reminder that while election results are an important part of the struggle for justice, they do not represent a single story or narrative. This generation understands that the path to equality requires consistent action and a willingness to engage in the long-term, often grueling work of climate change.

Corey Brooks Jr., a junior public health major at the University of Pennsylvania and a Ben Franklin Johnson Fellow, echoed those feelings of frustration and fear, but also pointed to the need for collective action. “Today I woke up to find that a man who actively opposes my rights and everything I strive for as an aspiring health professional striving for equity in health care and education has risen to the highest office in the land,” he said . “The feeling is indescribable, reminiscent of 2016 – only now intensified by the fact that this time I was able to vote as an adult, and that I live in the state that decides the election – Pennsylvania. “I feel powerless and voiceless, especially as a student at the University of Pennsylvania, where Trump attended.”

Brooks’ sentiment reflects the despair felt by many young black students, especially those attending predominantly white institutions (PWIs), who often face microaggressions, discrimination and isolation in places where they are one of the few voices speaking out for change. Brooks said the election results highlight broader structural problems that remain and underscore the need for more support systems that promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

However, not all hope is lost. Taniya Taitano, a sophomore political science and education major from Norfolk, Virginia, and secretary of institutional advancement at Spelman College, spoke about her faith as a source of strength during these difficult times. “This country has always been divided, especially within the black community, and the means certainly justified the ends in this election,” Taitano said. “Instead of throwing stones, I want to take a moment to enlighten everyone that the work is not finished yet! “I am extremely proud of Generation Z, especially my brothers and sisters and the Black AUC students who attend HBCUs.”

For Taitano, the election results, while discouraging, serve as a call to action. Quoting the scriptures, she said, “I have spoken these things to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have conquered the world.” In Taitano’s eyes, difficult as it may be, this moment is not the end of the road, but the continuation of a long and difficult path to justice – a path that requires both perseverance and faith.

Antoine V. Taylor, CEO of The Cause International, also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the importance of young people’s voices in shaping the future. “The greatest power we have is our voice,” he said, urging students not to lose sight of their influence. “We have to remember how big our voices really are. Today and forever, The Cause International remains committed to the work ahead. We are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders who can change the future. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and the work must continue.”

The work of The Cause International and Taylor’s words are a vital reminder that even in moments of deep disappointment, it is important to continue to engage, advocate, and build bridges for future generations. While this election did not produce the results that many in the room had hoped for, it demonstrated the importance of sustained engagement, the need for relentless advocacy, and the power of collective action.

As we look to the future, we know that while the path may not be easy, we are not alone on this journey. Every Black American experiencing grief, worry, doubt or anxiety about the election results should remember that our community has always been stronger through challenges. A recent gathering at the AUC Election Watch Party was filled with unity, strength and shared purpose—a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. If you feel a pang of disappointment today, allow it to strengthen your resolve and turn your pain into purpose and your defense into action. The path to a just society is far from over, and the passion of these young leaders lights the way forward. In the words of Joshua Gandhi: “We should not be discouraged, but continue to fight the injustice that the United States presents to us, despite the outcome of this election.” Let their example remind us that hope is alive and we will continue to strive for a brighter future.

“We who believe in freedom cannot rest. We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.” — Ella Baker

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For more information about Dr. Keon N. Berry, visit www.drkeonberry.com or by email (email protected). You can purchase Dr. Berry’s debut book at www.shopthevault.shop and other platforms.

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