A Letter to My Black Daughter on the 2024 Election – Baptist News Global

Zian, you haven’t returned from school yet, but it brings tears to my eyes when I hear Vice President Harris in the background concede his election defeat. This morning when you went to school, I could tell by your beautiful round face that you were disappointed, and like your father, I wanted to make it up to you. I know you and your little girlfriends are disappointed, especially Abigail, who campaigned and knocked on Vice President Harris’ doors.

I am writing this letter in hopes that it will be your guide in the future.

Last night I noticed you were looking at the results on your computer and iPad at the same time, hoping things would turn out differently. I even heard you say to your mom, “Mom, she worked so hard, why isn’t she winning?”

I really wanted to fix this for you. I’m the familial mediator, and this is your first real experience of seeing the ugly side of America’s hatred of someone who looks like you. I don’t believe that all the people who voted for former President Trump are racist and sexist; however, I believe racism and sexism played a huge role in her loss.

America is a racist and sexist country, and I’m so sorry, Zian.

As you already know, I interviewed both candidates and saw their employees in person. I also interviewed former Vice President Pence, who you met before, and he also understands how you feel – although at least former President Trump didn’t try to kill you (you know I love dad jokes).

“America is a racist and sexist country, and I’m so sorry, Zayan.”

However, its laws regarding women health, unfortunately, can harm you and your friends, and this is difficult to understand. When I hear Vice President Harris in the background, her words ring true to my ears on this page. It’s normal to feel disappointed.

We have always taught you that your character and integrity matter, so I am deeply concerned that our country has chosen to ignore these qualities when electing a president. As your father, I hope you will not ignore these traits.

While Trump lacks character, you can’t afford that. As a black girl, you will be held to a much higher standard, which brings me to my next point. There will be times when you will be the most qualified person and still won’t get the position. Vice President Harris was the more qualified person of the two, and she still lost.

There will be times when you will lose but you shouldn’t let pain distract you. As a black woman, you have no choice to give up.

Last night, as you went to bed, you mentioned that you were scared if President Trump won and even asked God why he was letting him win. As you know, I don’t speak for God, but I do know that we can trust that God allows everything to happen for a reason.

As a follower of Christ, I am deeply puzzled why people who name Christ would vote for someone like him. This brings me to a very important point: your faith is not influenced by who you vote for, but by your actions. For many followers of Christ, I am deeply troubled by their own character and actions.

Your grandfather who passed away even before you were born, expressed a desire to come to America. I still remember him saying, “I ran to America so you could make decisions like my son.”

As a family, we have made the decision that we will stand against racism and hatred at all levels. I’ve lost several interviews and assignments due to racist behavior, and so will you. We are called to support the marginalized.

“We are called to support the marginalized.”

Since we live in Georgia, we have been bombarded with negative ads, one of which was Trump’s criticism of transgender people. You and I have talked about this issue and gone through the Scriptures on this matter. The ad was derogatory, homophobic and sinful. We should never put others down or ridicule them, even if we think the Bible tells us to.

I pray that you will appreciate the Scriptures, including poems that encourage us to love and support people who are oppressed and marginalized.

As your black father, I want you to know what you already know: I am on your side. I’m sorry that the outcome of this election didn’t turn out the way you thought it would, but I pray that with your grandfather in your memory, you will continue to stand on your feet even on those days when all hope seems lost.

Maina Mwaura is a Florida native and graduate of Liberty University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a full-time freelance writer for numerous publications. He and his family live in Kennesaw, Georgia.