Jamila Robinson, Staff Writer

The election has concluded, ending the flood of texts, calls, commercials and requests for financial contributions to encourage you to vote. We hope you took the opportunity to exercise your right to vote, and regardless of your choice, the process is now complete. Witnessing that Philadelphia remained unharmed despite concerns about potential unrest following the election results was reassuring. A city-wide emergency plan was indeed prepared for such situations, as is standard practice.

As we usher in a new administration that prepares to assume power, with promises of major changes to the federal government, we the people await the hours, days and months that are ahead. To that point, how are you feeling right now; how are you coping and managing? It was certain that no matter how it ended, some people would feel great and some would despair. No matter how you are feeling, please be respectful of everyone’s perspective. Additionally, the major question many have is what will this Trump/Vance presidency mean for us?

So many are filled with extreme anxiety and uncertainty; we remember what the Trump/Pence administration was like and no, not everyone survived, you can see those exact numbers here. What we do know is there are discussions now that Trump will be removing agencies of the news media outlets, dismantling government offices and positions. 

Additionally, there will be mass deportations of non-citizens and the utilization of the military against the radical left inside the country, i.e., student protesting on college campuses, will be more closely controlled. There is also the possibility of the official pardon of members of the Proud Boys and those that were directly involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. All these things will directly affect us, our families and those we love and care about. 

However, no matter what happens, we all will be experiencing it together and it is with hope that we do not become enemies to each other. We hope that the love and respect for our neighbors, friends, families and colleagues will remain safe, respectful and civil. 

Unfortunately, there has been some very alarming imagery of how “not to act” continuously thrown at us, and this is not the right way. Hateful rhetoric and harmful presentations are not the way we as humans should act. We should attempt to carry ourselves with a higher standard of tolerance and dignity. Hate only begets violence which only begets us harm. The scriptures are necessary to carry and quote; but let us not forget using our common sense also is a major requirement during these times of change.

We should move forward and remain focused on our plans for the betterment of ourselves, should you need to talk with someone to further discuss how you are feeling and coping, please do and connect with others to help you navigate. Do not allow what is to come to consume you, nor steal your joy!

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:8