An afternoon outing took a distressing turn when an alleged incident of racism occurred, underscoring concerns Black Americans have about President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. According to Brown University politics Professor Deva Woodly, who specializes in social movements and democratic theory, her husband, who is Black, was subjected to a racial slur outside a car dealership. In her post on Blue Sky, she recounted how a White man directed the N-word at her husband and ominously remarked about “taking their country back” on January 20th, Inauguration Day.
Take the country back? From who?
“People think this is a f—ing game,” said Woodly in response.
“It is not. Say ‘liberal elites’ as an excuse until you almost believe it. But this is what it is. This is the truth. Do not be confused. Know that. We just got reminded in this ‘blue state.'”
The FBI has reported a significant increase in hate crimes since the rise of Trump and MAGA. In 2020, there were 8,263 hate crime incidents reported, a 16% increase from 2019. And the number of hate crimes in 2020 was the highest recorded in two decades. In fact, from 2015 to 2021, reported hate crimes nearly doubled.
Given the above stat, what does the man who hurled the racist slur think will happen on January 20th? Does he think MAGA racists will have an unchecked influence over Blacks?
Will the military, which is 20 percent Black and 50 percent Democrat, going to round up 42 million Black Americans and put us in concentration camps along with the 20 million or so undocumented citizens?
Let’s be clear: Trump won the election with less than 50 percent of the popular vote, surpassing his opponent by just 1.47 percent. It was FAR from a mandate. Second, it’s essential to acknowledge that while certain factions within the MAGA movement may hold racist views, any aggressive actions against Blacks would trigger substantial unrest, not only among those opposed to MAGA—half the nation—but also within MAGA’s own ranks.
In sum, substantial changes in civil rights for Blacks won’t occur on January 20th or thereafter. With affirmative action policies mostly dismantled and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives losing momentum, it’s evident that society has progressed beyond the need for these measures. This evolution highlights the undeniable fact that DEI can advance naturally as Black individuals have become considerably more educated and qualified than we were 50 years ago. By embracing this reality, we can truly appreciate the organic development of a more inclusive society.
Fact: Per a January 2024 Gallup poll, most Blacks approve of affirmative action rollbacks.
Nevertheless, many Americans, including Blacks, often underestimate the significant economic power and influence that we possess. As major contributors to the economy in numerous ways, our impact is undeniable. This is precisely why we see a strong presence of Black individuals in television and Internet commercials—companies recognize and value the importance of attracting Black customers.
Given this context, it’s also crucial to realistically consider the potential challenges that the second rise of Trump could present for Black Americans. The MAGA Movement primarily focuses on addressing the interests of blue-collar and billionaire Whites, and does not align with the concerns of most Black Americans.
It’s perfectly reasonable to worry about potential cuts to programs that support those in need, as these changes could affect many low-income Black individuals. However, it’s crucial to recognize that such cuts would likely adversely impact a large number of Whites as working-class Whites are the biggest beneficiaries of federal poverty-reduction programs.
In addition, while there might be an effort to hide slavery and America’s racist past via altered curriculums and banned books in public schools, we must acknowledge the enduring value of the Internet. This vast resource will continue to act as an essential archive, safeguarding detailed accounts of America’s centuries-old racism and the systemic challenges faced by Black Americans.
Lastly, during Trump’s second term, it’s almost certain that we’ll see a rise in the acceptance of name-calling and divisive rhetoric within American society. This is something we can anticipate based on past trends.
But, again, if you’re worried about significant or transformative changes in race-related civil rights, you shouldn’t be.
Implementing such changes could potentially devastate the economy and lead to a degree of unrest that even those aligned with MAGA ideals would find undesirable.
My message to Black Americans (and Americans of all races): The sky truly is the limit when it comes to your potential. While you might encounter some frustrations along the way, remember that the most significant factor in shaping your future is YOU. Embrace this power and take charge of your path forward!