Black Americans Reflect on Trump's Re-Election: "A Step Back, But Not the End"
Progress toward equality has been a hard-fought journey for decades, and Trump’s policies have often been seen as a challenge.
ATLANTA—When Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election, many Black Americans felt a wave of unease. For decades, progress toward equality has been a hard-fought journey, and Trump’s policies have often been seen as a challenge. Still, amidst the fears of a rollback on civil rights and social equity, resilience and determination run strong.
Mary Spencer, a retired nurse in Wisconsin, was candid in her frustration. “I fought my whole life for a better future for my kids and their kids. Now, it feels like everything is on shaky ground,” she said. The policies supported by Trump’s administration, particularly those laid out in conservative plans like Project 2025, underscore her concerns. These proposals aim to dismantle diversity and equity initiatives, reshape education on systemic racism, and limit federal support for anti-discrimination efforts.
The election has also stirred questions about identity and representation. Kamala Harris’s historic candidacy symbolized hope for many, especially Black women who saw in her a reflection of their struggles and aspirations. Her loss felt personal to some, like Katrena Holmes, a Georgia entrepreneur, who said, “We were so close to seeing history change again. Now, it feels like someone hit pause on progress.”
Trump’s economic promises resonate with a smaller segment of the Black community, who believe his focus on job creation and lower taxes could benefit them. Yet, even among those who hope for economic improvement, skepticism persists. Holmes added, “What good is economic growth if it’s not shared equally? If we can’t feel safe or respected, the numbers mean nothing.”
Despite their concerns, Black Americans have always been defined by resilience. The news has prompted many to organize, mobilize, and strategize for the future. Churches, community centers, and advocacy groups are buzzing with renewed energy to push back against potential threats to civil rights and expand voter engagement.
Spencer, reflecting on her years of activism, remains hopeful. “We’ve been here before—facing presidents and policies that didn’t see us as equals. We fought, we won, and we’ll do it again. Because our story doesn’t end here.”
For many, the re-election of Trump is less a conclusion than a chapter in an ongoing narrative of persistence and hope. The fight for equality and justice continues, with Black Americans leading the way, determined to ensure that progress, while slowed, is never fully stopped.
