We must note the significance of this historic event in which we watched President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the first Black, Asian and female Vice President, take their oaths of office.
We witnessed many difficult moments in our nation’s history over the past four years, but this momentous occasion serves as an opportunity to seek change and the possibility of a better future. There are toxic fissures in our society that can and must be fixed. That can only happen through transformational leadership. Our leaders must be willing to do what has not been done. Bring collective healing and unity to our nation. The first step must include a reckoning around our country’s tragic traditions of racism, classism and the marginalization of those of us who are deemed as “other.”  These issues are at the very root of our problems.
As Americans, we cannot leave this to our elected officials alone. It starts by listening and making an effort to better understand the feelings of others. It is only by listening and respecting each other that we will be able to find our common ground.
It won’t be easy, but we can heal and unify. We must. As someone who loves this country, I wish our new leadership success and pledge to do my part to help create a better country for us all.