Zyan, you haven’t come home from school yet, but tears flow from my eyes when I hear Vice President Harris in the background acknowledging the election. This morning when you went to school, I could tell by your beautiful little round face that you were disappointed, and as a father, I wanted to fix that. I know you and your girlfriends are disappointed, especially Abigayle, who campaigned and knocked on doors for Vice President Harris.

I write this letter hoping that it will be your guide in the future.

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

Maïna Mwaura

I wanted to fix it for you so bad. I’m the family fixer, and this is your first real experience seeing the ugly side of America’s hatred of someone who looks like you. I don’t believe everyone who voted for former President Trump is racist and sexist; however, I believe racism and sexism played a significant role in his downfall.

America is a racist and sexist country, and for that, Zyan, I am sorry.

As you already know, I interviewed both candidates and saw their team from the start. I also interviewed former Vice President Pence, who you’ve met before and he too understands how you feel – although former President Trump at least didn’t try to get you killed (you know I (loves dad jokes).

“America is a racist and sexist country, and for that, Zyan, I am sorry.”

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

We have always taught you that your character and integrity matter. So I am deeply troubled that our country has decided to ignore these characteristics in electing a president. As a father, I hope you will not ignore these traits.

Even if Trump lacks character, you can’t afford it. 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 are the most qualified person and still don’t get the job. Vice President Harris was the more qualified person of the two, and she still lost.

There will be times when you lose but you must not let the pain distract you. As a black woman, you have no choice but to give up.

As you were going to bed last night, you mentioned that you were afraid if President Trump won, and you even asked God why he let him win. As you know, I don’t speak for God, but I do know that we can believe that God allows everything to happen for a reason.

As a follower of Christ, I am deeply perplexed as to why people who claim the name of Christ would vote for someone like him. Which brings me to a very important point: what makes your faith impactful is not who you vote for, but your actions. For many followers of Christ, I am deeply concerned about their own character and actions.

Your grandfather, deceased before you were born, you made the decision to come to America. I still remember his words: “I ran to come to America so you could make your decisions as my son.” »

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

“We are called to stand alongside the marginalized. »

Because we live in the state of Georgia, we have been bombarded with negative ads, one of them being Trump criticizing transgender people. You and I have talked about this issue and looked through the scriptures on it. The advertisements were degrading, homophobic and sinful in nature. We should never degrade or mock others, even if we think our Bible asks us to do so.

My prayer is that you value the Scriptures, including verses that call us to love and stand with oppressed and marginalized people.

As a black father, I want you to know something you already know: I am on your side. I’m sorry the outcome of this election wasn’t what you thought it would be, but my prayer is that with the memory of your grandfather, you can stand tall even in the days when all hope seems lost.

Maïna Mwaura is a native of Florida and a 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.