Where Do We Go From Here?

By Madalyn McKnight

Bernie suspending his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president is bittersweet for some and applauded by others. It feels like dejá vu and once again, I will rally behind a candidate that I am not fully confident will make it to the finish line to be the next president of the United States. I have my reservations about our national leadership going forward no matter who wins. But even outside of the next four years, I am wondering if we will ever have another president who is a reflection of the country that we are today. It’s nice that candidates have marched with Dr. King, saw the early start of programs that benefit many Americans now, and can appear on Saturday Night Live and use Twitter effectively, but we need a president who is immersed in the issues that many Americans face.

The student loan debt crisis, the wage gap between minorities and white Americans/ men and women, healthcare issues, and the burden of taxes on the middle and lower classes; these are some of the issues that matter. It seems that so much is on the line with each election, and the candidates do not rise to the occasion. Quite frankly, I’m tired of choosing who is the fairest between candidates who would not be my choice under any other circumstances. I want to have someone in a race that I can stand confidently behind. It has been almost ten years since that has happened.

More importantly, aside from the presidential elections, people have to make sure that the local officials are elected that direct reflection and accurate representation of their needs. We will weed out the noise until our causes reach the white house. Be steadfast, please vote, volunteer, make your face and name known and ensure that what we have endured the last four years is not the end of our story. It all starts with YOU and everything you think, feel, and care about MATTERS. Your local leadership must never forget that. Get involved online, go to meetings, write letters, make calls, and be present at the polls. This is a team effort, but it starts with a spark and that spark is each individual willing to go the extra mile for change.

Decency will prevail, love will prevail, and compassion will emerge.

We just have to believe and keep our foot on the establishment’s neck.

Madalyn McKnight is a Contributing Writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC. A rare blackbird who has the range and a young black professional with impactful words! Follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @singsongblackbird and twitter @singsongblckbrd