Dear President-Elect, Sincerely Dartaja Carr
By Dartaja Carr
Dear Mr. President:
I hope my letter finds you well. I want to take this moment to congratulate you on your recent achievement. Bill Keane once said, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” In other words, this is a time to live in the present, commemorate this exciting yet challenging period in your life. I want you to inform you that I do not doubt your capabilities or question your leadership. I do hope you understand and take into consideration the calls for support and guidance from the Black and Brown communities. Nonetheless, I do believe that this time is better than any to discuss a few things that we, the Black and Brown community, would like you and your administration to address during your team.
As you carry out your due diligence, the questions I am going to list are not questions I wanted to ask you. They are not questions that are prioritized by many. However, these are questions that lie in the minds of many Black and brown Americans. The list is as follows:
What are you plan to protect the transgender community, specifically Black and brown trans women, from historically high levels of violence?
What will be your method(s) to defend the Black community not only from officers of the law but also from the rigged justice system?
How will I ensure that health disparities will no longer affect Black women?
How can you help the Black and Brown community gain funding and unlimited resources?
How can you change America for the better?
We are all aware of the inequality between men and women, the mistreatment of Black and Brown folks because of the pigment of their skin, the deaths of parent Black women, the maltreatment and murders of the LGBTQ+ community, the deaths of Black men in the hands of white police officers, and the deportation and discrimination towards the Latinx, Asian, and Indian people. However, what are you going to do to fix it?
During the final Presidential Debate, you stated that "regardless if you voted for or against me, I will give you hope." Believe it or not, you have. You gave many people hope. Hope that there is still a chance for equality, equity, and a world where Black and brown individuals do not have to live in fear. I am aware that you have responsibilities and priorities, but we are tired. We are tired of the pain, tired of being oppressed, tired of living in fear, tired of the discrimination, tired of the inequality, tired of the racism.
Mr. President, we need resources. Black and brown youth needs resources. Are you aware that due to the current state, children and teenagers are more affected by isolation than adults? Student mental health has grown even before the recent and traumatic events. Depression, anxiety, and suicide are all on the rise. The victims are our youth. Currently, there is a nationwide disinvestment from mental health programs. Truthfully, racism is a known fact that correlates with poor mental health developments for Black Americans. We need mental health programs.
Latinx communities face some of the worst economic consequences due to this pandemic. Hispanic women and immigrants experience job loss. Many students who are undocumented or know undocumented immigrants reported having anxiety when it comes to the fears of increased immigration enforcement. People are seeking your guidance and support.
We need funding. We need funding for our schools, restorative justice programs (and other beneficial programs) to keep our youth out of the streets. We need funding for multicultural organizations that are working towards creating a community for black youth. We need funding for after-school programs such as; art programs, music programs, and so much more. Black communities are struggling. We need your support. If not for Black adults, for our Black youth because they are our future.
All Americans, no matter the profession, no matter the place of work, need to be safe zoned trained. There needs to be diversity/inclusivity training. Providing the best and safe space for individuals should be a priority.
I am not a politician, researcher, scientist, maybe even a judge. I am a writer. I am a Black bisexual woman who needs assistance in giving the youth hope that they have a bright future. I need help to let them know that people are fighting for equality and peace. I do not have or have the power to answer these questions. Unfortunately, it is now your job and responsibility to figure out the answers to those questions, solidify solutions, and bring those solutions to action. Throughout your term, I hope you acknowledge that many people of color and allies helped you get to this point. Do not point us in the position to regret our decision.
