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MERI Center Blog

January 20, 2021

I watched part of the Inauguration today and, for the first time in over 4 years, I felt a sense of hope for the future.  While Biden’s words of unity were reassuring, Amanda Gorman’s poem blew me away.  She and young folks like her give me hope for the future.  After the last four years, after the insurrection two weeks ago, Amanda and her peers are wonderous stars, shining their brilliant light, showing us the way to the end of the tunnel. 

Not to say that everything is peachy keen now.  These last 4 years were not an anomaly but a terrifying reminder that our work is not done; there is still so much to strive for, systems to rebuild. We must continue to fight for equality and justice.

But today, I am hopeful, knowing that there are fierce, articulate, & passionate young people who will continue this struggle after I am gone.  

For the first time in a long time, I see HOPE.