Greetings,
I, like many in our community, needed a moment to process the results of Tuesday’s election.
It was very tempting to issue a statement the next day, and I respect the individuals and organizations who did just that. However, given the outcome, extra time and reflection was needed in order to truly convey the dire nature for those represented within our organization.
While the Presidential race was one of many across the country, and there has been some progress on the local and state levels, there was a real opportunity for the American people to show that we are truly ready for progress, and values that reflect the care needed for many of our citizens. Sadly, this was not to be the case this time.
The Christian Nationalist measures that are outlined in Project 2025, which will most likely be implemented as policies, will cause extreme devastation to our most vulnerable citizens, especially in Black communities. There’s just no getting around this.
And sadly, I must be frank. Many of my fellow secular movement counterparts have espoused similar talking points of Right wing conservatives in terms of justice for disadvantaged communities. This further contributes to a dearth in resources, even though we are all in a unique position to use our evidence based values to overturn racism, classism, sexism, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and create a better future for us all.
Justice has NEVER been about doing what is popular, it’s about doing what is right. And what that looks like for us now is refusing to give up, despite what feels like insurmountable despair for those of us who’ve had to look injustice in the eye far too often.
So as a Black woman atheist/humanist, who has 2 LGBTQ+ children that I support 200 percent, and with a community that I still proudly serve, I needed a moment – along with so many of my members. I am angry, yet still determined. We will need to work harder and smarter than ever before, and this will take YOUR support. We already know what that side is capable of, especially when they feel their “rights” are threatened. It is up to us to continue to uplift and support each other, particularly those who are the most disadvantaged. We CAN do this.
As always, we thank everyone who generously supports BN’s work. If you haven’t already, PLEASE do.
Sincerely,
Mandisa L. Thomas
Founder and President
Black Nonbelievers
#BNchangeslives
#buildingbackbetter
