#thisiswhatamericalookslike (at Copley Square)

These images were taken ten years ago today. On January 20th, 2009 Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Some may see this and immediately contrast the utter state of chaos and division and hate today, and think we’ve lost our way. Things are going downhill. Getting worse. I see it and am filled with hope. It is a reminder to me of what we’re capable of. What is possible. Remember, before he was sworn in, many thought it was a fantasy, an unattainable dream. Literally impossible. There will always be bumps along the road. In politics and in life. These bumps (which sometimes feel a whole lot worse) are reminders, lessons, adjustments that must be made. Events that will help us right the ship, or change direction or adjust. The only way this photo would fill me with sadness is if I thought we weren’t learning our lessons. Weren’t taking action. Weren’t doing anything. Weren’t getting better. But we are. To create and maintain a successfully Democracy we must remain engaged and ever vigilant. We must not take it for granted or assume someone else will take care of it. We must take responsibility and hold our elected officials to higher standards. We must hold ourselves to those same standards. I am hopeful to what 2019 will bring and then 2020. I celebrate this milestone today and know there will be plenty more to celebrate tomorrow. #thisiswhatdemocracylookslike #america #vote #registertovote #thisiswhatamericalookslike (at Washington, District of Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3ZohCnlr5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wss6xso1u9x9

These images were taken ten years ago today. On January 20th, 2009 Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Some may see this and immediately contrast the utter state of chaos and division and hate today, and think we’ve lost our way. Things are going downhill. Getting worse. I see it and am filled with hope. It is a reminder to me of what we’re capable of. What is possible. Remember, before he was sworn in, many thought it was a fantasy, an unattainable dream. Literally impossible. There will always be bumps along the road. In politics and in life. These bumps (which sometimes feel a whole lot worse) are reminders, lessons, adjustments that must be made. Events that will help us right the ship, or change direction or adjust. The only way this photo would fill me with sadness is if I thought we weren’t learning our lessons. Weren’t taking action. Weren’t doing anything. Weren’t getting better. But we are. To create and maintain a successfully Democracy we must remain engaged and ever vigilant. We must not take it for granted or assume someone else will take care of it. We must take responsibility and hold our elected officials to higher standards. We must hold ourselves to those same standards. I am hopeful to what 2019 will bring and then 2020. I celebrate this milestone today and know there will be plenty more to celebrate tomorrow. #thisiswhatdemocracylookslike #america #vote #registertovote #thisiswhatamericalookslike https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3ZRDsHxIi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=zmvc0zdmwlua

#heretofight #heretostay #dreamactnow I met two women today. @lsarsour put her arm around me while I cried, kissed my forehead, held my hand while we marched and reminded me love will win. I asked her how I can help and she very lovingly let me know. She respectfully supported and helped the #UnitedWeDream leaders behind the scenes, away from the cameras and honored the faith leaders gathered in solidarity. The other was a white woman from @ap.images, who got my information because I was in one of her pictures, but then proceeded to respond as if I was being dramatic when I said, "I'm here because if they can get rid of DREAMERS, they can get rid of me." Maybe no one has ever told her more than half of the Japanese forced into camps during World War II were American citizens. And her attitude gave me no opportunity to say I know of citizens being detained by ICE. I learned volumes from both women and I'm more on fire than ever. #thisiswhatAmericalookslike ✊✊✊ (at United States Capitol)

Rally for DACA! We all dream! We MUST protect each other!! #thisiswhatamericalookslike #nevermypresident (at Columbus Circle)

PSA: Remember, #weneedblackmen #blackman #blackmenmondays ✊🏾➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ #selflove #thugmentality #kings #melanated #loveyourself #thisiswhatamericalookslike #amerikkka #slavery #neverforget #weloveyou #wevalueyou #weneedyou #remember #psa #teachthemyoung #growthmindset #blackboymagic

Resist👊🏽! #NotMyPresident #staywoke #goodtrouble #taxmarch #taxmarchla #womensmarch #womensmarchla #womensmarchlosangeles #thisiswhatamericalookslike #thisiswhatdemocracylookslike (at Los Angeles, California)

In Our America ... All People Are Equal ... Black Lives Matter ... Immigrants & Refugees Are Welcome ... Disabilities Are Respected ... Women Are In Charge Of Their Own Bodies ... People & Planet Are Valued Over Profit ... Diversity Is Celebrated. #taxmarch #taxmarchla #womensmarch #womensmarchla #womensmarchlosangeles #thisiswhatdemocracylookslike #thisiswhatamericalookslike #goodtrouble #staywoke (at Los Angeles, California)