By Barrett Holman Leak
SAN DIEGO — I awakened this morning, in the pre-dawn darkness, with great unease filling my mind and body. Soon, the radio would blurt out world news from the BBC and national and local news from a local station. No matter the source, the news cast would lead with the impending inauguration of Donald Trump as president. It is the last day that I will take in daily news for a few years.
This inauguration, for me, was a tragic way to honor this day, which is the American federal holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There was a celebration and inauguration of Trump and his oligarchic Cabinet of mostly elite rich white men on a day commemorating one of the greatest Americans, one of the most globally recognized African Americans, and one of the most ardent Zionists and activists for racial and economic justice in history – The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I have been through the deep sadness and outrage of watching my Jewish brothers and sisters push for and vote for Trump as a one-issue choice (the false narrative that Trump, not Biden, is pro-Israel), throwing African Americans (coding it as being anti-DEI), Latinos, poor Americans, houseless Americans etcetera under the bus. Today, January 20, is a day of service and reflection. I feel tired and I feel determined to save myself first and others if I can, during the chaos for Americans that will be the Trump presidency.
Today is also Day 1 of a strategic plan I am implementing to protect my peace and save myself, as an African American woman and as a Jewish woman in the midst of the chaos. I sadly wonder how someone can be happy and celebrating when half the country is in deep despair. I have mentioned this to some of my inner circle, over the weeks since the November 2024 election. But “protecting my peace” is not a new concept.
The culture that popularized this phrase is often associated with Black women, particularly within the context of the African American community. This concept has been embraced as a form of empowerment, helping Black women navigate the unique challenges they face and reclaim their mental and emotional health..
“This country does not deserve Black women or Black people, but specifically Black women. They have carried this country and saved this country too many times and continue to be the most disrespected human beings on the planet,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
The concept of “protecting my peace” revolves around the idea of prioritizing one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being by setting boundaries and avoiding situations or people who cause stress or negativity. This practice encourages individuals to take proactive steps to maintain their inner peace, such as walking away from toxic conversations and relationships, practicing self-care, and being mindful of their environment.
For Black women, “protecting my peace” is more than just a personal mantra; it is a powerful tool for self-preservation and resilience. It involves embracing their identity, connecting with their ancestral roots, and fostering personal growth. This practice is often intertwined with holistic well-being, including physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual fulfillment. By prioritizing their peace, Black women are creating supportive environments that nurture their mental health and empower them to thrive despite societal pressures and systemic challenges.
Tamieka Atkins, executive director of ProGeorgia, emphasizing the need for rest and reflection, said, “I’ve done the staying up late and biting my nails. It’s taking me a while to learn, and this is what I tell other people, and I’m telling it to myself: ‘Any one election is not a magic bullet to make everything better.'”
Since Kamala Harris lost the election for president after having to jump into it on short notice in July 2024, all the analyses show that it was white (Euro) and white-appearing woman not voting for Harris who sank her. Now, American Black women are saving themselves. They are:
1. Setting Boundaries with Media: Many Black women have chosen to limit their exposure to news and social media to avoid the constant barrage of negative information and opinions. This helps them maintain their mental and emotional well-being by creating a buffer against stress and anxiety.
2. Self-Care Rituals: Engaging in self-care practices such as journaling, meditation, and physical activities like walking has become a priority. These rituals help Black women reconnect with themselves and create moments of peace throughout their day.
3. Community Support: Black women are finding strength in community by connecting with others who share their experiences and values. This includes joining online communities, attending virtual or local events, and reaching out to trusted friends for support.
4. Reassessing Political Engagement: While some Black women have stepped back from active political engagement, they have not abandoned it entirely. Instead, they are reassessing their involvement and focusing on grassroots organizing and community-based initiatives to create change from the ground up.
Yes, I have been intentionally doing these things, taking care of myself after taking care of others. It means I have disappeared for so many and they have begun asking me what I am doing and why they do not see me as much. Yes, I have entered a bubble, a protective bubble that does not allow the intrusion of racism, antisemitism and sexism.
I, like millions of Black women and Jewish women, (and African American Jews whose voices you do not hear) have so much intergenerational trauma because of what has been done to my ancestors, that thousands of years of antisemitism, hundreds of years of unapologetic American slavery and continued institutional racism, antisemitism and sexism (from the beginning of time).The Trump presidency and the October 7 genocide and this last presidential election are deeply painful. The coming chaos of Trump presidency 2.0 is nearly unbearable.
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Barrett Holman Leak is an author, educator, and community organizer.
Agree!❤️
The point about democracy is that sometimes the candidate and the party you backed are going to win, and sometimes they’re going to lose. And the beginning of wisdom about democracy is that victory for your choice will not mean the start of a golden age and defeat won’t be the end of the world.
That’s something that a lot of Americans—and Israelis—have forgotten about in recent years. So great has been the hatred for both President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the part of their political opponents that many of them have resorted to the sort of existential arguments that are incompatible with a functioning democracy.
With respect Mr. Editor, If you can’t find someone to write a more balanced article or even a pro-Trump Article then I will have to reconsider if I want to read rubbish full of errors of Fact or make any contributions to you and this Publication. You should take a lesson from the Owner of the LA Times and what he has done to his paper. Biden has done nothing to help Pacific Island nations including New Zealand. Biden gave Millions of dollars to Iran who used that money to fund Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis who then have attacked Israel with operations funded by your tax dollars. Biden withheld arms and ammunition legally paid for by Israel from Israel. Biden is loppy, Admit it. Name one Oligarchic billionaire who will be in his cabinet as this lady writer claims. Anybody who relies on the BBC for news about Israel and Jews needs Help.
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