These are fists of protest. Two weeks ago, I stood in front of this powerful art by Annette Lemieux and thought about all who had marched before us to fight for civil rights, women's rights, and gay rights. I thought about how proud I was that our country was on the brink of electing our first woman President. I believed that collectively, we were going to reject a candidate who sold bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, fear, conspiracy, and toxic masculinity as his platform. I thought we were going to honor those who came before us and nurture our future generations.
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I was wrong. I went to bed crying and woke up scared. As a woman of color, how do I move forward with hope and strength when so many people in this country don't care if I am objectified, profiled, or sexually assaulted? How do I lead with love when the rights of marginalized and underserved people are threatened and the three branches of government don't have our backs?
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There is so much more I want to say, but I am numb and at a loss for words. I want to take action. I do. But, I cannot today. Today I'm hugging my loved ones tightly. Tomorrow I will raise my fist in protest.
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We will organize and stand strong. As @sallykohn says, "Love will still trump hate. It may just take longer than we expected." This fight has only begun. Expect us.

{art: "Left Right Left Right" by Annette Lemieux at the Whitney Museum.}