Last week Donald Trump declared in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, “Long live the King” likening himself to a king as he celebrated another one of his administrative moves, this time, in New York City.
But America doesn’t honor kings, nor dictators.
Change for the better has never been easy and it doesn’t come without resistance, without hardship, without moments where the path forward seemed uncertain. This country has seen it time and time again—through civil rights struggles, economic downturns, wars, and political upheavals. Yet, each time, the American people stood up, pushed forward, and made their voices heard.
Today, we stand at a stark crossroads, one that demands our attention and action. This administration is systematically dismantling longstanding protections – firing officials, gutting departments, and weakening the institutions that safeguard our rights.
In an era where political decisions and policies impact our daily lives more than ever, too many people are choosing to tune out. They feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and disillusioned by the actions of those in power. The sheer volume of troubling headlines can make it tempting to disconnect—to ignore what’s happening and retreat into personal bubbles. But now is not the time for apathy. Now is not the time for silence.
Throughout history, change has only come when people refuse to look away. When communities come together, when individuals recognize their power, and when movements rise, transformation follows. The civil rights movement didn’t succeed because people sat back and waited for justice; it succeeded because people fought for it. Women didn’t gain the right to vote by ignoring the obstacles in front of them; they persevered through them. Every major step forward in our nation’s history happened because people refused to accept the status quo.
If we want real, lasting change we must resist, organize and take action. And we must stay informed. We cannot hide. Vote in every local and statewide election supporting organizations that fight for justice, and have conversations that push us toward solutions rather than division.
As Jane Fonda said in a speech at the SAG Awards, “We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future. One that is beckoning, welcoming, that will help people believe.”
Democracy is not a passive system; it requires active participation.
And we cannot give in to the Trump administration and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
These are not just words; they are principles that define the kind of society we want to build. If we allow them to be erased, we risk erasing the very people, communities, and values we hold dear. The reality is that we are all diverse in our own ways, we all want to be included, and we all deserve to be treated equitably. Fighting for these principles is not just about protecting others—it’s about protecting the future we all share.
Yes, change is difficult. It can be uncomfortable, uncertain, and at times, exhausting. But history has shown us that the hardest fights are the ones most worth having. Now is the time to rise, to organize, and to make an impact. The future is not decided by those who sit idly by—it is shaped by those who refuse to ignore the call to action.
The question now is simple: Will we allow frustration to silence us, or will we push forward, knowing that the fight ahead is worth it? The choice is ours. And history is watching.
