How Solange and Michelle Saved Me From the Beast of Trump

Donald Trump is the consequence of an America in which a white man with money is automatically bestowed with power and political freedom. Despite his blatant stupidity, repulsiveness and toxic influence, he remains a Presidential Candidate — to me this is ridiculous.

An imposed hierarchy means that my voice as a Black woman is the last to be heard.

It is assumed that I’m not a qualified doctor.

Further, I’m not allowed to walk while Black or even laugh while Black. I’m exposed to sexual violence, poverty, and unemployment. I’m constantly trying to survive, plan ahead, and provide for my family. As an undocumented immigrant occupying jobs that help big cities make money, I’m practically invisible. As a permanent resident I’m not allowed to vote. I dread making mistakes because the criticism will be harsh, and sometimes I’m not even free to wear my hair as I please.

My blackness becomes desirable when others appropriate aspects of it, and yet there aren’t enough representations of my brilliance in the media.

The beast, which looms in the background is so grotesque, I would rather not digest its dialogue. I’m more concerned with the suffering of my brothers and sisters in Haiti, the missing Chibok girls in Nigeria, and the families ripped apart by the arbitrary connection forged between criminalization and immigration.

And this beast (simultaneously occupying misogyny and white supremacy) only serves to remind me that my liberation is distant, and the things that worry me are unlikely to fade.

Cue Solange Knowles and Michelle Obama to deliver me from this angst.

In September 2016 Solange released a new album, A Seat at the Table. While watching the videos for songs on the album: “Cranes in the Sky” and “Don’t Touch My Hair,” the enduring nature of my limitless Black imagination was reborn.

The imagery in both videos is startling beautiful and mesmerizing. Regardless of the angle in which she is viewed, Solange is a vision of perfection — as are the other Black models who illuminate each frame. Their outer beauty is of course, obvious, but there is an inner beauty, a quiet confidence, and a resilience of spirit that the camera captures. Indeed, magic lives in their faces, a magic that connects all Black people to a belief that they will not be broken, removed, or silenced. Here, blackness is omnipotent, inspiring, and nuanced, and it must be preserved.

With this realization it seems unfathomable that Black minds, Black talent, and Black freedom could quickly be destroyed by racism, government induced segregation, police brutality, food apartheid, and a dangerous Presidential Candidate.

Another exceptional Black woman — Michelle Obama — graced the stage in New Hampshire on October 13 where she delivered an eloquent speech unleashing necessary criticism on Trump who “bragged about sexually assaulting women.” Without naming Trump, instead referring to him as “a powerful individual speaking freely and openly about sexually predatory behavior,” she restored dignity to the 2016 Elections. While watching Michelle articulate the thoughts within many people’s minds, I was reminded of her natural qualities as a leader.

In the presence of Solange and Michelle, it’s easier to disconnect from the pernicious beast of Trump.

I’m grateful that I can turn to the power and creativity of Black women to reignite my pursuit of liberation.