Together We Rise: Why Community Matters Now More Than Ever

I’ll be honest; last week drained me. Watching the election results come in was more than just a reminder of how divided the country is—it was a call to action for us to hold each other close, to pull together, to have each other’s backs. Sometimes, being Black, an immigrant, and a woman feels like wearing three scarlet letters—challenges that make moments like these feel deeply personal and urgent. The stakes feel higher, the obstacles a bit steeper, and the need to stay resilient, no matter what, is more real than ever.

This election made it clear that we can’t depend on a system or even other communities to protect our interests, our families, or our dreams. But that doesn’t mean we’re alone. I’m a firm believer that the most powerful network we have is each other. When the world sends a message that we don’t belong, it’s our communities that push back and say, “Yes, you do.”

I remember when I first came here. Everything felt foreign—the pace of life, the social dynamics, even just figuring out how to find my way in a new city. But what kept me grounded was the community I found along the way. Friends who became like family, mentors who understood my struggles, people who would pull me aside and say, “You’ve got this, we’re here for you.” They helped me feel seen, helped me navigate unfamiliar spaces, and inspired me to push through even when I felt like giving up.

And that’s why, especially now, I want to be that support for others who are in the same position. The community I’ve built is what’s carried me through the tough times, and I know it can do the same for others. But it doesn’t just happen on its own. Building this kind of network requires each of us to show up for one another, to lift each other up, and to create spaces where we can be ourselves, without fear of judgment or exclusion.

This is more than just a call to action—it’s a responsibility. To help each other get jobs and open doors, to mentor, to guide, to listen, and to cheer each other on. Every act of support, every connection we make, is a way to say, “I see you. I’m with you.” Because if we don’t show up for each other, who will?

I’m here today asking all of us to step up in whatever way we can. Whether it’s sharing resources, mentoring someone new, advocating for more inclusivity in the spaces you occupy, or simply showing up for those who feel invisible, every effort counts. Let’s take that extra step to make sure no one in our community feels alone. Because our power is in our togetherness, and in our willingness to lift each other up, to be the support we all need to thrive.

Now is not the time to stay silent or stand on the sidelines. Now is the time to act. So let’s be the strength, the support, and the hope for each other. Let’s be a force that nothing can break.

And never forget, wah fi yuh cyaan un fi yuh.

~ Meisha