Zyan, you haven’t come home from school yet, but it brings tears to my eyes when I hear Vice President Harris in the background awarding the election. This morning when you were at school I could tell in your beautiful round face that you were disappointed and as a father I wanted to fix it. I know you and your little friends are disappointed, especially Abigayle, who has been campaigning and door-knocking for Vice President Harris.

I am writing this letter hoping that it will be your guide in the future.

Last night I noticed you were looking for the results on your computer and iPad at the same time, hoping things would turn out differently. I even heard you say to your mother, “Mommy, he worked so hard, why isn’t he winning?”

Maina Mwaura

I wanted to fix it for you. I’m the fixer in the family and it’s your first real experience of seeing the ugly side of America’s hatred for someone who looks like you. I don’t think everyone who voted for former President Trump is racist and sexist; however, I believe racism and sexism played a huge role in her loss.

America is a racist and sexist country, and for that, Zyan, I’m sorry.

As you already know, I interviewed both candidates and saw their front staff. I also interviewed former Vice President Pence, who you’ve met before, and he understands how you feel—though at least former President Trump didn’t try to kill you (you know I love my dad jokes).

“America is a racist and sexist country, and for that, Zyan, I’m sorry.”

However, his laws regarding women Unfortunately, health can hurt you and your friends, and this is hard to understand. As I hear Vice President Harris in the background, her words ring true to my ears on this page. It’s okay to feel disappointed.

I have always taught you that your character and integrity matter, so I am deeply troubled that our country has decided to ignore these traits in electing a president. As a father, I hope you will not ignore these traits.

Although Trump lacks character, you can’t afford it. As a black girl, you will be held to a much higher standard, which brings me to my next point. There will be times when you will be the most qualified person and still not get the job. Vice President Harris was the better qualified person of the two and still lost.

There will be times when you lose but you don’t have to let the pain keep you away. As a black woman, you have no choice but to give up.

As you were heading to bed last night, you mentioned that you were scared if President Trump would win and even asked God why he was letting him win. As you know, I don’t speak for God, but I know we can trust that God allows all things to happen for a reason.

As a follower of Christ, I am deeply puzzled as to why people who claim the name of Christ would vote for someone like him. Which brings me to a very important point: what makes your faith impactful is not who you vote for, but your actions. For many followers of Christ, I am deeply concerned about their character and actions.

Your grandfather, who died before you were born, you made the stand to come to America. I still remember him saying, “I ran to come to America so you can accept your decisions as a son.”

As a family, we have made a decision that we will stand up against racism and hate at all levels. I’ve lost some interviews and assignments based on racist behavior and you will too. We are called to be with the marginalized.

“We are called to be with the marginalized.”

Because we live in the state of Georgia, we have been bombarded with negative ads, one of which is Trump criticizing transgender people. You and I have talked about this issue and gone through the Scriptures about it. The ads were degrading and homophobic and sinful in nature. We should never degrade or make fun of others, even if we think the Bible tells us to do so.

My prayer is that you will cherish the Scriptures, including verses that call us to love and stand with people who are oppressed and marginalized.

As a black father, I want you to know something you already know: I’m on your side. I am sorry that the outcome of this election was not what you thought it should be, but my prayer is that with your grandfather’s memory, you will stand tall even on days when all hope seems lost.

Maina Mwaura is a native of Florida, a graduate of Liberty University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a full-time freelance writer for numerous publications. He and his family live in Kennesaw, Georgia.