Where are we going? The answer to this question is simply: backwards. The direction of the United States of America, especially from the African-America point of view, is most broadly and easily understood through Donald Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.” This is a lovely sentiment, if one is white. However, one must ask: when was America ever “great” for African-Americans? Was America great when African-Americans were being lynched in the Deep South in the 1950s? Was America great when African-Americans were subject to the Jim Crow Laws until civil rights activists fought back? Was America great when slavery dominated the social and economic landscape of this country? No, America was never great for African-Americans.

However, Donald Trump wants to “Make America Great Again.” Perhaps this means the current president will implement policies that help minorities. This is also incorrect. Unfortunately, the direction of the United States in the Trump era does not look good for African-Americans or minorities in general. Already during the Trump presidency, the Trump administration has attempted to pass unconstitutional travel bans that target people from Muslim countries, directly attacked the rights of transgendered and LGBTQ soldiers and common citizens, left a large portion of Puerto Rico without power or food and water supplies in the wake of Hurricane Maria, and has even said disparaging remarks about countries from where minority immigrants originate.

It is clear that the Trump administration does not understand the struggles of minorities in the United States and it does not even seem to care. Much of the Trump administration’s policy movement and advocacy stands in direct contrast to that which would create a better future for African-Americans and minorities. Thus, the United States is only moving backwards in the Trump era, backwards towards a time when the rights of African-Americans and minorities were infringed upon on a daily basis.