Birmingham’s Heartbreak: Community Reflects on the Impact of a Historic Presidential Election Loss

Birmingham’s Heartbreak: The Aftermath of a Historic Presidential Bid

In Birmingham, Alabama, emotions are running high following the recent presidential election, where many were left in shock as President-Elect Donald J. Trump claimed victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Among those feeling the weight of this unexpected outcome is Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman (D-Pleasant Grove), who had put her heart, soul, and numerous resources into supporting Harris’s campaign.

A Dedicated Supporter

For months, Coleman did everything in her power to rally votes for Harris, even flying out to the battleground state of Pennsylvania. “I canvassed, spoke in churches, and sent text messages—literally anything to get the vote out,” she shared, clearly still feeling the sting of disappointment. It was a tough lesson for Coleman, who had felt so assured of Harris’s success that she had already booked her tickets to the inauguration set for January.

However, when the results rolled in on November 5, 2024, Coleman, along with many others, was left reeling. “I was shocked. I was hurt. I was saddened by the results. It feels like Black women who voted for Harris are out on an island by ourselves,” she expressed, echoing a sentiment felt nationwide.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Coleman’s feelings are hardly isolated. According to reports, a whopping 89 percent of Black women voters cast their ballots for Harris—more than any other demographic. This statistic underlines the immense emotional investment many placed in the hope of seeing a Black woman ascend to the highest office in the land.

A Heavy Toll

Dr. Nadia Richardson-Johnson, a Birmingham-based professor and diversity consultant, also highlighted the emotional toll this campaign took on Black women. She runs the Black Women’s Mental Health Institute and noted that the “hateful, racist, and sexist rhetoric” surrounding the election caused immense distress. “The hope we had for this historic opportunity was crushed and difficult to witness,” she lamented.

Dr. Richardson-Johnson recently hosted a gathering called the Black Women’s Vote Debrief, where she expressed that the negative comments questioning Harris’s qualifications were deeply felt by many. There’s a real concern among the community as they grapple with how to find strength for the next four years.

Finding a Way Forward

Crystal Mullen-Johnson, the founder and CEO of Strive Counseling Services in downtown Birmingham, stressed the importance of focusing on core values during these times. “Understanding your values and living up to them is vital,” she stated, emphasizing that this kind of self-awareness shapes positive interactions with others. “That’s number one.”

Mullen-Johnson also encourages practices of self-care, which can include exercise, journaling, meditation, and spending quality time with loved ones. She reminds people that during moments of tension, it’s crucial to remain calm and check their emotions to prevent escalation.

Community Voices

Feelings similar to Coleman, Richardson-Johnson, and Mullen-Johnson are resonating across the country. Elected officials like New York State Senator Samra Brouk have voiced concerns about the mental health impacts on women of color, emphasizing the need for mental health resources and support for vulnerable community members.

Another official, New York State Senator Lea Webb, shared her concerns about health disparities that disproportionately affect Black women in the wake of the election. “Understanding how we move forward from here is vital,” she notes.

Conclusion

As Birmingham residents, and people across the nation, digest the emotional aftermath of this election, it’s clear that the road ahead will take resilience, community support, and a commitment to caring for one another. While the results may not have been what many had hoped for, the spirit of determination and unity remains strong. The journey continues, and the voices of Black women in Birmingham and beyond will not be silenced.