By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the 2024 presidential election, many Black women expressed profound exhaustion and grief over Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss, a feeling amplified by the constant pressure to remain politically engaged. This exhaustion stems from a persistent sense of threat and the weight of expectation placed upon Black women to “save democracy,” leaving little room for processing the emotional toll of the election. Many are now prioritizing self-care and community support while bracing for the potential impact of the Trump administration’s policies on marginalized communities. The election outcome felt deeply personal, with feelings of betrayal and despair among many.
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The exhaustion is palpable. It’s a weariness born not just from the long fight for progress, but from the sting of a perceived setback, a feeling that the relentless effort has, for now, fallen short. For some Black women, the recent election results feel like a profound personal loss, a grief stemming from more than just a political defeat. It’s a deeper sorrow, a sense of being let down, even betrayed, by a system that they have tirelessly strived to improve.
This feeling goes beyond the typical post-election disappointment. It’s rooted in the immense weight of expectation and the constant pressure to overcome systemic obstacles. For many, the election felt like a stark reminder of how far there still is to go, how deeply entrenched the forces of resistance remain. The hope that rested on the shoulders of a Black woman running for the highest office, a hope that resonated so deeply within this community, now feels tragically unmet.
It’s a grief compounded by a sense of betrayal. The belief that many placed in the democratic process, the faith in the possibility of meaningful change, has been shaken. This isn’t simply about disagreeing with a candidate or a policy; it’s about questioning the fundamental principles upon which their hopes were built. This feeling of disillusionment has become profoundly personal, adding another layer of weariness to already heavy burdens.
The anger simmers beneath the exhaustion. Anger at the systemic inequalities that remain stubbornly resistant to change, anger at the persistence of bigotry and prejudice, anger at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that continue to block progress. It’s a righteous anger born from years of struggle, yet tempered by the sheer exhaustion of fighting a battle that feels unending. The weight of fighting for change against such overwhelming resistance is taking its toll, creating a deep-seated fatigue that extends far beyond the political realm.
The frustration is keenly felt, and it’s directed not only at the outcome of the election but also at the perceived lack of meaningful response from within certain segments of the Democratic party. There’s a sense that the concerns of this group, a group whose consistent support is crucial to the party’s success, haven’t always been adequately acknowledged or addressed. This lack of responsiveness is perceived as an additional blow, adding insult to injury.
There’s a pervasive sense of despair, a feeling of powerlessness in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. This sense of powerlessness isn’t new, but the recent election amplified it, pushing it to the forefront. This feeling of being unheard and unseen contributes to the exhaustion, leading many to question the effectiveness of continued engagement. The emotional cost of continuous struggle is significant, and this has led some to feel the weight is simply too much.
The disappointment cuts deep. It’s a disappointment not only in the election result but also in the perceived shortcomings of those who were expected to champion the cause of progress. The hope that was invested in a candidate, a hope that represented years of work and sacrifice, has been severely dampened. This profound disappointment adds to the cumulative fatigue, making continued participation in the system feel increasingly pointless.
Yet, amidst the exhaustion, anger, frustration, and despair, there is a quiet determination. A stubborn refusal to surrender, a recognition that the fight for equality and justice continues, regardless of setbacks. While the weariness is real and profound, it doesn’t equate to defeat. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who continue to fight, even when the odds feel stacked against them. The fight will continue. The exhaustion will be addressed. The hope, though dimmed, will not be extinguished.
This pervasive sense of “tired. damn tired,” is a powerful indictment of the systemic challenges that remain, and a stark reminder that the fight for equality and justice is far from over. It calls for a deeper understanding and a renewed commitment to addressing the issues that contribute to this exhaustion, and it serves as a catalyst for meaningful change. The voices expressing this exhaustion should be heard, not dismissed. Their experience is critical to understanding the ongoing struggle and to building a more equitable future.