I expected there to be something quite bitter about visiting these places during this moment in America, but I did not expect it to be served with a side of something sweet. Over the last few days I found bits of hope and pride everywhere I went; standing in front of colorful, vibrant portraits of the Obamas (especially poignant after walking past walls filled with portraits of old, white men), strolling through an exhibit about the Poor People’s Campaign at the Smithsonian, and wandering from one end of the National Mall to the other. I was caught off-guard by emotion as I dipped my toes in the fountain at the World War II Memorial, where I remembered my grandpa and felt his presence, along with that of his peers. I walked through these spaces alongside visitors from all around this country, and the world, and thought about how, when humans come together from every far flung place—as different as can be—we are amazing. Unstoppable. My hope for this country is that we will remember to embrace all our differences, and find pride in them, so that we may find true greatness. Oh, and for the love of God, people, #VOTE. 🇺🇸 #uscapital #nationalmall
