Gratitude in Hard Times: What Keeps Us Hopeful This Thanksgiving

Millions of Americans will gather with loved ones this week for Thanksgiving, a time to count our blessings and remember that even amid hardship there are reasons to be grateful.

For me, a second Trump presidency has been a difficult stretch. The combination of deliberate cruelty, reckless damage and brazen corruption can be dispiriting — which is precisely why I celebrate the people and institutions that help push back against despair.

What I’m grateful for this year

Below is a partial list of people and movements that have sustained me and given me hope.

Family. The people closest to me are my strongest motivation to keep fighting for a future in which everyone can be free and flourish.

Faith community. My church, First Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and the pastors, visiting preachers and fellow worshippers who help anchor my civic work in a faith-driven call to pursue justice.

Colleagues and civic organizations. The staff and board of People For the American Way and other public-interest groups who devote themselves each day to defending democratic values.

Grassroots activists. The diverse resistance movement — people who make phone calls, knock on doors, show up at town halls and turn out at protests. I’m grateful for the handmade signs — creative, funny, angry, defiant — that have energized pro-democracy rallies across the country.

Those who show solidarity. People who peacefully and persistently challenge harsh immigration policies and stand with vulnerable neighbors, including clergy whose moral witness exposes false claims of religious leadership.

Journalists and investigators. Reporters who continue to pursue truth and hold political and corporate leaders accountable, despite pressure and intimidation.

Artists and creators. Musicians, comedians and online creators who use culture and humor to contest authoritarian narratives and keep civic life vibrant.

Young people. Activists who refuse to “wait their turn” and bring energy, creativity and moral clarity to the public square.

Voters. The millions who turned out in recent state and local contests and made clear that many Americans reject the harmful elements of the MAGA agenda.

Principled philanthropists. Donors such as George and Alex Soros who continue to support public-interest work even while being attacked in partisan media.

Lawyers and judges. The legions of lawyers challenging illegal actions and the many judges — including some appointed by Trump — who have upheld the rule of law.

Supreme Court dissents. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, whose trenchant dissents have repeatedly called out betrayals of principle.

Whistleblowers and federal employees. Public servants who strive to protect the public interest even as political appointees undermine vital programs.

Courageous elected officials. Members of Congress like Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who have consistently defended the Constitution and the rule of law.

Survivors and supporters. Survivors of abuse who refuse to be silenced, and the elected officials — including some Republicans — who have stood with them rather than bow to intimidation.

Civic resistance to extremism. Those who oppose the normalization of bigotry and authoritarian rhetoric and who press back within and beyond party lines.

History and example. The lessons and inspiration we draw from past struggles for freedom here and around the world.

Above all, I’m grateful that we still have the freedom to wage our own struggle for the kind of future we want. Let’s use that freedom well and keep organizing, voting, creating and bearing witness.

Svante Myrick is president of People For the American Way.