Pivotal Moments
Pivotal moments refer to critical events or decisions that cause significant shifts in the direction or outcome of a person’s life, an organization, or a nation. In our personal life, pivotal moments might include choices related to relationships, health and wellness. Professionally, pivotal moments can shape the trajectory of our business, career, and or ministry. Pivotal moments are often characterized by events that lead to clarity, realization, or transformation, where a choice or occurrence, be it positive or negative, will lead to growth, breakthroughs, setbacks, or redirections.
American history is rich with pivotal moments that have shaped the nation's course. Here are some of the most significant:.
The Declaration of Independence (1776) – The signing of the Declaration on July 4, 1776, was a defining moment, signaling the colonies' break from British rule and laying the foundation for a new nation based on principles of freedom and equality.
The Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation (1861-1865) – The Civil War, driven by conflicts over slavery and states' rights, resulted in the abolition of slavery through Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and ultimately transformed the country’s social and political landscape.
The Women's Suffrage Movement and 19th Amendment (1920) – The ratification of the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, marking a pivotal expansion of democracy in the United States and empowering generations of women in civic life.
The Great Depression and New Deal (1929-1939) – The economic collapse of the Great Depression led to widespread hardship. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal introduced reforms and social programs that reshaped the U.S. economy and government’s role in citizens’ lives.
World War II (1941-1945) – U.S. involvement in WWII had profound effects on the economy, technology, and America's global standing, establishing the country as a world superpower and contributing to the post-war creation of institutions like the United Nations.
The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s) – A major turning point in the fight for racial equality, marked by landmark events like the Brown v. Board of Education decision (1954), the Civil Rights Act (1964), and the Voting Rights Act (1965), which dismantled legal segregation and extended rights to African Americans and other minorities.
The Moon Landing (1969) – The Apollo 11 mission’s success symbolized American innovation and global leadership in science and technology, inspiring future generations in space exploration and scientific achievement.
September 11, 2001 – The 9/11 terrorist attacks led to major changes in national security policies and had lasting impacts on U.S. foreign policy, including the War on Terror and the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security.
The Election of Barack Obama (2008) – The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president marked a historic moment in American history, symbolizing progress in racial equality and inspiring millions worldwide.
The COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-present) – The global pandemic significantly affected American life, leading to shifts in health policy, economic practices, and social norms, and highlighting inequalities within society.
Each of these moments influenced the nation’s path, reflecting shifts in values, rights, groundbreaking innovations, technology, leadership changes, and world events that reshaped society, industries and America’s role on the global stage.
On the morning after, then, Senator Kamala Harris was nominated to run on the presidential ticket with Vice-President Joe Biden, I wrote:
"The nomination of Senator Kamala Harris to run as the Vice President of the United States of America is historic and a huge win for women of color everywhere! As a woman of color, I will not allow anyone to steal the glory of this moment from me. I will do everything in my power to see that she is elected and hold her accountable as I would any other politician. To think that little black girls can look up and see a woman who looks like them be chosen to lead in such a powerful position is sweetness to my soul. I know it won’t be an easy road for us. I know we are afraid people won’t vote for a black woman, but I know a God who is able to defy all the limitations of man to bring about a plan that was destined before the foundation of the world. Wouldn’t it be just like God to allow a Black woman who represents women who have carried this nation on our back, nursed white women’s babies, raped by white slave masters, had their babies ripped from their arms and sold into slavery, arrested for sitting at the front of bus, denied basic human rights, misrepresented in the media, disrespected by white men and black men, overlooked because of her skin color and gender, to be the first female Vice President and possibly the first female President of these United States! I know it’s going to be a fight but baby, I’m here for it...." #BidenHarris2020
On November 7, 2020, I wrote this blog post entitled: When She Wins, We Win: A Salute to Vice-President Elect Kamala D. Harris
Margaret Thatcher once commented, “In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman." Women have a long tradition of advocacy, activism, and community organizing. In fact, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. When asked about how she felt, Senator Harris replied, "We celebrate the women who fought for that right. Yet so many of the Black women who helped secure that victory were still prohibited from voting, long after its ratification." She then said the names of some of the Black women who fought for access to the ballot, and for civil rights more broadly, but who've suffered from historical elision: Mary Church Terrell, Mary McLeod Bethune, Fannie Lou Hamer, Diane Nash, Constance Baker Motley and Shirley Chisolm. "Without fanfare or recognition, they organized, testified, rallied, marched, and fought -- not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed," Harris said.
Joseph R. Biden and Kamala D. Harris were officially elected to the Office of President and Vice-President of the United States of America! I sat proudly as she took the stage to give her victory speech, proclaiming "I may be the first woman to hold this position, but I won't be the last." Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris represents all women in this country, but she especially represents the struggles and triumphs of women of color. I thank God for letting me, my mother, sisters, girlfriends, daughter, spiritual daughters, mentees, sisters in ministry, and my Sorors live to see this day.
I don’t have adequate words to fully express what it means to women color to see a woman who looks like us holding the 2nd highest office in America. This historic win for Vice-President Kamala Harris is a win for all of us...
Here we are again 4 years later, at the threshold of another pivotal moment in American life and world history. I must say, I have been sorely disappointed by the mainstream media, who in my opinion are complicit in the promulgation of disinformation in political elections. They cast aspersions on Vice President Kamala Harris’ competence, credibility and character, while coddling the lies and immoral lifestyle of Former President Donald J. Trump, the rise and promotion of MAGA ideologies. I am more disappointed in the way white and black Evangelical Christians, pastors and preachers have used the Bible to justify white supremacy misogyny, racism, hate, the mistreatment of poor people, immigrants, LBGTQIA persons, and women.
Yet, amid it all, I believe this is another pivotal moment. In fact, I strongly believe we will elect Vice President Kamala D. Harris as the first woman in American history to serve as President of the United States of America. This is our moment to preserve the freedom that so many people have fought and given their lives and service, ensuring a common welfare for all Americans and people around the globe.
Make no mistake, November 5, 2024, is a pivotal moment…
Dr. Toni