After the problematic events of 2020, we acknowledge the difficult road ahead in 2021. Despite our new normal, I still see many opportunities.

As Americans, we have all embodied resilience, courage, generosity, and acceptance that allows us to value our differences. After all, our collective identity and culture set us apart from most of the world. But in the process of focusing on our country’s positives, we’ve overlooked America’s disturbing and problematic underbelly filled with hate and bigotry.

While there are many warning signs, the build-up to and the insurrection at the Capitol itself showcased this bigotry on a national scale. The insurrection has unveiled a dark historical pattern we’ve seen before. Black and Brown Americans have been silenced through institutional barriers — like Jim Crow laws and excessive policing — that have left lasting, harmful consequences that continue to oppress them.

This legacy has trickled down for generations. And it must stop with you and me. In the words of the great civil rights icon John Lewis: “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”

This bitter division and hate that has shaken us to our core must stop. We have overcome so much, and that is why we are the beacon of the world.

In my last column, I said we must reflect on 2020 as a year that has challenged us and brought us new opportunities. It has been an opportunity for you, myself, and many Americans to put our people and country first to fight for a just America for all.

In 2021, we cannot just overcome our institutional and societal challenges, but we mustn’t remain bystanders. To heal, we must acknowledge the harm done and hold those who’ve threatened our way of life accountable.

Accountability and acknowledgment are crucial to building a more inclusive, tolerant America based on our foundational, democratic values. Moreover, we must pursue this path by collectively choosing leaders who reflect our modern American society. More importantly, it is equally essential to ensure that this process is protected, because it is every American’s fundamental right.

And yes, we need to hold the government accountable and the people who take an oath to serve us. By having strong leadership that reflects our modern United States’ values, we can see our leaders become agents of change from the top to their base.

This need for solid leadership is also evident as we look around and see how many lives we have lost. In Maine, the pandemic is raging and devastating many families and their loved ones.

In place of strong leadership, Mainers and many other Americans have stepped up to work and volunteer to feed the hungry, treat the sick, educate students, serve the public, clean our roads, and much more. Simply, to save lives even when it means their lives are equally on the line.

The altruism and courage seen throughout the pandemic and this election have shown that we can achieve a lot when we come together. So, let’s continue to strive together. Be patient with each other. Instill values in our children that embrace diversity and tolerance for one another — welcome education and wisdom in others. And confront our fear that comes with doing the right thing.

Step out of your comfort zone to take risks. Be the steward of your and our change.

Fatuma Hussein of Auburn is the executive director of the Immigrant Resource Center of Maine. The center was founded in 2001 to support refugee and immigrant communities by offering culturally and linguistically sensitive services to promote a healthy and equitable Maine. ​

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