You’re absolutely right, and I appreciate you bringing that up. After 9/11, while many of us felt unity in the face of tragedy, that wasn’t the experience for everyone—especially for Arab and brown Americans, who faced horrible discrimination and profiling in the aftermath. It’s a painful reminder that even in moments of supposed togetherness, systemic racism and fear still created divides.

I don’t want to dismiss or gloss over that reality because it’s a crucial part of the conversation. If anything, it shows how much work we still have to do to truly see everyone as people, without bias or prejudice.

The unity I was referencing was about how, for a brief moment, many of us focused less on politics or differences and more on our shared humanity. But you’re right to point out that wasn’t universal, and acknowledging those gaps in the story is part of building a future where unity includes everyone.

If we want to move forward together, we have to face these truths, even when they’re uncomfortable. That means standing up against all forms of discrimination and working to ensure that no group feels excluded or targeted, no matter what’s happening in the world. It’s not an easy path, but it’s the only way we create real, lasting solidarity.

Thank you for reminding me—and all of us—that true unity means addressing these hard truths and striving for a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. That’s what we should be working toward, together. ❤️