It’s not easy to accept that the Oval Office has shifted from Barack Obama to President Donald Trump.

It’s not easy to accept that the media is now at war with Trump, that those in my field are being accused of being “dishonest.”

On Jan. 23, 2017, whitehouse.gov removed information regarding climate change, the LGBT community and civil rights. This was done to update the issues in accordance with Trump’s stances. 

Acceptance is not easy. It’s never going to be easy, but we have no choice but to accept it.

To those who continue to refuse Trump as the 45th president: Accept it. I am in the same boat as you; I may not agree with his policies or his rhetoric, but you can’t keep running away from reality.

To those who continue to fear for the fate of themselves and this country, remember that no good can come from fearing the future.

Admittedly, it took me time to accept that Trump is going to be our president. It took me time to accept that right-wing policies will shift the course of our nation.

Acceptance wasn’t easy, but it can be done.

One thing was clear for me: Regardless of what may happen, I am a journalist. No matter what challenges I may face or what obstacles arise, I have a duty to report fair and honest stories, as well as inform the public of what they need to know. 

I’m not just any journalist, however. I’m a young, black male with hope for the future. I will continue to do what I need to do, no matter who gets in my way.

Perhaps most importantly, I’m not alone. There are others who strive for the same aspirations as myself. We will continue to fight and live the way we want. There’s no reason for anyone to live in fear for what may come.

We are the next generation. 

Believe it or not, it is truly up to us to determine how our future is going to be, and I expect it to be a bright one.

Brandon Bounds is a guest columnist, contact him at [email protected].