“Let us not just believe in the American dream, let us be worthy of it.”
– Amanda Gorman

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause and ask: have we lived up to Amanda Gorman’s challenge? Have we done enough to make the American dream something we’re worthy of, not just something we talk about? The truth feels like both yes and not yet.

We’ve seen real progress in the years since George Floyd’s murder, but let’s be honest—there’s still a lot of work to do. If I had to grade America on how it’s doing in this first quarter of the 21st century, I’d give us a B-. We’ve made progress, sure, but there are still cracks in the foundation that need serious attention.

What We’ve Gotten Right

First, there are some things we’ve done well:

Talking About Racism: A Step Forward, But Action Is Key

After 2020, the conversation around systemic racism got a lot louder and started happening in more places—not just on the streets during protests, but in boardrooms, classrooms, and across social media. Companies started making diversity pledges, with some taking real steps like fixing hiring practices and closing pay gaps, while others got called out for empty promises. Grassroots movements kept pushing for equity in housing, education, and policing, keeping the momentum alive.

Schools began teaching more about systemic inequality, which led to some progress but also plenty of backlash. Social media played a big role, giving people a platform to share their stories and making discussions about racism feel more normal, especially for younger generations. Still, these conversations haven’t been easy. There’s been pushback, with debates over “woke culture” and efforts to undo diversity initiatives popping up everywhere.

Talking about racism is a huge first step, but it’s not enough on its own. Awareness without action won’t lead to real progress. These conversations need to turn into real, systemic changes—otherwise, they’re just words.

Police Reform: Progress, but Still a Long Way to Go

Police reform has been slow, but there are some positive changes happening. It’s not just about holding bad cops accountable anymore—there’s more focus on fixing the systems that allow misconduct to happen in the first place. Some cities are trying new approaches, like having mental health professionals respond to certain calls or sending unarmed crisis teams to handle non-violent situations. These ideas aim to prevent unnecessary escalations and provide the right kind of help.

Body cameras and bans on practices like chokeholds have made policing more transparent, but enforcing consequences for bad behavior is still inconsistent. Communities are starting to have more of a say, thanks to civilian oversight boards and laws requiring de-escalation techniques. But progress looks different depending on the city—some places are moving faster than others, and resistance from police unions can slow things down.

There’s also a growing movement to shift some police funding into programs that tackle the root causes of crime, like poverty, mental health support, and housing. While these ideas are gaining momentum, federal reforms like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act are still stuck, making it hard to see consistent progress across the country.

True reform isn’t just about tweaking how police operate—it’s about rethinking the whole system. To create safer communities, we need to address deeper issues like racial profiling and over-policing. Real safety comes from building preventative systems that support people before problems arise, not just reacting to them after the fact.

Breaking Mental Health Stigmas
More people in marginalized communities, especially Black Americans, are opening up about mental health. The stigma is fading, and more folks are going to therapy, exploring trauma-informed care, and focusing on their well-being. This shift is huge, thanks to culturally aware therapists, grassroots programs, and local initiatives that are meeting people where they are.

Social media has also made a big impact. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of stories, tips, and resources that make mental health conversations feel more normal—especially for younger people. Churches and community leaders are jumping in, too, helping spread the message that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

But it’s not all progress. Therapy can still be expensive, and there aren’t enough therapists, especially ones who understand the unique struggles of marginalized communities. On top of that, bigger issues like poverty, housing problems, and everyday stress from discrimination are still hurting people’s mental health in ways therapy alone can’t fix.

We’ve come a long way, but there’s still work to do. Better access to care, more focus on systemic problems, and continued conversations about mental health are key to creating real change. Breaking the silence was the first step—now it’s time to keep moving forward.

The Power of Young People

Young people are leading the charge for change, and it’s impossible to miss. They’re organizing protests, creating online campaigns, and challenging outdated systems with an energy that’s inspiring. Social media has become their megaphone, turning hashtags into movements and viral posts into real-world action.

But they’re not just online—they’re out in their communities, leading rallies, hosting town halls, and pushing policymakers to take action. From racial justice to climate change, they’re tackling big issues with boldness and creativity, using art, storytelling, and tech to engage people in new ways.

What makes them stand out is their fearlessness. They’re not afraid to call out injustice or demand immediate change, even when it ruffles feathers. They’re showing the world that activism doesn’t have to follow the old rules—it can be fresh, inclusive, and dynamic.

Sure, they face challenges like burnout or criticism for being “too idealistic,” but they’re not letting that stop them. They’re proving they’re not just the leaders of tomorrow—they’re leading today. Their work reminds us all that real change starts with people who refuse to accept things as they are and dare to dream of something better.

But Here’s a Few Things Still Broken

That said, we’ve got a long way to go. Some big problems still need fixing:

The Racial Wealth Gap

The racial wealth gap remains a major issue. Black families are still far behind in homeownership, income, and savings, making it harder to build generational wealth. Discriminatory practices like redlining and unequal access to fair mortgages continue to hold families back, while lower wages and higher student debt add to the burden.

Closing this gap means addressing these systemic barriers and creating real opportunities for Black families to build lasting wealth. Until then, financial equality will remain out of reach for many.

Healthcare Inequities

COVID-19 exposed long-standing healthcare gaps in marginalized communities. Limited access to quality care, high costs, and systemic bias lead to higher rates of chronic illness, shorter life spans, and worse outcomes during crises. Environmental hazards and poverty further worsen health disparities.

Addressing these inequities requires more than better access—it means tackling root causes like poverty, food deserts, and environmental injustice while making care affordable and culturally competent.

Schools That Don’t Get Enough: Education Inequities

Schools in low-income areas, which often serve kids of color, still don’t get the funding or resources they need to give students a fair chance. Outdated textbooks, overcrowded classrooms, and underpaid teachers are just a few of the challenges these schools face. Without access to technology, extracurriculars, or advanced courses, students miss out on opportunities that could help them break out of the cycle of poverty.

On top of that, schools in these areas often lack mental health support and counselors, even though many students deal with challenges like food insecurity, unstable housing, or community violence. These gaps make it harder for kids to focus and succeed.

Fixing this isn’t just about funding—it’s about rethinking how we distribute resources to make sure every student, no matter their zip code, has access to the tools and support they need to thrive. If we want these communities to grow and succeed, investing in their education is where it starts.

Environmental Injustice
Environmental racism is still a major issue, and it hits marginalized communities the hardest. People of color are more likely to live near landfills, factories, or highways that pollute the air and water. It’s not just about bad luck—it’s about policies and zoning decisions that have ignored or harmed these communities for decades.

The Flint water crisis is just one example of a much bigger problem. Cities across the U.S. face similar issues, with unsafe drinking water and failing infrastructure putting lives at risk. Add to that the health effects of dirty air from industrial plants and highways, which cause higher rates of asthma, lung disease, and other illnesses in these neighborhoods.

On top of all this, when disasters like floods or hurricanes hit, marginalized communities are often the least prepared and the last to get help, which only makes things worse. Fixing this means holding polluters accountable, investing in clean water and air, and making sure everyone has the same right to live in a safe, healthy environment.

Have We Found True Meaning in Gorman’s Words?

Amanda Gorman’s quote asks us to go beyond belief and take action. It challenges us to stop dreaming and start doing. So, have we found the true meaning of her words? Maybe we’ve started to understand it, but we’re not there yet.

Believing in the American dream is one thing. Making sure everyone has a fair shot at it is something else entirely. For many marginalized communities, the dream still feels out of reach. Generational barriers like economic inequity, health disparities, and systemic racism continue to hold people back.

True worthiness isn’t about isolated success stories—it’s about creating systems that don’t force people to fight just to survive. It’s about making the dream accessible to everyone, no matter their starting point.

Where Do We Go From Here?

So, what now? We can’t just pat ourselves on the back and call it a day. If we want to truly live up to Gorman’s challenge, here’s what needs to happen:

Rethink Public Safety
Move beyond the idea that policing is the only answer. Invest in community-based safety programs, mental health resources, and approaches that focus on prevention and support.

Make Health Care Fair
Everyone deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare. But we also need to address the root causes of bad health—housing, food insecurity, education, and environmental conditions.

Fix the Schools
Fund schools equally, no matter where they are. Every kid deserves a quality education, not just the ones in wealthy neighborhoods.

Close the Wealth Gap
Help people build generational wealth with policies like affordable housing, better wages, and student loan relief.

The Big Picture

At the end of the day, it’s not just about believing in the American dream; it’s about making sure everyone has a shot at living it. We’ve made progress, but we can’t stop now.

“Lift Every Voice” isn’t just a song—it’s a call to action. It reminds us that we all have a role to play in this fight. If we use the momentum we’ve built to push for real, lasting change, then maybe one day we can say we’re truly worthy of the dream Amanda Gorman spoke about.