So What Now? Bridging Divides Beyond MLK Day in a Divided Nation

Happy MLK Day…or is it!? 😒

I really LOVE the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I really HATE politics—or at least what they’ve become.

For those like me who care deeply about people and about America, the place they call home, “So what now?” feels like the million-dollar question. It’s the question I’ve been wrestling with as we celebrate the love, unity, and hope of MLK Day while simultaneously watching the deep divisions that define our country on display in today’s inauguration.

Let me be real with you. I know that some of you reading this voted for Kamala Harris, and some of you voted for Donald Trump. I’m not here to argue over who’s right or wrong, to debate why the country should’ve gone one way or another, or to label anyone as less than human because of how they voted. That’s not the point.

The point is this: No matter who we voted for or what reasons we had, it’s undeniable that we are a nation more divided than ever.

Facing the Reality of Division

This isn’t just a political divide; it’s personal, cultural, economic, and social. Everywhere you look, there are lines being drawn. According to Pew Research, 80% of Americans feel the country is more divided today than it’s been in decades. Think about that—8 out of 10 people feel like we’re pulling apart rather than coming together.

And it’s not just politics causing the split. The gap between rich and poor has reached its widest point in over 50 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Communities are grappling with racial injustice, families are struggling to make ends meet, and climate change is looming larger than ever. Even within our homes, relationships are strained by the tension of “us vs. them.” As a man who loves his family, I can attest to the reality of this tension. Whew…

Social media isn’t helping either. These algorithms have us all on Jerry Springer looking crazy throwing chairs, or in the audience chanting “fight”. 🤦🏽‍♂️ Research shows that posts promoting outrage and conflict are more likely to go viral than those promoting understanding or compromise. We’re being fed division on repeat, and it’s no wonder we’ve become so polarized.

This is exhausting!

Where Do We Go from Here?

But here’s the thing: Even though it feels overwhelming, we can’t afford to give up. Dr. King said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Yikes, that truth really hurts.

We don’t have to agree on everything to move forward. But we do have to choose to move forward. And that means bridging the divides that are tearing us apart, even when it feels easier to stay in our own corners.

So, what does that look like?

First, we need to be honest about how we’re feeling. It’s okay to admit that you’re angry, hurt, or scared about the state of the country. I know I am, even if I seem cool on the outside. But if we bottle it up or pretend it’s not there, it only festers. Bridging divides starts with vulnerability—being willing to have hard conversations, even when they’re uncomfortable.

Second, we have to stop treating people who think differently as the enemy. It can be hard to sit across from someone whose views feel like they contradict everything I value, but if we don’t start seeing the humanity in each other, we’ll never move forward.

Finally, we have to act. Hope isn’t passive—it’s active. It’s about showing up for your community, supporting organizations doing the work, and being intentional about the relationships you build. Dr. King’s dream wasn’t just about imagining a better world; it was about taking steps every day to make it a reality.

Why Bridge Builders Matter Now More Than Ever

So, if you’re reading this, congratulations—you’ve officially been drafted into the Bridge Builders family. No secret handshakes yet, but we’ll keep you posted.

But seriously, if you’ve been in this work for a while, or maybe you’re just starting to think about how to bring people together. Either way, your role is critical.

Bridge Builders reminds us that unity doesn’t mean we all think the same or agree on every issue. It means we’re willing to work together, even when it’s hard. It means we’re committed to building something better—not just for ourselves but for those who come after us.

So, as we honor Dr. King today, let’s do more than just remember his words. Let’s live them. Let’s make them our guide as we navigate these divided times.

What does that mean for you? Maybe it’s reaching out to someone you’ve avoided because of political differences. Maybe it’s showing up to serve in your local community. Maybe it’s simply taking a hard look at your own biases and committing to do better.

Dr. King’s dream isn’t dead. It’s alive in each of us who choose to keep it going. So let’s not just celebrate today—let’s carry it into tomorrow and beyond.

Because if we don’t, who will?

Happy MLK Day, Bridge Builders. The world needs you. 🧡