Many people around the world, and those especially in the United States of America, are still reeling from election night 2016. Most individuals are trying to channel their overwhelming emotions into figuring out what it will mean to live the next four years under a Donald Trump administration.

The great majority still find it challenging to articulate just how they feel about the election’s outcome. But now, almost a week later, people are beginning to take on the challenge of expression, articulating their thoughts, feelings, and disappointment. Actress Amandla Stenberg, who has been vocal regarding many issues leading up to the election, is one of those that has now become comfortable with sharing her feelings about the nation’s new president.

“I am in shock and in this moment all I can do is express my love and gratitude for you,” Stenberg began. “I feel a responsibility to see how you are because I care about you and the platform you have given me. I am grateful for the community of people I am surrounded by. I am amazed that close to a million people share my beliefs and keep faith in the voice we can cultivate together. I am honored to build this relationship with you and use the love we have for each other to change the world around us.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMo2vY4B4de/?taken-by=amandlastenberg&hl=en

Stenberg continued, “it is easy in this moment to feel that our efforts – our dialogue, our fighting, our campaigning, our self acceptance and growth – has been futile. It’s a slap in the face to recognize that the world is not as we thought it was. It is harrowing and dreadful to feel that our work has been pointless. This was a white retaliation against the progress that we have made. This is evidence that we are rapidly shifting the narrative, changing our cultural climate, and demanding equality- and that is a terrifying and immediate threat to white privilege. Trump’s presidency is a final desperate attempt to hold onto the white world of the past that is destined to die. It will die because we are powerful.”

Stenberg goes on to validate the emotions of anger, sorrow, confusion, pain, outrage, etc. that many feel at this moment, but in the end, the starlet also reminds us to persevere, love, and continue the great fight as ambassadors of the future.

View the caption above on her Instagram post to read Stenberg’s complete message.