Overview: Local leaders in the Inland Empire are urging the community to be proactive in the face of the 2024 election results They encourage people to get educated, mobilize, and resist policies that harm marginalized communities. Local organizations are working to foster change in the community, and leaders suggest focusing on the upcoming gubernatorial election in 2026.
Breanna Reeves
In the wake of President-elect Donald Trump winning the 2024 presidential election and the failure to pass critical statewide measures, local leaders in the Inland Empire are in agreement as they urge the community to “get proactive.”
While Trump may have flipped Riverside and San Bernardino Counties red this election season, it was by a slim margin. According to 20204 election results reported by the California Secretary of State, in San Bernardino County, Trump won 50.5% of votes compared to 2020 where he secured 43.5% of votes. In Riverside County, he won 49% of votes compared to 2020 where he received 45% of votes.
“As we face the impending return of President-elect Donald Trump, it’s crucial for our community to shift from lamentation to collective and proactive organizing,” stated Pastor Samuel Casey, executive director of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE).
“By focusing on strategic collaboration and fostering an inclusive dialogue, we can prepare ourselves to navigate the challenges ahead. Let’s harness our collective strength and resilience, ensuring that we move forward together, empowered and ready to respond to whatever comes our way.”
California leaders and Democrats have already begun to take steps to address impending plans by the Trump administration such as eliminating the Department of Education. Over the past few weeks, Trump has announced controversial nominations to serve as major department heads such as appointing Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new “Department of Government Efficiency.” Trump also nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be the next U.S. health secretary.
“I do not think they should brace themselves; they need to be proactive in a sense and be prepared to weather the storm that is sure to come,” Alton Garrett, Westside Action Group President, stated via email. “If the rhetoric that has been spoken comes to fruition, America will never be the same again. Just look at the individuals that have been nominated for various positions. Look at who they are and what they stand for.”
Garrett and Casey aren’t the only leaders encouraging Californians to get proactive. Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a special legislative session in order to prepare to litigate and challenge new policies enacted under the Trump administration that are “unconstitutional and unlawful.” To be hosted on Dec. 2, the purpose of the special session is to develop legislation that will distribute more funding to agencies under the Executive Branch, with the goal of “mount[ing] robust and vigorous defenses of California’s laws.”
Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson encouraged the community to mobilize, get educated and resist policies that intend to harm marginalized communities.
“Do not let fear paralyze you. This moment demands courage and solidarity. The power of the people has always been stronger than the agendas of oppression. Now is the time to organize, speak out, and act with unwavering resolve.,” Dr. Jackson stated.
For residents of the Inland Empire (and beyond), Casey advised that communities channel their feelings into action. Fostering positive change in the community begins with focusing on collaborating with one another to create “more spaces of radical belonging.”
“Consider looking for an organization that resonates with your passions—whether it’s related to social justice, environmental issues, education, or community development. Investing your time, talent, and resources into these organizations can create a ripple effect, fostering positive change,” Casey stated.
Across the Inland Empire, there are dozens of organizations who are working to foster change in the community, and who have been doing so for years.
Social justice organizations like Starting Over, Inc. advocate on behalf of justice impacted individuals and their families, and were strong proponents of Prop. 6, a measure that would have abolished slavery in California. The measure did not pass.
Environmental justice in the region continues to be an important issue for residents who have been displaced by warehouses and who experience higher rates of asthma and respiratory-related illness. Local organization, Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, actively advocates for more warehouse oversight and focuses on communities most affected by environmental health hazards.
“Change will only come if we stay loud, united, and relentless in the fight for equity and justice,” Dr. Jackson stated.
The BLU Educational Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that provides educational services and programs to youth, adults and organizations. The Foundation has several college and career programs aimed at preparing students for college and connecting students to resources, as well as internships and scholarships.
While the Republican Party has claimed control of the House and Senate, according to current tallies, Garrett advised people to start taking action now by examining which representatives and senators will be up for reelection in the gubernatorial election in 2026.
“We must start NOW taking actions to control these chambers,” Garrett wrote in an email. “The goal should be to make this new President, a lame duck for the last two years of his term, the 120th Congress.”