Vanessa Martínez-Renuncio, PhD reminds us that the joy of victory springs from our hard work and struggle.
Today we celebrate
by Vanessa Martínez-Renuncio
A blue wave I hoped for, silently while feeling drained from holding space, holding others up on my shoulders
I hoped loudly, in safe spaces, with likeminded people, in community,
I worked behind the scenes in higher education, attempting to operationalize our values of collaboration and inclusion at a time where fear and hiding was recommended
I worked to create and sustain relationships, continuing the work
My integrity unshakable, I thought about the lines I would not cross, the ways I would not hide
I challenged my students to be accountable to themselves, to dream harder, bigger, to protect each other, and to resist tyranny
I pressed forward, asking students and colleagues to find their line in the sand, the issues they wanted to fight for and the vision they had for this world
And today over text, I asked my friend, a community organizer and teacher, if she ordered a blue wave.
Confused, she replied “what is that?”
Smiling to myself, I replied “Last night’s win”
Reminding me that I need to commemorate this moment in multiple ways – my friend’s election day birthday where something blue is warranted, a piece of writing for my nena to remember the historic wins, especially of women of color leaders elected across the country, and for myself.
I spent the day exhausted walking around talking about the blue wave that turned into a blue tsunami
While this is a moment to celebrate, it is not the end, it is the continuation of centuries of work.
Tomorrow is a new day of holding blue accountable for their words, their actions and their communities.
Written Nov 4th, 2026
Vanessa E. Martínez-Renuncio, PhD, is a writer from San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, rediscovering her creative voice through poetry, children’s literature, flash fiction, and more. She is also a health anthropologist, professor, and nonprofit leader whose work centers on justice, cultural humility, and culturally responsive pedagogy.