Nobody wants this type of adversity in their life or community. But when it comes regardless, as it has, you must meet it rightly, with character. Better yet, use it to become a person with strength you never imagined possible. After all, adversity is "a necessary element in the formation of worthy people and achievements."
But what does it mean to meet this moment with character? With the strength of the person you want to be?
In one phrase: endure and rage. Endure the circumstances while simultaneously raging against them. Hold both at once.
In moments like these, it's easy to give up. To despair. To take it personally. I find myself there. They started the raids in Little Village, where I grew up. They intensified in Minneapolis, where I am now. The temptation to despair follows me; they're grabbing and assaulting people who look like me after all.
But despair is a trap.
Enduring means refusing to let them break you. It means protecting your daily habits, the foundation that keeps you strong. It means not letting fear seep into your mind and take control.
So don't despair. Wake up early. Train your mind and body. Continue the massive, concentrated effort of building your company, supporting your family, fulfilling whatever duty is yours. Do not let them break the habits that make you strong. During moments like these, you need them.
Be polished. Healthy. Sharp. Strong. In spite of everything. That is what it means to endure.
But enduring alone is not enough.
Enduring without resistance means accepting circumstances you should never accept. It means watching injustice unfold and doing nothing to stop it.
This is where you must rage.
Rage against the injustice in whatever way fits you best. Get involved with local groups. Lend an ear. Donate. Invest in your companies, your family, whatever leverage you have to eventually change the world for the better. Use your voice. Use your platform. Use your success as proof that they're wrong about us.
By holding both, endurance and rage, you become unbreakable.
They cannot break you, because you endure.
You will never stop fighting, because you rage.
With both, you'll not only survive this moment. But you'll have developed strength and made it a little better for those around you.
That is what it means to meet adversity, like this, rightly.