Thirty Years On

Friday, October 03, 2025

Thirty years ago, I was deeply invested in the O.J. Simpson trial, as were so many others. It was more than a courtroom drama—it felt like a seismic event that tested our hopes, our doubts, and our fragile trust in the justice system. When the verdict was announced on October 3rd, the nation wasn’t just divided by opinion; it was stirred by waves of strong emotion. Some felt relief, while others were left heartbroken.

Today, I sense a similar atmosphere in our national life. Once again, many of us feel shaken, uncertain, or disbelieving when we see decisions made in courts, in government, or in the public square. We may not all agree on which choices are right or wrong, but we share the unease that comes when trust feels uncertain.

I’ve also felt how these larger events ripple close to home. Friendships I valued—built on horses, shared rides, and laughter—were tested when politics grew louder than the bonds between us. It saddened me then, and it still does, when division outweighs connection.

Yet, from both then and now, I’ve learned reminders worth holding onto. History is filled with moments that leave people at odds, when decisions shake our sense of stability. But history also shows that communities, friendships, and even nations can find renewal when we make space to listen—especially across disagreement.

The O.J. Simpson trial anniversary may recall a wound, but it also reminds us that we’re not alone in feeling disbelief, and not alone in hoping for better.

—Diana