Last year, America experienced the most contentious election cycle in modern history, and 2017 has continued driving Americans into an even deeper divide. The violent protests that suffused newspapers in 2016 have become even more rampant (and more violent) in 2017.

In many cases, our political leaders have enabled, not diffused, the chaos; rather than cooling tensions many have stoked the flames for political gain. It’s become clear, at least for this moment in our history, that with the hyper-politicized and polarized climate, America cannot unify behind her elected officials. Now more than ever, we desperately need unifying symbols of hope, but it seems like there are none.