Baldwin’s hope was a daily fight, not a settled belief.

Evidence

Even in the darkest moments in his life and in that of the country, Jimmy always believed we could be better than what we are. He also understood that the battle to choose life was fought every day, and imagination was one of his most potent weapons. But he had to fight for that insight. Fight against the country’s repeated betrayals. Fight his own rage and sense of despair. And fight for generations yet unborn. It made for a lonely life, but the fight was his choice. — Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Begin Again, 598