Tuesday November 4, 2008 was a significant, emotional, and historic day for this country. It was the galvanization and culmination of the continual struggle for equality and inalienable rights for all people. The long two year campaign ending with the election by a land side of Barack Obama as the 44th. President of the the United States is something that I never thought I’d see in my life time.
My humble beginnings of growing up in the segregated nation’s capitol of Washington, DC never gave me hope of seeing this day. I think of all of the sacrifices of our families and forefathers who built this country laboring as slaves for better than 300 years. I think of the civil rights giants who never gave up fighting for our rights and equality Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, Ralph Abernathy, A. Phillip Randolf and Medgar Evers to name a few. This list is far from complete and only reflects the names of people that I though of while writing this blog.
This election by no means ends racial prejudice in amercia, but it does send a resounding message to all of the people in this country and the rest of the world that we are a country of progress and it is not business as usual. Visionaries the likes of Barack Obama don’t come along very often. He possesses the rare qualities of insight, intelligence, wisdom beyond his years, and the ability of being approachable all while being able to think on his feet and come up with answers that make sense on the spot.
Make no mistake Barack Obama’s election does not end racial discord and feelings in this country. It does however sends a strong message of hope and progress. As he begins to pick his cabinet, the country is in a depression not seen since the 1929 stock market crash. So he is starting off at a distinct disadvantage. I am optimistic that given time he can lead us back to prosperous times. This won’t come over night. He ran on a platform of HOPE, and CHANGE. Let’s help him, help us.
I’M FIRED UP, AND READY TO GO. YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!
See my family as we exited the polls on elecion day. www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7aFV4ZBduM
Bernie Chavis