On February 20 2009, the United States became a country to be proud of again.
Like many others, I took a trip to Washington DC to witness the inauguration of the first African American president in America’s history. That in itself would have been enough to be proud of, but the event is made even more monumental by the fact that Barack Obama is a symbol of what so many black men aspire to be.
Along with his wife Michelle and two daughters, Malia and Sasha, they represent the American Dream – a dream thought to be unreachable by many. Yet they stand tall among all the nay-sayers; strong, healthy, intelligent, loving, and with a sense of morality and ethics that the political scene hasn’t seen in decades.
As I stood among millions in the National Mall, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. It finally felt like we as blacks, have someone on our side that can make a difference. Sure – we’ve had leaders before, and legendary ones at that – but none have been President of the United States. President Obama represents that certain human element that every hard-working man or woman can relate to. He is the kind of man who you can sit down and have dinner with, then go out with the fellas to shoot a game of hoops with afterwards. He sees many things the same way the majority of the black community sees it, and he isn’t looking to give everyone hand-outs – neither are we asking for them. We just want a fair shot at a comfortable and happy life, and I truly believe President Obama knows that and will work hard to level the playing field which as been lopsided since slaves were brought to this country.
I say to you Mr. President: Welcome. I have been waiting on this day since you began your campaign, and I know that you will do your very best to correct the tailspin that this country has been in for the past few years. However, I do not expect you to do it on your own….therefore I pledge to also become a member of your cabinet – as secretary of my community. I understand that change begins internally, therefore I will make a concerted effort to help clean up my community starting with my own home. No more living beyond my means, accruing debt, and looking out for self. Its time to alter the way we live, and look out for our fellow man.
Thank you President Obama, for giving us hope.
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Do you have pictures of your trip to D.C.??? I have been browsing through pictures at the Inauguration Scrapbook: http://www.inaugurationscrapbook.com/ Perhaps it would be nice to post the ‘Modern Minority’ perspective up there
I did manage to snap a few shots before my fingers started to freeze. I’ll post them in a gallery soon!