President Barack Obama: The Color of Change

Could this be the "Dream" that Martin visioned? Or rather the "Mountain Top" which he proclaimed he had been to, but might not reach with us? Regardless of which analogy you choose, the election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next President of the United States of America is a testament to the progression of African-Americans over the years and this nation as a whole.


Since our arrival to this country over 500 years ago as slaves, we as Blacks have fought tirelessly to gain what Thomas Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence, calls our "God given unalienable rights" of Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Over walls of discrimination we have had to leap & through trenches of injustice we've had to find our way. Generation after generation we've taken small steps towards achieving this "American Dream" of freedom and equality, sometimes to little progress or to no avail. But as the great abolitionist and orator Fredrick Douglass once said "Without struggle there is no progress." This belief that the advancement of our people in this country could only be accomplished through sacrifice and great effort, has resonated throughout the African-American community with every passing era, and was never more evident than it was last night.

The selection of an African-American to the highest office in this country and arguably the most important position in the world, was the culmination of centuries of struggle. This achievement captures the essence of where we came from as Kings & Queens in Africa, what we were subjected as an oppressed people in America, to what we can and will become, which is ANYTHING WE PUT OUR MINDS TOO! Barack Obama represents not only the growth of African-Americans but other minority groups in this country whether it be ethnic, gender, sexual orientation-based, social class, etc. He is the total embodiment of america's neglected voice; those whose needs under the previous administration had been forgotten. With him becoming President of the United States, faith has been restored to millions of American who seemed to doubt the effectiveness and integregity of our political system.

However, it is important to understand that with change comes more responsibility and accountibility. Americans alike, especially African-Americans and Minorities, have got to began to take more responsibilty for their own lives and want more than what comes easily. No more can we blame our problems on "the man" or "the system". Granted, Barack will be this country's new president, but that does not mean that we become complacent in our ways and look for a special hand out. This concept of no progress without struggle must be applied. Voting was the easy part in comparison to how much we still have to accomplish. Hard work and sacrifice is the only way that we as a people can bring about change, not only for ourselves but for our children, and their children, and generations to come. So as we began this new chapter in history, let us celebrate Barack Obama and his milestone achievement, reflect on those who've paved the way for us as a people to get to the point where we are, and remember that we all have to do our part if we want to see CHANGE.

"For even as we celebrate tonight, we know that the challenges tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime....The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term, but America I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." -President Elect Barack Obama, Nov.4,2008