Jun 07 2008
Barack Obama: We Are On Our Way
We celebrate a monumental occasion this week. . . . the nomination of the first black person for a major political party. As a young. . .ok, younger black person, I find this moment to be a tremendous moment of pride. It seems we have had a serious lull in the truly inspiring moments for black people. . . .or so
America would have us think. We are limited in the images of the “truly possible” that we are able to see.Do we think it is possible to be a famous athlete. . . .sure, black people can do that. Do we think it is possible to be a famous musician or artist . . . sure black people can do that too. We see it everyday on TV and the other forms of media. But, can a black voice change the world . . . .that’s the stuff you read about in the history books. We are made to believe that there are no more Malcolms & Martins of the world anymore. We are taught to take pride in our physical strength but not much notice is given to our mental prowess.The nomination of Barack Obama is a reminder to little black boys and girls that we come from greatness. We have the strength to survive and overcome anything that is placed before us. We can be anything . . . even President one day. We can do and be anything we choose.
That is not to say that racism is gone and does not exist. That is not to say that it isn’t a very real and formidable barrier to achievement of our dreams. Racism does exist and it will attempt to hammer away at our self-respect, love, and pride everyday that we exist on this earth. It will do so in subtle and obvious ways.
The nomination of Barak Obama is the reminder that we can weather the storm. It is a reminder that we achieve despite the forces that stack up against us.
Many young black kids today never get the chance to witness our great achievements because the media does not value a story of black achievement and sadly once many of us “make it” we run far and fast from our humble beginnings never to be seen again. Therefore, when moments like this arise, it gives us hope. In an economy where hope is fading in the wind, we have to take each moment we get and store it away deep within and draw on its strength when the storms reach shore . . . .which we know they will
Very well written, and I do agree that blacks CAN and SHOULD strive to be more than a celebrated athlete or a platinum selling rapper. We have the power and the right to change the world with our minds just as much as anyone else does.