President Barack H. Obama, Jr., being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America, ushers in a new and unprecedented era for this country. Duly elected as the first man of African-American descent to ascend to the most powerful office in the land, President Obama stands on the shoulders of many Black pioneers who died in the struggle in anticipation of a day such as this.
Growing up in the racially charged 70's, where the mantras of the day were: "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud"; "To Be Young, Gifted and Black", "Don't Want Nobody to Give Me Nothin'... Open the Door and I'll Get it Myself"... it is with deep pride that I, the great-great-great-graddaughter of slaves can see someone, who looks like me, actually in charge of the city where a 'free black man' named Benjamin Banneker, was instrumental in the construction of the city.
President Obama's success is essential! If he succeeds, all Americans, rather they identify as Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Green Party, can take pride in a unified nation. If Obama is allowed to fulfill his term in this office, there is a great possibility that he can help bridge the mistrust and misconceptions held by many in both the Black and white communities against each other.
And, African-Americans, while proud and unashamedly claiming ownership of Obama, Michelle, and his two beautiful daughters, must remember that he does not belong to the Black race only. He will be the president of all Americans, and in his quest to be successful, he knows he must govern accordingly. But he will need our help!
Help him by praying for him every day that he will surround himself with God-fearing advisors. Take time to find out the fax numbers and email addresses of your local Congressmen and Senators that you can show support of legislation that empowers your neighborhood, and let your voice be heard on policies that will not benefit you or your community. And lastly, we must carry ourselves as African Kings and Queens, committed to fulfilling the dream of Rev. Martin Luther King... and be steadfast in our goal of becoming self-reliant, disciplined and financially independent... just as our ancestors before us taught us.
This is a new day, and together, with our sleeves rolled up and head held high, we can make this country great again.
God Bless President Obama... and God Bless the U.S.A!
