These are my feelings about the historical election of President-Elect Barack Obama:
This year, I have traveled to South Africa, Vienna and Paris. In all of those places there was a keen sentiment that change was needed in America and that McCain did not represent that needed change. When I was in South Africa, it was just as the xenophobia attacks broke out stemming from apathy, despair, poverty, and socio-economic situations etc. I was struck by how some of the same sentiments were apparent here in the U.S. albeit not as violent.
For me it has potent significant. First, my 83 year old mother and 12 year old grandchild are alive to see this historic occasion -- from my mother who suffered racism at its worst to my daughter who is bi-racial (White and Black). My mother gets to witness a world where anything is possible and my grandchild sees someone at the helm who really looks like her. (inclusive of black and white -- like the keys on a piano where the combination makes beautiful music). Further, President-Elect Obama's message of inclusion is what I am about. It is expressed in my book and is clearly a strong belief of mine. I also think that for African Americans, there is a need for a hero and there hasn't been one since Martin Luther King. I don't mean that Africa Americans can and should expect that they will be lifted up and carried on Obama's shoulders, but, that hope is alive and well. I also can't wait to see if this has a positive effect on gang violence, minorities staying in school and family unity. I have cried, prayed and cheered. Most of all for President-Elect Obama to keep his eyes on the prize and to continue to always be inclusive