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 I would be remiss not to dedicate this issue’s editorial
to President-elect Barack Obama. As many
others, I was ecstatic when I heard the news reporter
across the screen announce Barack Obama
had won the presidential race and will become the
United States of America’s first African-American
president. An immediate, overwhelming joy filled
my spirit as I fought back tears of memories, pride,
and hope. The surreal moment made me grateful
to be alive to witness the day, November 4, 2008.
I shared my excitement with many others who
either felt like I did or were disappointed. But one
gentleman’s disappointment made me realize why
this election was important, and why Barack
Obama is the best man for the job. When I expressed
my pleasure at Obama winning the race,
this man, who is Black himself, asked if I only voted
for him because of his race. He asked that question
with discontent and went on to say, sarcastically,
“Did you even do your research on Obama
before voting for him?”
At first, I was taken aback by his comments
and mostly his tone. I was sure another Black man
would be happy that a fellow Black man had won
the race. However, this was not the case. He was
upset that Obama had won the popular vote and
election, and thought he did based on the mere
fact of his race. Quickly, I gathered my thoughts
and began to communicate my position.
In essence, my response was this: “Not once did
I let color transcend the issues that I cared about
most in this presidential election. Indeed, I did
my research. I researched all of Obama’s policies
and what he stood for. His health, education, economic,
and war policies were more aligned with
what I believe in than his opponent’s. In addition,
I thought he ran the best campaign I’ve seen
since I’ve been alive. It was flawless in galvanizing
people of all colors and ages to get out and
vote and believe that they can make a difference in
politics. It crossed all multicultural and multigenerational
boundaries and was inclusive of everyone.
Because of this man’s charisma, honesty, intelligence,
calmness in nature, and ability to lead
and inspire, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and
Nelson Mandela, I would have voted for him if he
were any other color than Black. Barack Obama
earned my vote because he is best qualified to do
the job.”
As Obama’s inauguration date draws near, I
pray that all those who reside in our country rally
behind our new leader of the free world. I pray
that we support his endeavors and aid in his success.
I pray for the safety of him and his family,
and that he leads America to a place where our
past Black leaders tried so earnestly to take us. But,
the onus is not only on Barack Obama, but all of
us who make up the 50 states of America. ¶
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