Obama inspires, shows promise

My president is black.

It’s 3:02 a.m. on Wednesday, and as I ponder those words, I am still somewhat speechless and attempting to wrap my head around the history made. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to see Barack Obama become the 44th president of the United States. I can remember having a conversation with my mother years ago, while in high school, about whether or not we’d ever live to see America elect a black president.

I figured my parents would never see such a thing and I’d maybe see it when I was old and gray. Well, here I am at the age of 23 voting for and witnessing what I feared would never happen.

When I think of the phrase “black president,” many things come to mind. Those words tell me that anything is possible. There are times when I’ve wondered if I’m actually talented enough to achieve my dreams. Now, if Obama, a black man, who couldn’t even get into the 2000 Democratic National Convention, can become president, who’s to say that I can’t, one day, become an editor-in-chief of a top magazine or own my own magazine company?

More importantly, I will be able to look my kids in the eye and tell them if they work hard, they can be anything in this world, even president of the United States. That is truly incredible to me, and it makes me emotional to think about it.

Forever etched in mind will be the shots of Jesse Jackson overcome by emotion, coming to tears at the announcement of Obama’s presidency. I think about all of those who have fought and marched for this moment, all of those who sacrificed everything during the civil rights movement and endured the Jim Crow laws of yesteryear.

I’ve never been more proud to be a black man in America. The feeling is not just my own, but many others feel the same way when thinking about the phrase “black president.”

Kevin Brown, a professor of law and director of the Hudson-Holland Scholars Programs, said he has long realized the historical significance of this election and knows he’s not alone.

“Every black person realizes the incredible historical significance,” Brown said.

“Racism is at an all-time low in this country. This tells young black people that if we can be president, we can definitely go to college and be successful.” 

It is a wonderful moment to be alive and to witness this amazing history being made.

Inspirational leadership is something we’ve been missing in politics, and Obama brings just that. Most will never forget where they were at 11 p.m. Tuesday. I know I’ll never forget.

The announcement brought subtle tears of joy and disbelief to my eyes as I walked away from others to take it all in.

Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican or whatever else, I urge you to take the time and appreciate this historical time and get behind our first black president.