Now, for many who have never been called a derogatory racial slur, been denied seating because of the color of your skin, been presumed guilty simple because you are “dark,” been seen as “less than” because some scientist has labeled your ethnic group that way, been told you “cannot” because your ancestors never have, or have been degraded through subtle racism’s which deteriorates the very fabric in which your ethnicity sits on, this day might not mean as much. However, for “us”— meaning African American people, Puerto Rican people, Mexican people, Korean people, Euro-American people, African people, and any one else who identifies with their ethnic background and culture—this day means that we take a closer step towards “all men created equal…” and realize that people of darker persuasion can be“all they can be.”
Obama represents that not only African American’s can now take a positive step forward, but all people of color and minorities can take that step too.
This day, for me, means that I take a step towards being called just an “American.” For me, this day means that the nation begins to heal and my vision of building bridges between the ethnicities/ races is better realized. Today, this means that I, a Black man racially, an African American and Mexican American ethnically, can be seen as a little more than just my skin color, bald head, walking swagger, and slang in my speech. This day means that we as a nation further embrace the power of The Emancipation Proclamation, The Civil Rights Movement, and all the achievements, sacrifices, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears that people who have fought for justice and peace have made. This day is a BIG day!
I have a mixed set of emotions today. Yes, it is true. On one hand, I am filled with joy, hope, happiness, and vigor for what is to come in our nation as a whole. I am filled with a sense of potential unity that can take place, which has never really materialized. I feel that I can finally say “My president.” In addition, I am filled with multiple visions of what our nation could be; possibly the idealistic country we all talk about and hope it could be.
On the other hand, I am conscious that we, as a country, have serious issues to deal with regarding race, class, and ethnicity. We have much work to be done on the destructive nature of stereotypes and ethnocentrisms. As a country, we have not had a very good record of accomplishment when it comes to race, class, and ethnicity. And I am never forgetful of changing events like Emmitt Till, the Watts Riots, the L.A. Riots, Katrina, and more recently the Jena 6. The list could keep going unfortunately. I am mindful of the fact that racism goes further than a David Duke, the KKK, Neo- Nazis, & Hitler wannabe’s. It is engrained into the historical fabric of our nation and Obama is not going to just “end” that by being sworn in. Moreover, I am fearful when I hear conversations that begin with, “See, now everyone can make it…all you have to do is work hard…” because that is simply not the truth for many U.S. citizens—especially those of color. I realize that Obama has his work cut out for him and I in no way envy him. Moreover, I do not feel that Obama is going to be the “savior” of race, class, and ethnicity issues—it is just too big for one person to deal with.
Yet, even with all the problems we face, I feel a sense of hope that I have only seen or read about in books or seen through others who do not represent me nor “look” like me. I am excited and optimistic for the first time in over a decade. I feel as though I can begin to “trust” our government and believe in the power of change. It really is a trip!
I feel as though America has resoundingly said, “We’re tired of the same old crap!” It is good to see the amount of urban young people out and potentially believing in the power of democracy. I have seen urban youth, who would have never even thought about voting much less participating in a political event, get out and “rock the vote.” It has been amazing to see the solidarity expand to people who would rather stay at home than vote. It is amazing to see this new generation of African American youth come together, move beyond the “victim” worldview, and realize that this nation is moving forward — slowly, but nonetheless forward. I am taken by that.
Therefore, it is with great happiness, joy, angst, fear, and hope that I embrace the day and realize Dr. Martin Luther King’s words in the now infamous “I have a dream” speech more as a reality rather than just “a dream.”
