From “Call me Mr. Tibbs” to Call me Mr. President
From Jim Crow to President Barack Obama… we went from Yes We Can to Yes We Did. This is a very momentous occasion, not just because we have the first African American President, but because we have a president of change. If we were to watch the reactions of not only those American supporters of Obama, but the faces of the people around the world, we would notice how much the world needs change. The faces of men and women around the world weeping with joy and excitement. The weeping faces of young and old Americans voting for the very 1st time and knowing that their voices were heard. We now see how the world needs a ray of hope and something to look forward to.
What I believe to be the most compelling point, is the fact that we as African Americans do not see the election as being the breaking of the tape as we cross the finish line, but as the opportunity to be on the starting blocks to run the race. There are a few things that we know:
1. “They” are waiting for him to make the tiniest mistake so “they” can say “I told you so.”
2. How President Obama serves the people is a direct reflection on the African American community.
3. How we act is a direct reflection on President Obama (whether we like it or not).
4. We have a lot of work to do as a people to make this country better. This will not be an instant process, but after trying to fix the mess of the previous administration and then implementing the new strategy.
The question is: What’s next? What will change? What will change in the lives and values of our inter-city youth?...only time will tell. There can be no progress without a struggle. This is the time of struggle. Fixing the problems of the Bush administration will take time. To show the level of thought of his administration, Bush congratulates Obama and tells him to enjoy it and go on vacation…wasn’t that an issue with his term? Obama goes to work…good to see an immediate difference.
We are at the point where we can tell our sons and daughters that they can be and do anything that they put their minds to. We have not only broken the color barrier, but also the excuse barrier. There is no more blaming your lack of success on your home situation. No one ever said that it would be fair or easy. They just said that it would be worth it. I see a brighter future for America. Our children are no longer just competing with the other children in their classes, school, or state. This is a global market that we are living in and they are competing in a world market. It is time that we invest in our children and in our children’s future.
This future that we are hoping for will not be given to us, but through the crucible of time and hard work it will happen. Yes we can change the world. Yes can have a piece of the American dream. Yes we can make a difference in the lives of others. Yes we can and yes we will!!
CJ Corbin, II
Ksquare7.blogspot.com
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