January 19, 2009

Barack Obama: A Man for All People

by Dee Dee

I sit writing this article on the eve of the inauguration of the first African-American president in the history of the United States. Ironically, it is also the day many across the nation are celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a man whose name is synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement. A man who dreamed of an America and a world where all men and women would be treated equally, based on the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Dr. King tirelessly fought for the rights of people of color, the oppressed and the down-trodden.

Much like Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama is a man for all people. He is humble yet confident; he is gracious yet firm; and he is a peacemaker in every situation. People from every continent love him. He has been called a cultural icon, bringing hope where there is none. His election to the highest office in the world is an historic achievement that many of us thought would never happen. Thousands of martyrs have sacrificed, marched, protested, fought and died for equal rights in America, paving the way for Obama or anyone else daring to push the limits of success. It is on the shoulders of those giants that Barack Obama stands.

The journey has been long for Barack, and even longer for African-Americans as a whole. What began on a hot day on the West Coast of Africa some four centuries ago in packed-to-capacity slave ships, will culminate on a cold morning on the East Coast of America in our nation’s capitol.

As Barack Obama places his left hand on the Holy Bible and lifts his right hand towards heaven to take the oath of office, I can only imagine the thoughts racing through his mind. I imagine the pride he must feel, not only for himself, but also for all Americans – especially those who had enough faith and courage to cast a vote for him. Born of a white mother and a black African father, he is a product of the very two races of people who have battled each other in this country for hundreds of years. However, a bi-racial child of a single parent with an extremely controversial Arabic middle name, just may be the one that will bring order to this country in chaos. Maybe Barack Obama will show young black men how to dress for a job interview, how to treat a woman with love and respect, how to speak properly, how to take care of their children, and how to make peace with their enemies. Maybe Barack Obama will repudiate the stereotypical labels our white brothers and sisters have placed on us for years. Maybe he will be a role model for all young people.

When he utters those final words of the presidential oath, “So help me God”, I sincerely hope that he means what he says. Because he will need God’s help in leading this country – a country that is laden with two wars, insurmountable economic issues, unemployment, healthcare, infrastructure, education, energy, and racial problems. He will need godly wisdom, good counsel and the support of the entire nation. He will need the prayers of many.

I close by saying, Congratulations Mr. President! Today truly is a day to celebrate.