Today is the Day!

Monday, January 19, 2009

It is 12am, 1/20/09, and today is the day that this nation will see its first black President. The point about Obama becoming the "first black President" has been repeated over and over again (CNN can't get enough), but come on now - this is huge! I feel like I was born at the right time in history - and this is the very day that so many people have waited to see their entire lives...

Some people wonder why the world is so obsessed with Obama, but I don't think it is as much of an obsession with the person, Barack Obama, as it is with the significance of what he represents - societal advancement, both in this country and abroad. People have always been struck by "underdog" stories - the stories of people who went against the odds and fought their way to victory. And some of the most classic underdog stories in this country focus on a minority, woman (or a minority woman) who was able to break a glass ceiling that was so firmly held in place for centuries upon centuries. I think it is incredibly fair to say that the title of American President is the ultimate glass ceiling in this nation!

America is a relatively young nation that has, within a few centuries, witnessed both black slavery and a black president - and it is very important to recognize the work that has been accomplished by women and men of all races to push civil rights in the direction of today's victory. The extremes of slavery and the first black president are connected by the pain, bloodshed, tears, and heartache that it took to get to this day.

The moment when Obama officially accepts the title of presidency is going to be overwhelming for millions of people - myself included! When I watch him today, I will also hear the voice of Dr. King, the words of Malcolm X, the memories of videos I watched of men and women fighting and boycotting for their dignity... it is a combination of various thoughts that can push anyone to run for a Kleenex and think about where we are today as a nation.

I think it is important for every person to now take steps to help make President Obama's vision possible - particularly in the area of community advancement. Barack is only one man - but together, we can all make his vision a reality and make a difference in the lives of the people around us. That could mean becoming a Big Brother or Sister, a volunteer at a nearby homeless shelter, participate in volunteer missions through your church, and the list goes on. Idealist.org offers plenty of great nonprofit organizations in your community that you can join and help others in need. I do not believe anybody is too busy to lend a helping hand. And I do not believe anyone is too busy or too preoccupied to stop, take a moment to check their thoughts, and look at a man or woman that you previously considered as "the other" as "the same" now, and realize that all of us are equal in the eyes of God, and we need to treat each person with the respect and dignity that they deserve.