The world woke up to a black president of the United States on Wednesday. The sober moment when Obama delivered his acceptance speech was an amazing footnote to an amazing presidential contest.
He delivered his words carefully and with keen attention to pace, content and care. He called upon his people, the American people, to rally around him, understanding that these are challenging times. And yet above all the enthusiastic celebration, comes the realization that nobody can say that Martin Luther’s dream has not come true. The day when a nation’s leader is of his color, is the day when he has found the promised land he spoke of so eloquently decades ago.
And with this moment, comes a transition from entitlement to empowerment. It is the realization of many generations who have waited for this day and with it will bring much thought about the programs which were put in place particularly to permit a young man like Obama to succeed. And yet, is he really a product of those programs, or is he more a product of his own design, of a loving family, and of sheer brilliance and determination. Is he the exception that cannot change the rule or is he the example that can enpower a generation of young men who did not believe they could achieve such heights.
With empowerment, entitlement is to be questioned. Is it necessary anymore? Does the NAACP still serve a purpose? I am not answering any of these questions, it is not my place to say. I am simply putting forth some thoughts which could not have been expressed just a week ago when this dream was not realized.
I salute Mr. Obama. Whether or not we have the same political beliefs is immaterial. What is important is that he has the opportunity to drive us out of the mess we are in and into a better place.
Sass