Wassup, America.I needed a lil' time off for a minute.
But I'm back.
And what perfect timing!!
As gloomy as this country seemed over the past eight years, Barack Obama's impressive victory last night says a lot about America and it's new direction.
People decided to stand up and be heard. They turned out in unprecedented numbers, and refused to allow broken machines, long lines, and countless other possible setbacks to deter them from changing their country's future.
Win or lose, how can one be bothered by that? Especially given the cruel history of these United States.
Republicans wanted us to be afraid of "change" and all that's "new." "Don't trust him...he's a terrorist," they said. "Just look at his middle name, Hussein." America listened, and chose the change that the GOP warned them against.
I'm still in shock at the outcome of this entire process. How, with everything thrown at him, (labels, threats, racism, etc.) Barack Obama, along with the assistance of millions of supporters rose above the petty BS and took his rightful place as POTUS (President of the United States). Last night's victory finally stamps an expiration date on the "Bush years" and places a fresh, new outlook on the horizon.
A white person asked me this morning, how come Black folks are claiming this as a "personal victory." Rather than get upset, I thought about it, and then explained to him...
...Don't you see...we finally MATTER. We EXIST. The majority of us never thought we would live to see this day. This shows that NOTHING is impossible. Our children will grow up knowing that we TOO can be anything we aspire to be. The history books have been re-written. Oh, and suddenly...I can't WAIT until Black History Month. What?!!
Let's not forget that just a short 43 years ago, Blacks were barely able to vote in this country. People were beaten and even gave their lives to right this wrong.
So, my dear white folks, as this election serves as a powerful moment in history for us all...you'll forgive black folks if they seem to celebrate a little bit harder...scream a little bit louder....and cry just a little bit more. Even though, this IS a victory for ALL Americans, its point resonates a little bit deeper with my folks.
So feel free to get YOUR party on. But don't be alarmed by my people's ebullience these past few hours. It's been a LONG, LONG TIME coming. So...
...LET THEM REJOICE!!
