Tears aren't falling from my eyes, but I am definitely feeling some special emotions for one of the most monumental moments in WORLD history. I say world history because it's much bigger than america. People across the globe have been amazed at what has been taking place, and have patiently waited for this change as much as we have. For them, it is a great sign of hope for a new day.
I dwell most on my grandmother in her 86 years. Speaking to her, and listening to her shed a tear or two, I realize how important this moment is for our elders. They have seen some difficult times in their lives. The transition from slavery, the Great Depression, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. I can tell that she feels some victory in this history, and I'm very grateful that she lived to experience this moment. I know that this is one of the biggest moments in her life.
A lot of people suffered and died for the freedoms that have produced this moment. The work of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., and countless others shows us that through dedication, persistence and even death if necessary, will pave the way for great things to happen. WE have to adopt this attitude. We can't simply rely on Obama being in office as our "salvation". WE have to be willing to continue to travel and pave roads in the same vain as those who came before us. There has to be sufficient balance between "party and bullshit" and community responsibility. We are all components to making this historical day be what it can be for us in the future. That task doesn't rest on the shoulders of Barack alone.
For my Black Nation of America, men and women, we have GREATER responsibility! Many have looked to Obama as an example of what can be achieved...ANYTHING! But also, we have to look deeper into what has allowed him to achieve this great moment. His OPEN love and RESPECT for his wife and his family. Black men, your woman is very necessary in your success in life. SHE is MOTHER EARTH, the cradle of civilization. Black women, in order to gain that respect from your Black King, you have to be the Queen God created you to be. This will trickle down to the children, and provide a strong foundation for them to be able to conquer the world. We have to become a family again, we have to put aside our differences to strengthen our communities because they are weak and desperate for solutions now...
Anyone who is close to me, knows that I have very little faith in a system that has constantly shown it's disregard and disrespect for us. You can say what you want, but I know for a fact that the founding fathers did not establish this New World with us in mind. We were to be the burden bearers, the sacrificial lambs, the expendable. And in reality, I still have little faith. Oscar Grant was MURDERED by a police officer a couple weeks ago. And there were at least 2-3 other incidents that didn't get TV time where Black men were slaughtered at the hands of the people who are to serve and protect us and our communities. But what I do have is a new hope that this historical moment will be the first major step towards changing minds like mine...
"You know who it is, you know what it is...peace out."