Understanding History
November 10, 2008
Senator Barack Obama was elected President of the United States on November 4, 2008. It was a moment that millions honestly felt they would never see in their lifetime. I have written before about how I had doubt that America could or would ever elect an African American President. So when we flipped the television to CNN and heard/saw Wolf Blitzer announce that CNN was ready to declare that Barack Obama was President, there was a brief moment of silence.
Even though I was in a room of Barack supporters, everyone still had a moment of shock and then a loud yell of excitement and rejoiced in the fact their candidate had won, that there was a new President and that an African American was able to DO IT. I was so excited and so proud of the moment. I couldn't wait for his acceptance speech. I knew it would be the definition of a change that was upon us as a society, a nation, and a Race of people.
Of course, we had to wait for his speech. As always, the first speech is that of the losing candidate. We had to hear the concession speech. I must say that it was probably one of the best speeches Sen. John McCain had given during his campaign and I know if he had spoken with such passion and hope throughout the campaign there is no way Barack would have won so easily. Anyway, I was very happy to hear him give his speech of support and respect.
Finally the moment came and Barack walked on stage. I am from Chicago, still have family there, and just spoke with my mother who was standing in the crowd at Grant Park so that she could make sure she was there for this history making event. When he walked on stage, I felt so much emotion and just was overwhelmed with a sense of PRIDE. His speech was exactly what I expected; very poignant and inclusive. It was everything that he was and that he hoped for this country.
The next day, I had to get up earlier than usual and was trying to get ready quickly. My wife was still sleep in bed and as I was putting on my pants, it all hit me. This was all bigger than anything I imagined. It was all a moment of clarity. For me, it was the manifestation of the mantra, "you can be anything you want to be." Barack was President of the United States of America. I had to take a seat and just cry. Not cry with sadness, not cry with joy, just cry. It was my moment of realization!!!
Even to this day, 6 days later, I find myself sometime overcome with emotion that causes my eyes to tear. It's nothing I can do to stop it. It's emotion. I UNDERSTAND HISTORY and I am proud that this moment has not past. It's unbelievable!! I love this emotion and I doubt I will ever lose it. I mean I ask you, how many papers did you buy??? I know I am not the only one, understanding history means we all have had or are having our emotional moment.








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