History in the Making: Part II

4 years ago I wrote a post about how inspired I was by Barack Obama. 4 years later and I feel the same way...

November 4th, 2008

Unlike my ancestors, I was not around to experience slavery...nor did I come of age in the South at the height of racial tensions and discrimination, like my parents/grandparents. I have no clue what it's like to be forced to sit at the back of the bus, use "colored" facilities, or even pick cotton...all of which my relatives experienced.

I do, however, wake up everyday knowing that we need change. We must have change. The country cannot continue down the road we're on. Senator Barack Obama represents that change for me. He is in touch with our country...its people...the economy...he's realistic but optimistic! He's brilliantly intelligent but not intimidating. He has a swagger like no other but knows how to turn it off and on. He is the man that will lead our country out of the black abyss George Bush has allowed us to fall into under his "watch". Barack Obama represents the epitome of the American Dream - - the American Dream that millions of people flock to the U.S. for can be seen in Barack Obama's life story.

As I sit here, just hours away from seeing the U.S. elect their first black president...I find myself overjoyed and full of emotions. In a previous blog I wrote about my experience watching Senator Obama deliver his presidential nomination acceptance speech. It was so encouraging and motivating...and now, I am in Chicago - - in the midst of history in the making. Grant park has been transformed and will be the place history is made. Hundreds of thousands...possibly 1 million people will gather there to celebrate and rejoice in this historic moment. There are a ton of events going on tonight and I encourage everyone to get out there and celebrate...this is literally the change of a lifetime! You can check out events at metromix.

Not only does this election represent truly how far we as black people have come in the U.S., but it shows how far our country has come...that we are still able to come together, despite our differences, for a common goal - - a democratic society that has the benefit of its people in mind! A true public servant will be elected by the end of the day and I am so proud to be an American citizen!

Road trip anyone?

The sexy swag of Barack Obama can't be denied. I'm thrilled to finally have a President whose intellect matches his outward packaging! (but after Bush having a President with a functioning brain would be enough). For all of those interested in heading down to DC to celebrate the inauguration I have the road trip of a lifetime for you.

Illinois State Rep. Constance Howard (34th District) has organized a road trip down to Washington for the Inauguration. The cost is $150 and includes roundtrip bus fare from Chicago to Washington. Buses are scheduled to leave Chicago on 1/19/08 at 4p arriving in Washington around 4am on 1/20/08. The inauguration activities will take place on the 20th and departure from Washington is scheduled for later that night...arriving back in Chicago on 1/21/08 around 7am. Since this is a holiday weekend you would only need to take off Tuesday from work. You should get back into Chicago with enough time to make it into work on Wednesday morning...or possibly take a 1/2 day (for all my working folks out there...) Just so you're aware, there is no hotel stay included with this trip as it's merely a road trip down to Washington only for the inauguration. There will be a chance to freshen up as well as eat breakfast once in Washington at the Capital Skyline Hotel. For a detailed itinerary or more information please contact:

Barbra Wright (Administrative Assistant for State Rep Howard)
8729 S. State St.
Chicago, IL 60619
773-783-8800

So far 3 of the 5 buses are booked up and they are taking people on a first come, first serve basis. You must inquire before Jan. 1st.

History in the Making...

Unlike my ancestors, I was not around to experience slavery...nor did I come of age in the South at the height of racial tensions and discrimination, like my parents/grandparents. I have no clue what it's like to be forced to sit at the back of the bus, use "colored" facilities, or even pick cotton...all of which my relatives experienced.

I do, however, wake up everyday knowing that we need change. We must have change. The country cannot continue down the road we're on. Senator Barack Obama represents that change for me. He is in touch with our country...its people...the economy...he's realistic but optimistic! He's brilliantly intelligent but not intimidating. He has a swagger like no other but knows how to turn it off and on. He is the man that will lead our country out of the black abyss George Bush has allowed us to fall into under his "watch". Barack Obama represents the epitome of the American Dream - - the American Dream that millions of people flock to the U.S. for can be seen in Barack Obama's life story.

As I sit here, just hours away from seeing the U.S. elect their first black president...I find myself overjoyed and full of emotions. In a previous blog I wrote about my experience watching Senator Obama deliver his presidential nomination acceptance speech. It was so encouraging and motivating...and now, I am in Chicago - - in the midst of history in the making. Grant park has been transformed and will be the place history is made. Hundreds of thousands...possibly 1 million people will gather there to celebrate and rejoice in this historic moment. There are a ton of events going on tonight and I encourage everyone to get out there and celebrate...this is literally the change of a lifetime! You can check out events at metromix.

Not only does this election represent truly how far we as black people have come in the U.S., but it shows how far our country has come...that we are still able to come together, despite our differences, for a common goal - - a democratic society that has the benefit of its people in mind! A true public servant will be elected by the end of the day and I am so proud to be an American citizen!