The election of our 44th president, Barack Obama, has proven to be the change we need.  His policies and future plans have not yet made it to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., but the barriers that have been placed before us for over 400 years were torn down with every speech, clasping further with every debate, and diminished on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.  This is no doubt an American victory.  But what strikes home the most is the height of the fire that burns in African Americans of all ages, parties and social classes. It is a vision to see past the transparent glass ceiling to a world of a new and boundless altitude, infinite sunrays, and broadened possibilities. 

My grandmother, 95 years of age, has seen it all.  She remembers being able to vote for the first time and describes the election of Barack Obama as the light at the end of her 95 year old fight. She says, “I’ve marched too hard and long to be sent home now.” And with that, we have an obligation to realize our potential, at home and aboard, while living up to it.  Our grandparents planted the seed, our parents watered it and we are reaping the benefit of its growth which reflects their labor. It is only our duty to plant the seed for our generation and continue the ever-changing circle of life.

It is not just the election of the first African American president that makes this moment historic; it is his story behind it. The obstacles and determination that got him here weave through the thread of the all-American dream. That dream is what stands out just as profoundly as his left hand will be when he takes the oath of office on January 20th. 

Barack Obama was born in an era of strict color lines and very tangible racial divides. In 1961, the year Obama was born, interracial marriage was still illegal in twenty-two states.  The result of such laws subjected him to insurmountable prejudices.  He was born in Hawaii, raised for a short time in Indonesia, and returned back to Hawaii to be raised by his grandparents. 

The African American communities are more than enthused and proud to have Barack Obama as President. It is not just an accomplishment on our list of things to do, it is an inspiration.  Obama’s election is an overdue monumental moment that changes the frames our children’s dreams, making new possibilities tangible.  This is the day when a child is asked what he or she would like to be when they grow up and the answers are no longer oversaturated with rap-star or basketball player.  Instead, a completely different route to success may be encompassed as these young people say they want be the President of the United States of America.  This is our future and vision magnified.  The roads have been paved through a resolved determination for change. We are ending the era of the “haves and have nots” and entering into the age of the “aspired and will to achieve.” What this means for the African American community, and all Americans alike, is the formation of a destiny.  A new path to completion of our purpose through action has been forged, without regard to excuses. This means all things are possible. The beginning of a new chapter of triumphs has started and with that, we can say once more say “Yes We Can, Yes We Will, and Yes We Did.”