...and one year later

Right now as I start writing this, it is about 12:42 in the morning. It is officially the day after New Year's. I probably should be in bed right about now, as I do have to work today. It sucks to have to go to work for only one day after having a holiday on Thursday, but I only work until 3:oo today, as opposed to getting off at my usual time of 5:30. Given that, and the fact that they're showing the lamest of the Rocky series on television (and just one of the lamest movies made in general), Rocky V, I figured that I would write a little.

About a year ago, October 2007 to be exact, I wrote a blog entitled, "And The 44th President of the United States is...not Barack Obama." It's not as if the title to the blog doesn't give away the subject matter, but should you want to read that blog before continuing here, feel free to do so... continuing on, I made a prediction at the time, that America would never elect this black man, Barack Obama to the most powerful office in the whole world. To be forthright, I just thought that America was not ready for this very dramatic change...and one year and some change later, I would just like to say that I was flat out wrong, wrong, WRONG!

By the way, I am the type of person that doesn't like to be wrong. No one likes to be wrong. But if there's one circumstance where I'm glad to have been wrong, it was this one...because I knew. I knew this country was not ready - with all the problems in our country with race, and class distinction; with the dirty pool that abounds in politics, I honestly believed that I would never live to see, or would be a very old man before I would live to see this day come. I am a comedian - I had the "he must be crazy or high!" jokes. My personal belief that our race, although considered in the inclusion of Americans, is tolerated, rather than respected or accepted in this country. Michelle Obama was chastised for stating, " ...for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country..." She wound up having to defend what came off as sounding like an 'unpatriotic' statement. This apology I understand, doing what she had to do, but I have my own personal belief on the meaning of her statement because it is the exact sentiment that I and countless other 'black Americans' have had since the last stretch of the presidential election.

Ultimately, it was/is an issue that came/comes down to respect and acceptance. In this country, we understand that we are one huge melting pot. And we know that there are cultural differences in the way that we live because of that. However each of us chooses to live, it should never negate the idea however, that we can respect and accept those who are different from ourselves. On November 4th, when our country chose to elect Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, it was tangible confirmation that America at last, was accepting us. America didn't choose for or against a skin color. America chose a man that was an everyday man; a man whose family instilled in him while young, the importance of education - that he could be anything he wanted if he worked hard for it; a man who took those values, worked hard, received some of the best schooling, and used his ambition, talent, and intelligence to carve a political career for himself. America chose a man that was the American Dream that it sells - whom, because he came from rather modest means, was just as American as the next person. America chose what it believed to be the BEST person to lead our country forward in a much needed new direction. America chose a brilliant, inspiring man with integrity. A special young man whose life story was written for the change he articulated in oration - and he just happened to be black. Now for first the time in my life, I have unequivocal belief that anyone in this country really can become anything he or she wants to be. I finally believe what I, and so many others of my generation were told as kids by schoolteachers.

I have a friend who trains with me in Aikido. He is caucasian. His is from Texas. He likes his country music...and he is an intelligent and very cool guy. He said to me that he kind of got why this moment was so important to African-Americans, but he wanted me to try to explain to him in a way where he could get a stronger grasp or understanding of why this moment was SO important. I explained to him that although I could break down to him the 'whys', that he could never fully understand - not because he was white, but because he is not black. Bottom line, as I stated before, it comes down to respect and acceptance...finally. To those who kind of understand the importance of this moment, but want to try to get a stronger grasp of this very profound moment, it explains the shots CNN captured at Obama's victory speech of teary eyes on the faces of a group of young women from Spelman College. It explains black centenarians, whom no matter what their health circumstance, cast their vote in this election. It explains why so many of us [blacks] with young children, children who would be too young to remember November 4th 2008, took our sons and daughters with us, so that pictures could be taken of them at the polls on this day; so that they could help us place the ballot in the box.

Given this most historic moment in our time, my only admonishment for America is to not get lazy. I've been reading since the election that this event, albeit historic, has been an atonement of sorts. I personally look at this as a beginning - the beginning of great and promising change for our country. But there is still much more work to be done. Plus, there are so many more of us behind Barack Obama that deserve every opportunity at even the most far reaching of American dreams - and because it was hard worked to obtain. And I'm not just talking about "us." I'm talking blacks, latinos, asians, and any other color minority.

If I had the opportunity to talk to President elect Barack Obama, I would say to him that I am sorry. I would say that I apologize for doubting or never seeing what he always saw for himself. I would say that you have given so much hope, inspiration and renewed vigor for even the most accomplished of us in our community. I would say that you are a real live hero, a shining king among men, a portrait of our strength, and the Kingsian influence of my generation - and a great inspiration to myself. And although I'm quite sure he knows, I would ask him if he really understands this, and if he really understands what he's done...

...and finally, I would ask him, ''what ever happened to that bumper sticker that I was supposed to get from donating to your campaign? I donated a whole $10 to get that bumper sticker, and it still ain't come in the mail yet!"