After reading the text of Senator Obama's remarks at Ebenezer Baptist Church, I realized I had even more personal work to do. I had some baggage to let go. There are times I do look at people and judge them. Today, of all days, I knew I could not wear my Obama button and continue to think things about people that just weren't true. I have challenged myself to engage my fellow citizens with hope and love exclusively. It's a difficult thing sometimes to shift the brain to a new order! However, we know it takes some work to open our hearts and our minds. I thank Senator Obama for awakening my conscience to be able to watch my perception of people and therefore how I treat them. And so, I wore my button with a loving intent...
People saw my button: Maryland Women for Obama 2008!
I could tell they wanted to know where and how to get one. I wished someone had asked. Admittedly, I wanted my son to blow his whistle again and get me the floor so I could offer a few remarks on the greatness of Barack Obama :-) But, I maintained the subdued air of a sedate parent accompanying her young son through a museum. Yet, I know my button was SCREAMING - I'M ALL ABOUT CHANGE!!!!
Some folks nodded their heads at me and smiled after a quick glance at my button. Some offered a strong thumbs up. I definitely felt part of a special group. Truth is, I am. This online community of Obama supporters is a very special group. I've also found a special place among the Baltimore City Women for Obama volunteers. But again, it has been made evident, people are itching for Obama here in the great state of MD. I know our primary is after Super Tuesday and therefore everyone figures it doesn't much matter; however, what seems to be overlooked is that Senator Obama's Movement for Change is MORE THAN A PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN. People really want to feel differently about themselves and their families, their acquaintances, their co-workers, their country. Barack Obama wants to enable Americans to feel AND do something different!
I recognized that the realization of Dr. King's Dream has been stunted. I understand that there's just a hiccup in the plan to reach his vision. We've been complacent for some time. That has changed now. We are a part of a movement that's going to bring Dr. King's Dream to greater clarity. Our unity behind Senator Obama is the beginning. We will continue to struggle for peace and justice. For opportunity and equality. We must stand and march with Senator Obama straight to the White House and beyond. We've got to be on the streets, in the churches, at work, everywhere fighting for something better. We deserve it. Our children deserve it! And because we have been a part of this, we are now responsible. We are now accoutable to one another. To fight the good fight and never give up.
I must thank the owners of Salon MeShae Monticello and their wonderful, open-hearted customers! And major kudos to my courageous son for leading the way!
As much as I enjoy public speaking, something about going in to a salon and trying to appeal to a group of women getting their hair done, to get out and vote for Barack Obama seemed like a pretty daunting task for a Saturday morning. I sat outside the salon in my car with my son, working up my nerve to now follow through with this effort. My son was itching to move, I kept hesitating. Finally, I opened the car door and got out. We moved quickly to the salon door; as soon as it opened, my son blew his whistle and we immediately had the attention of everyone in the salon. I responded to the questioning eyes turned on us with a resounding, "Good morning, Everyone," introduced ourselves as volunteers with Baltimore City Women for Obama...I don't remember the rest of what I said :-) We distributed fliers and shared our reasons for supporting Senator Obama. I was incredibly nervous going in, but once I got started, I enjoyed myself and was thrilled to have been able to do my part for Senator Obama's campaign.
As my son and I were getting in our car, a barber from a neighboring shop stopped us. He said, "...now, don't discriminate, we love Obama too!" I had to laugh and I immediately jumped out of the car, grabbed some fliers and entered his shop. One of the barbers bought my Obama '08 button right off my shirt! I garnered my first campaign contribution too!
What I learned today -- there are still many people who desire to share in Obama's Movement for Change and have yet to be touched personally by it. Today, I delivered an opportunity for them to be a part and to help them gain a little more understanding of this process. I thank God for allowing me this chance.
Because unaffiliated voters can not vote in MD primaries (I missed the deadline to change), I set a personal goal to reach out to at least 50 people to tell them about Barack Obama. After today, I am so much more Fired Up and Ready to Go! I hope to reach out to 150 people -- personally -- by February 12! It's going to be challenging with a hectic personal schedule, but Senator Obama is offering change I believe in and I'm not stopping!
Lex for Obama!
The Central Baltimore County Democratic Club organized a straw poll and forum held at Towson University on Saturday, December 8, 2008.
I attended with my 6-year old son. First of all, I believe my son to be destined for leadership and I'm so excited that there's a Black man running for US president with a solid platform and HEART to boot! My son can emulate this wonderful leader.
So, during the forum, there were representatives speaking on behalf of each campaign. Each time Sen. Brochin (D-MD 42nd District) spoke on behalf of the Obama campaign, my son held up his Obama sign. He didn't wave it, he just held it high above his head as if to confirm every word spoken by the representative. I appreciate that my son believes as I do - obviously, right now, mom's word is gospel. When he had the chance to vote, my son "voted" for Obama.
Everyone in attendance eagerly awaited the straw poll results - Obama won! Despite our illustrious Governor throwing his support behind Hillary Clinton, I think Maryland may just be ready for sincere change we can believe in.
I am enjoying participating in this process, particularly getting my son involved. We are FIRED UP! READY TO GO!!!
Next thing on the agenda is getting new voters registered...
