As the pictures flashed in my mind of all of those I represented – tears started flowing freely. As I looked around the crowd, of all races and all ages – I saw that they,too, had tears. I knew that everyone around me fully understood the historical significance of this day, January 20, 2009. This was the day that this great nation showed to itself and to the world, that it was not the same nation that was founded in 1776 and built on the backs of free or indentured labor – and ruled through much divison - instead it was now a nation in which enough people said, we will vote for a person because of the content of his character and not the color of his skin. This was a nation poised and ready to improve the lives of all Americans and this was a nation which was ready to work with everyone to make a difference. This was a nation who believed in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence. This was a stronger America. This was a nation that was now ready to work with those tough issues that cuases divisons.
The 2nd Chorus and 3rd Verse of “Lift Every Vice and Sing” was running through my mind. It goes as follows:
2nd Chorus
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past, 'til now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
3rd Verse
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might, Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
As I was leaving, the process was exceedingly slow because of the number of us. There was no pushing, shoving or angry tones – everyone was patient, making sure that no one tripped or stumbled. Everyone was looking out for each other. It was as if everyone knew that so much had been sacrificed to make this day possible so that all actions had to be honorable, otherwise, it would have been disrespectful of all of those who had gone before us.
As we were slowly exiting, someone started singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and all who knew it started singing it with much gusto and those that didn't know it, hummed along with the same spirit.
Yes, a great day and even though we are in tough economic times, with issues that still divide us – I left there knowing that we will overcome all of those things and that our nation will emerge even stronger and more positive in days and years ahead. How, do I know this – I know it because I will use my energy to work along with others to make the impossible, possible.
Originaly posted at http://www.clmitchell.net/main-weblogs32/ofthepeople65/276-art-colorissueusa.html
I am white. My mother's great grandfather (surname Cunningham) was Irish/Scottish. I am black. I have Americans of African descent on both sides of my family who suffered under slavery.I am Native-American. My great-great grandfather on my mother's side married a Native-American. My great-great grandmother on my father's side was also Native-American.These are my known heritages. If I were able to go back through my family tree far enough, I have no doubt that there would be some surprises waiting for me.Like most of you, I have experienced the insanity and seduction of prejudice and bigotry. In the Bible God Himself is quoted as saying "Man[kind] looks at the outward appearance" (1st Samuel 16:7). As a student of history I have read of the challenges and biases faced by all three of my bloodlines down through the halls of time.That is why, as I was driving to work 05-Nov-2008, after Barack Obama won the Presidential election of the United States, I found myself crying. After 400 years of waging war against the psychological stigma of being seen as second-class citizens, our perseverance as blacks has been vindicated.As whites we have finally stood up, and in one single event we have reached out our hands to our African-American citizens and said "You have a right to be here."And, though perhaps indirectly, we as Native-Americans have finally found the strength to once again begin to participate in and sew the seeds of ancient truth and wisdom in a society that had almost lost its way.It goes without saying that the struggle for equality is not yet over; but a major victory for peace and justice between our peoples has been won, and will be long-remembered by us and our descendants.
Please cast your at my site: http://ffexperts.com. While you're there, check out the videos -- some are funny and some are sobering.
Thanks,
-- Rich Harris
U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, D-Newark, a superdelegate who had been supporting Hillary Clinton for president, has switched his allegiance to Barack Obama. "After careful consideration, I have reached the conclusion that Barack Obama can best bring about the change that our country so desperately wants and needs," Payne, whose district includes parts of Hudson County, said Thursday.
in your family? At work? In your neighborhood?
How do you cope??
