Tommorrow, January 19th is our federal holiday, Martin Luther King Day and Tuesday, January 20th our nation's 44th President and first African American President will be inaugurated as President.
"Pelosi: Let's Pay Tribute (Associated Press/1.16.09)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) circulated a statement today in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Monday. In it, she linked the historic significance of Obama on his way to become the first black president: "Just as Barack Obama's historic inauguration makes this Martin Luther King Day more poignant, our commitment to fulfilling Dr. King's dream must become more powerful."
As Obama stands on the inaugural platform by the Capitol on Tuesday, Pelosi continued, he "will look across the expanse of the National Mall to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where one of America's most courageous and compassionate prophets of peace -- Reverend Martin Luther King -- called upon our nation to fulfill the promise of its founding dream for all of our people." (end of press release)
It is obviously an amazing two days for all Americans, but especially for African Americans. I read a story yesterday about Martin Luther King's sister taking a group of young students on a tour of the house where he grew up. One can only imagine what those Americans who led and struggled thru the Civil Rights movement with Rev. King will be thinking this week. Also how must the leaders of those more radical leaders of civil right groups, like the Black Panthers, be feeling about our country and about their history and experiences.
NPR did an interview with a retired White House Butler. The White House Butlers over history have been and are mainly African Americans. This gentleman was asked how he believes the current Butlers will feel the when they come face to face with the first African American President of the United States. It was a beautiful and interesting interview.
One wonders about the segregationalists from the Civil Rights era (and today) that are still alive today and how this coming week processes thru their minds and souls. Will it change in their last days how they view America and the issue of race and hatred. Maybe not but it must have an impact. It must be a stunning occurrence.
The other person in our historywho had an huge impact on civil rights, almost equal to that of Martin Luther King, is President Lydon Johnson. The President who hailed from the segragationalist south, Texas, and was the most unlikely political leader in American to bring about intergration and move the civil rights movement forward. He got civil right legislatin thru the Congress that former President John Kennedy could not get passed. He took huge risks for his presidency and did what he thought was right for America. He led housing and school integrration. he changed American society and American law. He used federal troops to make sure people could get into school and universities, ride on buses and move thru our country freely--regardless of their color. He made into law what Martin Luther King and thousands and thousands of other Americans fought for years and years to become law.
The fight for civil rights, for civil liberties and for equal opportunity is not over. It does not end with the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday. However it is interesting to think about what Americans past and present will be thinking about in the next two days as we celebrate two wonderful American events. It is interesting to think about how our country will change after tommorrow.
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Not only are the next two days going to be a wonderful moment in history, but also the next four years. And of course let’s not forget the past year and half of campaign. I feel very privileged to have witnessed what has happened and what will happen. While the many comments that are being made by individuals and the media, regarding the significance of President-elect Barack Obama, are worthy of all the attention, I find myself also viewing Mr. Obama in another light. Being elected the first African-American President of the United States of America is a great accomplishment not only for Barack Obama, but for the people of our country. However, I found it even more miraculous that Barack Obama was able to inspire so many young people to actually care about this election and what was happening in our country. I witnessed many apathetic individuals begin to open their eyes to different issues and start to educate themselves. And while it is only my opinion, I truly feel that Barack Obama was a major reason why this started to happen. Young people saw someone in front of them that did not look like thousands of other politicians, and I am not referring to Barack Obama’s skin color, but rather a person who talked with them, not at them. I’m sure some of the more mature readers of this blog can make reference to other politicians who inspired young people of our country, but President-elect Barack Obama was the first that I was inspired by. And when I witness him being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America, I will remember him not only as the first African-American president but as the man who motivated so many people.
ReplyDeleteBarack Obama is, and will be the first African American President of the United States for the next four years. This obviously is a special time for African Americans. History is in the making and I believe that Barack Obama will make some good changes and some very different changes that some aren't use too. I am a little rusty on politics but I know that this president has his hands full and will have to live up to a lot of expectations.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is important to recognize the achievements that Barack Obama has made for African-Americans everywhere, one shouldn't dismiss the similarities that can be drawn between Lyndon Johnson and Barack Obama. Both King and Obama called for change, but in order for change to happen both Johnson and Obama decided to be in politics to make the change happen. It takes a special person to not only call for change, but work within the system to actually change it. It shows strength and character. Will he accomplish everything people are hoping for, no. But it is certain that like King and Johnson, the things he does start, what he has already done, will have an effect for years to come. it took almost 40 years for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to become reality. Imagine what will happen 40 years after the Obama legacy. I think it will be astounding!
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ReplyDeleteThis is a coming together for America. We have overlooked our differences and put race aside. We have selected the man that we think will be best for our country, putting everything else aside. Martin Luther has made a lot of this possible and has been greatly recognized. This is a big step for our country and directly effects everyone. I think it is a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI think we should all be honored to grow up in a time where so many social and political changes are taking place, especially those who were alive during the civil rights movement. What a beautiful thing, to see your country change in such a profound way. No matter how many problems and controversies there are to argue about today, the examples of our democracy and freedom are still apparent. Martin Luther King is still celebrated and every year we are reminded of the challenges that were overcome during the civil rights movement. Barack Obama's election is a great landmark for us, as well. Regardless of his views it is a great testament to our society's views on equality and freedom that a black man was elected to lead our country. Compared to where we were socially 50 years ago, we have made great progress. Hopefully he will succeed as president and help to form our country into what we as Americans want it to be.
ReplyDeleteThe social significance of Obama’s heritage and social standing seems to diminish his personal achievements: he was a product of social institutions and rose to the top because of his own hard work and natural ability. Sure, he’s is the first black president and it certainly reflects a significant change from 50 years ago, but let’s not dismiss the fact that he will forever be known as “the first black president.” What is the real significance of “change” when he is continually shrouded with the cloak of “racial equality?” Let us first admire who Barack Obama is, and reflect later on his achievements as a stepping stone to social equality. Equality is not on the list of America’s achievements, there are plenty of people who see him as novelty, purely aesthetic and symbolic for a greater cause. I voted for Obama because he is the best candidate, not because I thought he symbolized greater progress than the woman.
ReplyDeleteOk I will be honest. When I think about how symbolic this moment has been for African Americans. I've visited Andersonville in Georgia where POW's were kept in a prison and even read a little bit of the history of the prison. I'm remembering when I lived in georgia and would take the back back roads in the early 90's. I saw how they lived and worked on old plantations. When i think of the the houses I worked on that were built in the 1840's I'm thinking about how it really isn't that long ago in our history this has been.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly an amazing experience to reflect on.. Good luck Obama!
With all that has gone on in Washington the past few years and all that Obama offers we are looking at what could be a pretty bright future. However, he will be facing some pretty tough times right off the bat. With a struggling economy and some interesting situations (wars, etc.) across the globe, his presidency is bound to hit some hot button issues. While I did not necessarily pay close attention to the election (for my own reasons) I felt confident in Obama and was certainly not disappointed in his winning the election. Tomorrow will be a momentus and historic day for all Americans, there is no doubt about that, but it is not the final day. Obama has four years at the helm and a lot to live up to. I think he can handle the presidency and make the changes needed to help the U.S. maintain it's standing in the world. This cannot happen during a one night party in D.C., and I am prepared to be patient with his office and see where they take us.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope Obama is nothing like LBJ in terms of integrity (and I'm not convinced LBJ is even close to an important civil rights figure as MLK or Thurgood Marshall, but that's not my current concern). From the shady 1960 election (look up Fannin and Angelina counties of Texas), to the even more mysterious Kennedy assassination (and the Warren Commision (appointed by LBJ, by the way), to his handling of the Gulf on Tonkin Incident, to his explanation to a small group of people as to why America was in Vietnam (Just in case some may find some material offensive, I posted the address below), it is hard for someone to be of a worse character than Johnson, but I really hope Obama is the opposite in that regard. I may not actually buy the "real change" yet, but if he sticks to his promise to clean up Washington, I will have considered his term a success.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link, by the way (page 48, second half of page):
http://books.google.com/books?id=lTMRUmyI6csC&pg=PA48&lpg=PA48&dq=johnson+jumbo+vietnam+thing+life+soon+be+dead&source=bl&ots=ZVecO3VTPO&sig=rYN9oIJSctgcSZvSA7Grmn-_Hs4&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result
I am glad to see that Pelosi circulated a statement in honor of Dr. King. This is quite the milestone for his dream, but it still has a way to go. I cant imagine what those people who fought with MLK are feeling over these last few days, it is truly a joyous moment for them and many others. I am very confident that Barrack will work hard to bring about the change we have been needing. Also, nice bit LBJ, I guess wasn't aware just how influential he was on the civil rights movement.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post, seeing it wasn't about conservatives or liberals, republicans or democrats. It was just a post about what is going on and some things that have happened leading up to yesterday and today.
ReplyDeleteAmerica really has come a long way to get to today, inaugurating the first black president. I'm sure 50 years ago people would have never believed today would ever come. It's certainly nice to see that Americans have opened up their minds and come to realize we're all equal and deserve equal rights in whatever we do when it comes to race. I can only imagine how proud MLK would be to see this day. We really are witnessing and being a part of a huge part of our history, that'll be talked about for many generations to come. Hopefully now that he is in office, people will focus more on what he does rather than that he's making history being the first black president. It'll be interesting see everything he does for the US in the next four years.
Yes this election is a huge step in the right direction. An African American in the office of president shows the rest of the world we are actually becoming a center for equality, democratic process, and FREEDOM. Freedom is not free, Dr. King's sacrifice proved this as do our soldiers in the field everyday. What I believe is of the utmost importance is not to continue the racial nonsense. The bottom line is we are all Americans, we are in a war and our economy is shot. We need not focus on history right now, the future is where our ultimate destination lies. We need to unite as a nation, the only way to unite is by casting aside extreme values and moderate a bit. Hopefully President Obama can effectively push ahead to victory in our overseas campaign, to not is a utter waste of materials and human life.Our new president should not speak of himself being Dr. King's dream but instead of ultimately ending racial bigotry and prejudice. Any observer of life can easily we are all created equal and are entitled to the same liberties. To think other wise is truly mad indeed.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a very important and memorable time for me, given my black history and heritage. I have had the opportunity to visit the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. I had the chance to see the area he grew up in and how it is today. before leaving there was one last stop to make, his burial site. It was an amazing experience that i will never forget. It means a lot to me as well as many Americans that we have our first black president.It was a dream of many that has finally come through. I think President Obama is a symbol of the progress our country is making. I just hope that this is a step forward to a better future for all.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very special moment in African American history, because Barack Obama will be the first African American president and this is history in the makings right now. Obama has proven himself to be a powerful speaker such as Martin Luther King Jr. Through his speeches, Obama is able to portray his liberal views in a moderate language. He expresses his demand for change in the United States with reasonable solutions that appeal to a large majority in the US. I’m as well not to update on my politics but I know Obama has a high expectations that he must live up to. We did select who we thought would be best for this country and I think Obama will do a fine a job as the next President. Also the inauguration ceremony would take place on the same mall where many thousands gathered in 1963 to hear Martin Luther King's so-called "I Have A Dream" speech.
ReplyDeletei thin kits great that we are making history with this election and i think barack obama will be a very good president. but i feel like during this whole election process obama's policies have been put in second to his skin color. i didnt really pay much attention to the election and i didnt vote, all i know about barack obama is that he is half black because thats all any one has talked about. i think its time we got past all this color stuff and focus on what he is actually going to do for our country besides be a different color.
ReplyDeletePolitics are very tricky. Sometimes it seems that timing can become more important than policy or substance. I ask that you not miss the issues because they are clouded by Obama's historic status as the first African-American President. Just take a minute and check out what he stands for. www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/
ReplyDeleteIn 2002, one of my mother's friends handed me a book entitled "Dreams from my Father." It was the personal memoir of Barack Obama and when I finished it, I remember thinking that this was the kind of person I wanted to represent me. It is worth the time and, since it was published before his political career began, the reader is given a chance to see how our president thought and acted before any thought of holding such high public office.
The legacy of African Americans has come full circle. In the same country where it was once illegal for a man of color to use "white facilities", a black man has risen through the ranks to the highest attainable office of goverment. For those who lived in the civil rights era it must be almost unreal to have lived through and experienced such drastic changes in society.
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ReplyDeleteJanuary 20th 2009 was an important day for our country on many levels. The obvious being that it is a historical first. It is important symbolically because our first founding document, the Declaration of Independence, states our belief in a universal truth that all people are born equal. Our country has a long history of then trying to qualify that supposed universal truth by denying rights and opportunity to various groups. A short 50 years ago, the thought of an African American or a woman as our President would have been unthinkable. And here we are, reasserting our belief in equality to any that want to continue to deny that we are indeed born equal. But aside from the historic and symbolic significance, we have also elected a man who seems to be a sharp contrast to the previous administration. He has expressed a vision for this country which turns away from where it has been headed the last 8 years. Not only is he symbolically a reassertion of our founding ideals and beliefs, but he is also seen, at least by me, to be putting those founding ideals and beliefs into practice through policy. Restoration of habeas corpus and the promise to close guantanamo bay is the best start that i could have asked for, as well as his attempts to ballance positions and decisions with experienced people and good ideas, not just partisans and partisan politics. I personally find "President Obama" to be more important for this country than the historic and symbolic "First African American President Obama", and I hope others see that as well. I wish him well, and I hope he does not disappoint.
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing how much our country changes over a course of time, and this certainly inspires hope into all Americans. It wasn't that long ago, Martin Luther King talked of his dream, and many probably saw it as something that would never come. Obama is very symbolic to the theme of our country that dreams do come true. The road certainly was not easy for African Americans, but they have overcome it all the while. From what I have seen, I am honored that he is our president and I have great expectations for the future of our nation already. For as long that I can remember I have never seen such a majority of the country interested in politics and hopeful of the outcome.
ReplyDeleteI think the progression of civil rights has been brought to the forefront during this election and it is great. Obama being elected is not the grande finale, but a great stepping stone for African-Americans and all Americans.
ReplyDeleteA strong similarity I noticed between MLK Jr. and Obama is their ability to motivate and move the young people of the nation. The civil rights movement was largely influenced by middle aged lawyers and preachers. The work of the NAACP and SCLC will always be held in the highest regard. However, the young college students were the ones at the sit-ins, the bus trips, the marches, and consequently received the beatings, arrestings, and death. MLK Jr leadership and inspiration to groups like SNCC changed the course of the civil rights movements. The civil rights movement would have not succeeded at the time it did without the role of thousands of young people. It was through some of the footage of horrible treatment of these youth that America really started to pay attention to the civil rights movement.
Similarly, Obama has been one of the first if not the first presidential candidate to truly inspire the youth. It was amazing to witness the election process on a college campus and see the level of debate, excitement, and general interest that was generated. A large part of his success was due to the votes of young people and minorties. The role of an inspired and informed youth is absolutely necessary for the future of our nation and the future of civil rights. It is the ability that both MLK Jr and Obama had to reach out to this important group that connect them and make them influential in my life.
The article was filled with excellent hopes and wishes and stark realities. Redemption was one theme woven into it. American society being able to bring itself to elect an African-American as President shows our society taking a step forward in terms of redemption also.
ReplyDeleteWhat has really been an eye opener for me is all of the many events we have been through, as a nation and individuals. While watching a movie on the civil rights movement I was moved to tears and filled with overwhelming emtions of anger, sadness and many others.I thought I knew, but oh my God, I was clueless to all the horrors so many suffered! My heart just cries out for the many that suffered and even ultimately gave their lives! How horrible for those they left behind to mourn them! I am of mixed heritage, my mother hailing from Swedesh immigrants and my father from African slaves. I can sit here and write today I have felt first hand the hate and ignorance of those who would judge me soley on the color of my skin. I grew up part time between Michigamme, MI and Sandusky, OH. Each place so much alike, yet so different for me and my family. It still amazes me that two sets of races could hate each other so much, yet be so much alike, it is mind boggling. The white people hated us, believed us to be dirty lazy, thieves looking for a free ride. While the blacks would see us as haughty, thinking we were better than them people that had it so easy. Never do I remember feeling a sense of belonging or acceptance among any race, that is until the day I watched Obama, a fellow biracial person stand in front of millions of people and say, I am your President. WOW! Then did I feel the release of years and years of indigneties my family suffered, the suffering of black people and the suffering that many white people also endured to bring that historic day to our world and to our nation. Martin Luther King was there the day Obama was sworn in along with the many martyrs that gave their lives for us all to live free. they were all there in the reflection of the many lives and hearts of all who took their message of hope and put into action and realization the dream they invisioned and believed in to their very last breathe. Many events and occurances paved the road to today, now we can truly walk as neighbors and brothers and sisters on that road to a brighter more welcoming future for all people indivisble, with liverty and justice for all.
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