Jackson Free Press

It's difficult to live a day such as this one and not be completely saturated with deep emotions. From utter amazement to overwhelming pride and gushing accomplishment hold close to each other. We have finally reached that road that was announced when our destiny was proclaimed in Martin Luther King, Jr's dream. How fitting it is that this day follows the day of MLK's birth. This day - the day the world, its citizens, and these the great United States of America welcome hope, and equality…..and change.

Barack H. Obama takes his place as the 44th president of the United States. We, black people, who have faced tremendous anguish and disgusting fits of discrimination, have finally reached a place in history that we can share with non-black folks. Finally, we are able to feel as if we belong to this country that has long denied us this ability. At last we are no longer visiting someone else's residence. We are home. I know this because I'm in the white house. We are in the white house. Sure, this denial is denied, however, we, of colored skin and tormented spirits know this to be true. Many don't want this truth to be evident, however, search your soul for the depth of truth lives there. This time denial is futile. This time, it's true and unquestionable.....it's happened!

We are just as worthy as you, white man.
We are just as capable as you, republican.
We are just as determined as you, wealthy folk.

Even in writing this right now, 10:12 a.m., January 20, 2009, I am searching -- searching for an emotion that I even remotely recognize. Sure, I'm proud. Sure, I'm happy. Sure, I'm peaceful. Sure! However, I'm anxious. I'm tired. I'm afraid. I'm happy and sad. I'm joyous and melancholy. I'm eager and timid. I'm watching as a man who looks like me, who reminds me of my father, who seems like an ordinary man – with a wife and kids – boldly steps into territory never before chartered. This man, who has been chosen to attach himself to me, my son, and my people's history for eternity, is embarking upon a mission whose outcome is known only by the Creator of all things.

Yet, I believe.
Yet, I am confident.
Yet, I stand tall on the premise that change is among us.

Consider this a warning to all who wish to uphold that which has torn our people down and denounced righteousness. We will no longer accept the pain and hurt that so easily lay upon our brows. We will no longer give in to a society that has deemed us unequal and ill-prepared. We will no longer sacrifice and give in to those who attempt to deter progress. We will no longer allow the age-old rhetoric that has been passed down from generation to generation to separate us from the rest of the world. We will no longer succumb to your insecurities while settling to just get by in an effort not to uproot you; to ease your uncomfortable plight; to reassure you that we don't plan to overthrow you – only to live with you in peace and harmony. Now, it's your charge.

Now, you must adjust to sharing this country. Now, you must laugh with us, not at us. Now, you must admit that your cause to continue superiority has fallen. Now, we are the same. Now, you must acknowledge that the past is the past. Now, you must look to the future and welcome a new idea. Now, we must all accept our call to be responsible for each other. Now you must listen. Now you must share. Now you must be honest. Now you must release the horror of not being in control.

Now you must let love and respect for self and others govern your thoughts, your actions.
Now we must come to realize and accept.
Now, we are one!

Queen.....out!

Previous Comments

ID

143040

Comment

And the Pulitzer goes to...Queen!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2009-01-22T12:28:04-06:00

ID

143051

Comment

Well thank you L.W. Maybe one day, however, I do wonder from time to time....

Author

Queen601

Date

2009-01-23T14:43:51-06:00

ID

143060

Comment

Well said. Proud to be your friend, dahlin!

Author

ashlee

Date

2009-01-24T18:50:08-06:00

ID

143061

Comment

It is Kim and NOT ashlee though!

Author

ashlee

Date

2009-01-24T18:50:43-06:00