From the Journal: Jan. 20, 2009

Apt. #101, Seattle, WA

Today is a day that will forever be etched in the books of history; the first African-American was sworn-in as President of the United States of America. Of course, Barack Obama never made it about color, but you have to be ignorant to deny what this means, not only for Black people, but for all people of color, all people in the minority, all of the down-trodden. To think we have gone from Rosa Parks, a hero for refusing to sit in the back of the bus, to Barack Obama - the President of the United States - is nothing short of amazing. I mean African-Americans were not even allowed to sit in the front of the bus 40-odd years ago. How ridiculous is that?

I will always remember the small, yet important, part I played. But I was not alone, and this is what was so special about this election: the grassroots action taken by thousands who wanted to fight against the status-quo; who believed in the power of community, organizing, and individual action; and who believed in hope. May Barack Obama never forget how he got here, and, more importantly, may he continue to call for grassroots action. And may we respond, either for him or against him or his work.

May I never forget the day Barack Obama became President - the leader to anyone and everyone who wishes to follow. May I never underestimate what he has overcome. And may I never be content socially or politically simply because a person of color is President. And may I never forget the power of one.

----------------------------------

So a few things about the previous entry. One, obviously from the use of "may" I was influenced or mimicking his speeches from the time. Also, from the use of the comma I was also influenced by James Baldwin's No Name in the Streets - a book I was reading at the time.

In short retrospect, I really hope that I never devalue what this election really meant. We have come a long way as a nation, and no matter who you voted for, you can't deny the historical significance of this election. That being said, we have a long ways to go in regards to race as it relates to our society, politics, and our culture. I hope this is a catalyst for more progression rather than a reason for contentment.

One thing that I was trying to get at was this idea of being proactive. Obama got in office in large part to thousands of people being proactive whether it was citizens knocking on doors or contributing, his campaign showed the power citizens have in our democracy. I just hope it doesn't stop there. Whether you support or oppose him or his decisions, if you don't like something then do something about it. Don't just whine or complain. You don't like his policy on abortion? Well instead of bitching about it, do something about it. Its truly the only way to change it. I'm sick of America's armchair citizens.