A Moment in Time

Senator (now President-elect) Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009. It marks a momentous time not only for African-Americans, the country-at-large, but also the world. For many it marks the beginning of an opportunity to engage with an intelligent, thoughtful administration led by a cosmopolitan, transformative figure.

President-elect Obama first propelled himself through his keynote address to the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004. I might add it may have been one of Senator John Kerry's most important and eventful decisions (as the Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party) for it exposed the country and the world to a new light and inspiration that was seeking to break through the darkness of the Bush administration. His campaign had been marked with considerable discipline and had bested several political veterans - including his own Vice-Presidential-elect, Senator Joe Biden, not to mention Senators John McCain and Hillary Clinton.

His victory signifies the idea that many of the things that we believe are impossible - are indeed possible. With a great deal of determination, perseverance and intelligence, the greatest of accomplishments are achievable. When his victory was called - I experienced a sense of empowerment - that anything was within my grasp if I chose to work for it. Yes it is very hokey.

But the sense of empowerment is what helps move people to do great things and affect others positively through their efforts.

One can only hope that Obama's win will impact and inspire others to take part or engage in politics in a similar manner.