Shirley Chisholm – 1972
Jesse Jackson – 1984 & 1988
Al Sharpton – 2004,
Alan Keyes – 1996, 2000, 2008
What is the correlation among these Black leaders? With the exception of Alan Keyes who represented the Republican Party, all have vied unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the presidential election. Enter 2008 one would be led to believe Barack Obama is the first Black person in history to make this feat. So what is it that places Obama on a higher platform than his predecessors? I applaud Shirley Chisholm and her determination, but in 1972 racism against blacks remained so upfront and open that America never would have allowed any black person to be President much less a black woman! Shirley Chisholm laid the foundation and brought to life the belief that we as a people can strive for something unimaginable.
We have all joked at one time or another about “painting the White House black”, and having barbeques (they way we do it) on the White House Lawn. The closest we ever came to making that fantasy come true was when Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton announced their run for President. They represented Black America, the peace sign, Blue Magic hair grease, fried chicken, collard greens and all things Black. Unfortunately their message for change did not absorb the ears of all Americans. Republican Alan Keyes wasn’t embraced by the Black Community and never made any attempt to connect with us. We saw him as the guy on the “other” team, so he got no support from us (Keyes separated from the Republican Party this year).
Barack Obama is touted as the Savior able to unite the divide within our nation and create positive alliance internationally. As a culture, people of color and low economic status are no longer waiting patiently for our turn. We have traded our relaxed approach to politics for a more aggressive position. We are vocal about the things that matter to us and our livelihood and are tired of being ignored. We want a country which promotes peace, freedom of religious belief, acceptance and respect of all life styles, lower taxes, good paying jobs, and health care for everyone. It is assumed if you are black, you are only voting for Obama because he is black. Well, if that was the case we would have been barbequing on the White House Lawn alongside Jesse or Al a long long time ago! Obama’s being Black is merely a piece of the pie. It’s not the whole pie! Obama is a man whom America is willing to embrace. I clearly see his vision of change and direction he wants this country to go in and it is reachable. More importantly, his vision is for the benefit of all people not just some. Obamas’ plan for America uplifts the poor and middle class yet does not punish the upper class or wealthy. He paints a happy medium and dispels the myth that the classes can not come together. I’m voting for Obama because I want the wheel re-invented, how about you?
Are you voting Obama because he is a Black person? Are you voting for him at all? Holla at me, and tell me your position.
www.barackobama.com
