Blessin’ or Lesson?
Dr. Sonya Willis, Public Education & Equity
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA BRINGS NEW HOPE TO ALL AMERICANS, by Dr. Sonya Willis
KANSAS CITY, KS – Throughout the historical race for the presidency in 2008, then President-Elect, Barack Obama, courageously demonstrated and articulated something special that our community is not accustomed to seeing or hearing. While he was running for the presidency, Obama demonstrated a commitment not only to a purpose of service to others but also to his immediate and extended family. He consistently articulated his commitment to lead America to much anticipated “change.” Over the course of the campaign, Obama exhibited the character and strength that has been missing from many African-American communities.
Every time I see President Obama on television, I am aware how blessed we are as Americans to have him as a leader who is constantly imparting valuable life lessons to us on daily basis. As a community, we simply must be smart enough and concerned enough about the welfare of our young people and their futures not to miss the blessing we have in him or the lessons in leadership that he teaches us on a daily basis. We often celebrate past leaders who were able to motivate and/or mobilize our community, and we must continue to do so when it is applicable for the occasion. The words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglas, Malcolm X and W.E.B. DuBois are timeless and essential in our attempts to understand our own social and academic uplift.
Obama readily admits that he is not a perfect man nor will he be a perfect president, but so far, the way in which he has lived his life indicates that great things are possible when individuals take responsibility for the success or failure of their lives. Clearly I admire President Obama and I am excited about the next four years of politics because he clearly believes in “change.” But I am even more excited about the possibilities for the future of urban America if the communities can sustain the momentum of action achieved during the election; realize the greatness of the man who is the new leader of the free world, remain hopeful about the future and take some kind of positive action to help themselves and others.
However, before our very eyes today is a man who continues to demonstrate and articulate a clear plan for the success of all Americans. But, Obama’s message specifically to the African-American community is especially uplifting because he coaches the community to become active at the grass roots level to help itself even when the community has repeatedly been ignored or exploited for the advancement of others. He encourages us to become active even though racism continues to exist in our society.
The voter turnout last October and November illustrated his popularity, magnetism and ability to inspire. With the three simple words, “Yes We Can,” he makes us feel like we can achieve dreams and goals never before imagined. Obama encourages all Americans to 1) think positively; 2) be willing to shift previous thoughts about our lives and refuse to be afraid to explore the possibilities; 3) expect something incredible to happen and 4) start right now. As a society, If we’re smart and serious about moving in a new direction, our leadership must teach both the young and old, the significance of Obama’s words. And we must emulate his actions.
When you and I make the conscious decision to follow his lead, all of America will truly be able to proclaim, “This is our moment. This is our time: to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope; and when we are met with cynicism and doubt and those that tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.”
Dr. Sonya Willis is the education columnist for “Mass Appeal News.” She welcomes your comments at Dr.SonyaWillis@yahoo.com
To see President Obama make history, click the play arrow on the video box.