I debated whether I should write about the inauguration – surely the last thing we needed was yet another article about the inauguration. There’s already a zillion covering every perspective possible from Oprah’s post inaugural celeb studded show to the ten year old aspiring journalist from Bed-stuy who travelled to DC on a quest to interview Obama. Let’s not even mention the endless coverage of Michelle’s clothes, Beyonce’s song and the kids concert.
But if this is not a moment in time that deserved momentous attention then what is? So here goes. We watched it with friends crowded around a large flat screen at Madiba’s, the South African restaurant on Dekalb Avenue in Fort Green Brooklyn. All the restaurants on the strip were humming as people kept pouring in feeling the need to collectively witness the historic moment. I ended up sitting on the bar, a mimosa in hand, my arm draped around my husband’s neck feeling incredibly happy. When Barak arrived loud cheers erupted. I had never seen him so serious – for once he was not Mr. super cool. He had the weight of the world’s problems on his shoulders. The speech was wonderful and I look forward to reading it again.
Right after the inauguration, we left to go to work and my husband said to me “congratulations hon” alluding to the months of canvassing and volunteer hours that I and millions of others had poured into the process. The irony of it is that my husband is African American, male, grew up in this country while I am none of the above. It’s clear why he identifies with this victory but why do I identify so much with this incredible feat?
I have nothing in common with the new President. I definitely would not photograph as well in a swimsuit and until last Spring I had never been to Chicago. I haven’t published a paper let alone three books and I definitely lack the savvy to be successful in government. But I too grew up in a huge family which is spread over the four continents including a brother in Hawaii, a sister until recently in Kenya, and I too want to do good.
Through this man, Americans have re- claimed their ideals, their way of life and as he declared in his victory speech ensured that “democracy is well and alive.” But his victory is not only an American victory. My brother who lives in Singapore when he is not elsewhere told me on the phone that after the election results in November, he saw several young boys carrying American flags, something he had never seen before in his country. Millions all over the world look at Barak’s victory and see doors where before they saw walls.
For those of us in the US, whose closest blood family are long plane rides away, Obama’s victory once again energizes the pursuit of our individual dreams. The sacrifices are worthwhile.
But if this is not a moment in time that deserved momentous attention then what is? So here goes. We watched it with friends crowded around a large flat screen at Madiba’s, the South African restaurant on Dekalb Avenue in Fort Green Brooklyn. All the restaurants on the strip were humming as people kept pouring in feeling the need to collectively witness the historic moment. I ended up sitting on the bar, a mimosa in hand, my arm draped around my husband’s neck feeling incredibly happy. When Barak arrived loud cheers erupted. I had never seen him so serious – for once he was not Mr. super cool. He had the weight of the world’s problems on his shoulders. The speech was wonderful and I look forward to reading it again.
Right after the inauguration, we left to go to work and my husband said to me “congratulations hon” alluding to the months of canvassing and volunteer hours that I and millions of others had poured into the process. The irony of it is that my husband is African American, male, grew up in this country while I am none of the above. It’s clear why he identifies with this victory but why do I identify so much with this incredible feat?
I have nothing in common with the new President. I definitely would not photograph as well in a swimsuit and until last Spring I had never been to Chicago. I haven’t published a paper let alone three books and I definitely lack the savvy to be successful in government. But I too grew up in a huge family which is spread over the four continents including a brother in Hawaii, a sister until recently in Kenya, and I too want to do good.
Through this man, Americans have re- claimed their ideals, their way of life and as he declared in his victory speech ensured that “democracy is well and alive.” But his victory is not only an American victory. My brother who lives in Singapore when he is not elsewhere told me on the phone that after the election results in November, he saw several young boys carrying American flags, something he had never seen before in his country. Millions all over the world look at Barak’s victory and see doors where before they saw walls.
For those of us in the US, whose closest blood family are long plane rides away, Obama’s victory once again energizes the pursuit of our individual dreams. The sacrifices are worthwhile.
