Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A Moment in Time

Last night, I did something I haven't done in a long time. I watched a scary movie. Not any movie but a zombie movie. Maybe it was all the dust getting to me from moving or maybe I was too tired to get up to change the channel. But, I zoned out as the zombies busted through doors, biting people that weren't zombies yet. I came to the conclusion that I'm too analytical or maybe it's the writer in me but I was yelling at the tv, "Move! Run! Why are you just standing there? The zombies are right behind you." One thing, in spite of the corniest of cornies, I got a message from that "scary" movie. When you work together, no matter what the obstacle, a change will take place. There were a few people that wanted to fight against the system and do things their own way. Most of them got chomped on and turned into zombies. It didn't matter what color you were or how old, what religious affiliation or whether you drank coffee, milk or tea, things got to shaking.

Today, I reflected on the history that I saw before my eyes…the ushering in of a new president of the United States. I was wanting to cry tears of joy, yet, my co-workers were griping about how much money was spent on the inaguration and how "they didn't vote for him". The negatives were flying but I remained positive as I reflected on the true meaning of this historical moment.

I'm a Black woman so to say that this doesn't somehow affect me would be ridiculous. I was only a little girl when Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. I don't remember much in the time of segregation -- only from the stories that my relatives shared with me. It caused me to realize how truly blessed I am to have so much freedom than what they experienced before me. Although, being a Black woman hasn't been easy...I have cried out for change and acceptance. I hope and pray that this is the beginning of ethnicities coming together and celebrating our differences yet recognizing our gifts, our dreams and talents.

I only wish that my ancestors would've been here on this day and for me to see the looks on their faces…awe, surprise, happiness. It's not that our president is Black that I voted for him but because it was time for a change. We are experiencing dire urgency for change. All around us, stores are closing and people are losing their jobs. It is now time to work together as a nation and see that things change. One nation, under God, indivisible...

11 comments:

Pancake said...

First, I am sorry your co workers didnt show you any respect. No matter who the president would be, money would be spent on the presidential change. That is a fact! It is not a time to gripe, it is a time to united! This country has come a long way since segregation. LONG way!

I had to look at your age. I was wondering where you grew up. I grew up in MD. I dont remember black and white places to eat, but I remember the day school was desegregated ... busing. I am your age, maybe I have you by a year. Inner city busing. I was one of the kids chosen to help the girls feel at home in a new school. What I remember most was the contention, not from the kids, but the parents. I even remember a cross burning down the street. I think we need to celebrate how far we have come.
I think it is fitting that this happened the day after MLKs birthday. He had a dream, his dream is our reality.. that man may be judged by the content of his character rather than the color of his skin.

We witnessed history.

I hope he leaves a great legacy, one Dr King would be proud of.

No one wants him to fail, for if he does, we all do.

Pancake said...

oh and how did the move go? like your neighbors

Sandi said...

You know how I feel about all of this, But I had to give a BIG AMEN! Change is coming, change is here, and we are getting closer to the DREAM!

Hopechest Bride said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. I'm adding you to my sidebar. I can relate to what you are saying and I too am soooo happy this day has finally come. "God is so Good".
Blessings
Lisa

jill jill bo bill said...

I think your ancestors saw and are so proud you get to live in this time, just like we would want our grand and great grands to.

Unknown said...

I lived in Los Angeles until I was 3 so I didn't experience the bussing and desegregation.

I moved to West Covina and went to private schools until I graduated from high school so once more, I didn't feel the desegragation.

I do know first hand what it's like to be chased by skinheads out of a public library, while others looked on and kept their mouths shut. As well as a few other racial bigotry tales but that's then and this is now and yes, it's time for a change!

Unknown said...

PS -- The move is going along well although there are things in boxes that I now need and have no idea which box and where they are located. Ugh!

Anonymous said...

Yesterday a co-worker got fusey with me and told me that I only voted for Obama because my boyfriend is black. That was such an ignorant and racist remark. I voted for Obama because I want change and I feel it when he talks and I believe in him. I did NOT vote for him because of his skin color. I'm angered by racism and sad that my boyfriend and his ancestors and relatives had to and still have to endure racism in America. I can only hope a pray that Obama shows that world that it's not about skin color!

And bless you for watching a scary movie. I love me some scary movies!!!!!

Danyele Easterhaus said...

i said this yesterday to my parents that in their lifetime they have seen this racial issue turn 180...and that just makes me smile so much because i feel that my jada has just leapt over one more hurdle in life.

Anonymous said...

There are always going to be those who have to be negative about things - I'm guessing that they would have had something bad to say about anyone else who became president whatever their colour.

I hope that President Obama spreads a little of his positivity and hope over the Atlantic to us!

Unknown said...

okay i am not gonna go postal in this comment box...BUT it was a BIG day I did not vote for Obama BUT i will support him and I was so enjoying everything that happened yesterday heck i stayed yp till the 10th ball last nite....this is history i embrace it and am Proud to be an American!

 

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