Brand New Day

I am in no hurry to move out of this historical moment. I've hardly settled into it yet. I am still wrapping my head around it. So no, I won't be rushing past this moment. I don't think this will hit me until I see President Obama on the White House steps.

This song is one of the songs which come to mind at this moment. Additionally, I have a playlist comprised of a number of songs which summarize my feelings.

Everybody look around
'Cause there's a reason to rejoice you see
Everybody come out
And let's commence to singing joyfully
Everybody look up
And feel the hope that we've been waiting for

Everybody's glad
Because our silent fear and dread is gone
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness

Hello world
It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world
We always knew that we'd be free somehow
In harmony
And show the world that we've got liberty


It's such a change
For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness
Hello world
It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world
We always knew that we'd be free somehow
In harmony
And show the world that we've got liberty

It's such a change
For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Obama For the WIN!

I'm 30 yrs old. I am from the Hip Hop generation. I hail from Atlanta, a historic city for African Americans. I am from the deep south.

I've been called a "Nigger" to my face at young age. I've witnessed how my intelligent, college-educated husband has been treated by police versus White treatment. I have seen the disdain that Black people have for each other. I've met a Black person who couldn't pronounce "Africa", but was a school teacher in an old confederate state...

I've seen some crazy things, some sad things, some outrageous things. One thing I never thought I'd see is a Black president. Maybe I thought I might see one when I became really old and grey, but never while I was a young woman.

In a previous post, I laid out what an Obama presidency meant to me. I look at my 10 yr old son, and I become even more firm in my decision to vote for Barack Hussein Obama. I contemplate, that God-willing, my daughter will be born and a Minority as president will be normal to her.

But is it all about the kids? No. Selfishly it's all about me...and you...and them.

Me First: I'm only 30 y'all. I can be President. 2028 y'all!

You: "...this nation shall rise up, and live out the true meaning of it's creed." - MLK

Yes Nation. Yes You Did. You are composed of so many types of ppl from so many different walks of life. It is time you had a leader who relates to you, or is willing to find a common ground with you. Yes Nation. You freakin' rock. Now your job is to keep rocking. Be accountable and hold "them" accountable.

Them: The politicians need to know that they need to keep their promises, and that we will hold their feet to the fire. They need to know that nasty attacks is not how we like to roll. Lastly, they need know that there's nothing wrong with having intelligent people in their party (read: Joe the Socialism expert wannbe).


Okay, so that's it. I'm happy. I'm hopeful. I need to be pinched.

Bigger than him.

Some people may call Obama an "empty suit". Some may dislike him because he was not raised by an African-American, or in an African-American neighborhood. Some think that his ego needs to be put in check, while others think that he is all talk. I don't care what people think of Obama, his presidency could change the way People of Color, are perceived by their fellow citizens, and across the globe. Black people are not the only group to find encouragement and inspiration in an Obama presidency.

My son is who I want to benefit from an Obama presidency. I want people to stop being so surprised by our intelligent children, as if they are an exception. As if they are breaking some kind of rule. I want the possibility of my son being harassed by law enforcement to decrease. I want the expectations of my son and his peers to skyrocket. I want for regular decency and respect to be restored to the Black male, and Black family.

I have a lot of wants, and there are a lot of things I will not hesitate to fight for. I feel that my son is just as valuable as any other kid. He deserves to feel a sense of hope. He deserves to see a Black kid with an "peculiar" name be the leader of the "free world". A nickname largely earned by the struggle of Black people in the first place.

I know that none of this may be accomplished by an Obama presidency. I know that Barack might not win, or may worsen our reputation. I know that there must be radical changes is the way that some people think. True, I have lived through Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and W. Bush presidencies, but I am still here, and so is my son. We are determined regardless, but there is hope.