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in my mind's eye
in my mind's eye
Barack Obama, emancipating us from acceptance of our status quo
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Perhaps when Bob Marley sung 'Emancipate yourself from mental slavery' he had Barack Obama in mind. For several years Jamaica and Caribbean islands alike have been complaining about the terrible impact slavery and colonialism has had on us as a people.

The truth is that while several of us as black people with deep roots going way back to West Africa have been very successful in our different spheres of life - we have continued to be a marginalised people. Victims of our own situations and foolish beliefs. We talk about several renowned and well noted Professors, Nobel laureates, business men and women and now Barack Obama. But while this is commendable the majority of us continued to accept the status quo and failed to break the chains of bondage.

Honestly, when I first learned of the US Presidential Elections - it was when Barack and Hilary were contesting in the Primaries. While I am no political analyst on American politics or culture even, I thought Hilary would have been a better candidate and her opponent (at the time) was too audacious to think he can govern a white people country. Like many others, I was judging Hilary because of her colour and the performance of her husband Bill Clinton as President. And at the same time was keeping Barack safe. Perhaps perceived assassination.

Evidently, I am still within the confines of the oppressions we continue to suffer from as a people. I thought little of Bob Marley or even Martin Luther King. I can just imagine the bright smile on the faces of Martin, Rosa Parks and many others who suffered because of colour and their socio-economic statuses.

I must congratulate Barack on his historic win and crowing as the 44th President of America. I laud and appreciate his efforts in challenging the status quo. What is even more commendable is his choice of timing. His mere contesting the elections is evidence of the change which we are about to experience. I dedicate this historic victory to the end of BLACK OPPRESSION. YES WE CAN! It's the change we can believe in. B.O - Barack Obama, his initials quite noteworthy in my view.

What is more important is the significance of this victory for the world. Perhaps, this American elections got more support and viewers that even the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. And that's quite understandable.

One of my students said to me last night "2008 is a great year." I can do nothing but agree with her. Obama's historic victory is the beginning of a new world. It is a time in which we must celebrate as a people and recognise our strengths and abilities. Obama started his campaign from nowhere. With mere vision and determination he launched an internet campaign which generated thousands of support to defeat Hilary and now John McCain.

I am sure there must have been other black people in America who were equally or perhaps more qualified that could have been President of America. But none challenged the status quo. No one was ready - not even the world was ready. Colin Powell - a Jamaican said it. He was not ready.

Obama's challenge and victory is important because it says to us as people who have contributed so much to the development of several first world developed countries of the Global North - it is time. It is time to stand up for what you truly are. It is not just an end to racism or other colour-class conflicts but an end to acceptance of status quo.

It is a motivation to people who have been living in the spotlight of other great men and women to step out and stand up for what you believe in. Challenge yourself and become someone great. I challenge us all to become a part of a great change around the world. Follow Obama, be fearless and you can achieve.

You want to become a doctor you can - yes you can. Change is even more evident in 2008. It started with women becoming Presidents of their countries. Portia Simpson-Miller a woman of the grassroots becoming Prime Minister of Jamaica. A Jamaican born woman becoming chaplain for Queen Elizabeth. A Haitian-born woman becoming Governor General in Canada. Caribbean athletes out doing long standing Olympian champions. And now Barack Obama becoming President of the United States of America.

November 5, 2008 | 10:46 AM Comments  1 comments

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TIISETSO Tiisetso
April 22, 2010 | 6:47 PM

yes my brother I agree with you. Most of us black people we are afraid of challengin and taking a lead. We also don't get it why we should start something with no benefits.
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