I grew up in a neighborhood with no "blacks". I went to elementary and middle school with less than half a dozen african-american students. My mom, born in 1954, did not see a person of color until she was 13. We moved, when I entered high school, into an area with a rather high population of african-american folks. My parents were worried about this, but I didnt know what the problem could be.
When the L.A riots occurred, I didn't get what all the fuss was about, why the black community was so outraged. My mom understood. She remembered the Watts riots 27 years earlier. I had not been exposed to racisim; I am white, I was born in the 70's, I grew up in a white neighborhood, in other words I was sheltered from it. Perhaps, I was the epitome of it, I didn't mean to be. I have never personally experienced social injustice, prejudice or been the victim of racism, I can't possibly know what that is like.
Today, the United States of America will inaugurate it's first African-American President. Despite your political beliefs you have to admit that is pretty darn amazing! What progress we have made. The people have spoken. The Black community must feel so incredibly proud and exonerated. The highest office in all the land is finally integrated! How far we have come as a society, that my kids don't see this, a black man elected president, as a very big deal.
I stand in support of my leadership, whoever it may be. I am thankful to be led by a christian man. I will be praying for him and the decisions he will be making. I am in awe that the new president is not much older than me (and has younger children). I am hopeful for the future and the changes that will be made and that he is black is pretty cool too.
No comments:
Post a Comment