My Fellow Americans

I would like to say that I am happy that I am alive to see the first African-Amercian President. I realize that many in the media are referring to him as biracial. I don't know what his preference is but when others see him and if it were someone that I know, he would be referred to as African-American. This is a significant step for America. It shows the rest of the world that we are not clinging to decades old prejudices. We are a long way from traveling on ships from Africa to the new world. We are a long way from being denied the right to vote or being considered 3/4 of a person or whatever they were calling us back in the day. There were many bi-racial children on plantations but they were still referred to as black even though their master was their father. Let's not steal the significance of this event away from African-Americans. We realize that Obama doesn't hold any prejudices. He can't. His mother was white and his father Kenyan.

Let's not trivalize everything by trying to debate on what he is. We do know that he is the first African-American President of these United States of America. We are seeing Dr. King's dream in action where we are judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin. Obama's election helps to eliminate from many of our African-Americans the excuse that I can't make it or "the man" won't let me do this and that and so and so. Obama is proof positive that if you put God and family first, the sky is the limit. Obama had a plan to get to this day. I say we all need to update our 5, 10, 15 and 20 year plan and start strategizing for what God will have us to be. I say we as Americans start working across the board as a team to continue to show the world what true leadership looks like by taking care of our own, being a friend to Israel and helping fight injustices and terrorism in the world.

This is a long way from having to pass a literacy test just to have the right to vote. When he was elected and the following day, I could feel the spirit of God excited within me. Just by the number of electoral votes, it is proof positive that God had His hand in it. The economy grew worse a few months before the election. Why? God wanted America and the world to see what four more years of Republican leadership would look like. I'm sure some people who were going to vote for McCain had a change of heart after they lost a job that they had held for 20 years. I'm sure that they had a change of heart when their portfolio went from $500,000 in net worth to about $250,000 all in one week. I'm sure they had a change of heart when some went from the middle class to the working class.

I have a dream today that we can no longer use race as an excuse not to get out there and hustle and be all that God has called us to be.

HELP KIDS AFTER-SCHOOL

It is becoming increasingly apparent that our young people are in crisis. I know this from my own experience having dealt with a nephew who spent three weeks in jail. He was in jail for being with the wrong person at the wrong time. His friend, also about 19, allegedly took five dollars from another young man. I was heartbroken when I found out my nephew, 19, was sitting in jail like a caged animal. I was even more hurt when I had to go visit him on certain days at certain times and put money in a machine if he need toiletries. Something is wrong in America.

He has never been in any trouble. And then when I went to the court hearing, it was even more heartbreaking too see them bring my nephew in from God's knows where. There is a place in the jail system for people who knowing break the law, but I believe strang things are happening in Memphis, Tennessee with the justice system. I remember hearing a news report where some youth in DeSoto County, Mississippi defaced a school stadium or something with a lot of graffiti. These children were basically given a slap on the wrist and had to perform community service work or something of that nature. But in Memphis, Tennessee, they are playing for keeps with our young people. I tell students all the time that they will play with you until you turn 18. After 18, they are playing for keeps.

I believe that police might have too much time on their hands when they can go and pick up a student at his school over $5.00. I most times feel the police do a good job. I have had to call them in times past when someone broke into a rental property. I knew whose house the man went to but they gave me all kinds of reason as to why they couldn't arrest. And even some times they would come so late that it gave the man time enough to get away. Something is wrong in America.

I am telling anyone who will listen. If a non-profit asks you to give to an after-school program, do it. Everytime United Way, Combined Federal Campaign, Girls and Boys Club, Girls Inc or Big Brothers and Big Sisters asks for a donation, help them. I worked with non-profits for about 11 years. I know from research that children are at the greatest risk between the time school is out and until the time their parents come home from work. We're talking between the times of 2:30 to 6 p.m.

After-school programs provide safe havens for children. If they are involved in an after-school program or cheerleading and basketball or soccer, etc., they are less likely to become a victim of crime or commit a crime and be involved in sexual activity or use drugs.

This November, vote for our children. Who has shown that they are concerned about our youth. Must we continue to let society lock up potential or will we make a conscious effort to elect someone who cares about the least of these thy brethren.