“It’s pretty amazing to watch Democracy and Capitalism at its best and sometimes at its worst.” That was the point made by a TV Commentator as he was asked about the different ways that people are cashing in on Obama’s election victory. There have been ads in the media for everything from magazine cover pages, to decorative plates to even basketball sneakers. The Commentator goes on to say, “it’s a good thing that Obama makes his own income as President and as an Author.”

With the inauguration of President Obama now behind us let’s recap what we just witnessed. Four years ago the country was introduced to a young man with a funny name at the Democratic National Convention. At that time he was the junior Senator from Illinois who spoke with clarity of conviction. Two years ago he announced his candidacy for President and took to the highways and skyways with a slogan of “Yes We Can!” His early Election Primary/Caucus wins in States that are not urban or considered democratic strongholds proved to be a turning point.

This got the attention of the pundits and critics. It might have even caused Black America to take a second look. As Election Day approached it became more apparent that Obama was poised to make history. The results came in that night and Obama was declared the President-elect at 11PM Eastern Time. Cheers began to rise from those who worked hard to make this victory possible. Tears began to flow from those who could look back on the pain and sacrifices of the past. The promise of Dr. King’s dream had finally come!

During the campaign Obama touched on some hot-button social issues like Fatherhood. This made some in Black America mad. The overall campaign was built on a promise to make change. Most Politicians choose change as a theme to run on. It’s a logical fit because it conveys the message of out with the old ideas and in with the new. Out with the Old Boy’s Network and in with some new blood. However, he was able to capitalize on this change message in a new and exciting way.

First he made it known that the change was going to occur from the ground up and not the top down. Why was that significant you ask? Because he was able to change the way people see change. Our human nature is to resist change. People think change is good as long as they’re not the ones having to change. It’s been said that you can’t change people. You can only change yourself and watch people or the situation change around you.

If there were a Men’s relay team of public officials who made this victory possible it would be Dr. King, to Rev. Jesse Jackson to Colin Powell to Barack Obama. So we witnessed Obama make history in becoming the first African-American President of the United States. You go Bro!  We have seen signs of him beginning to make change from his time campaigning through his transitioning role into the Presidency. Now we have to support our President as he works towards making good on his campaign pledges and on the long-standing promise of America. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Music Soundtrack – Only in America “Double-Play”

Play ‘America’s Song by David Foster,’ track here

Play ‘My People by Angie Stone,’ track here