Now, here we are today, on this historic day, November 4th 2008, after a grueling two years we have reached the finish line. I needed to be amongst all that excitement and celebration that was on TV. I rushed to a victory Party at the Marriot hotel up the street from me, into a ballroom filled with people of color of every hue, this is‘ the new America.’ They were screaming, crying, shouting on cell phones, standing on chairs to see the giant screen, and talking back to it –as if they were at the movies; grown men wept…strangers reached out to hug and shake my hand.

One bold lady even kissed me, smack on the lips! A fellow volunteer and her large mother ambushed me in a group hug of love. One drunk white man wouldn’t stop slapping me on the back –he swore he knew me; he was country as hell! I had no idea what he was saying. But it didn’t matter. Not on this night. This was a time for America to heal and celebrate, and it did –considering all the bad news we’ve been dealt lately.

Then he delivered the speech –and boy did he deliver. It was superb. He extended love and gratitude towards his family and campaign managers. But the bulk of it he lavished on us, and asked for our help to make America great again. MLK’s speech rang in my ears. His dream had been fulfilled and this man was to carry the mantle to inspire the rest of us to get there with him… I got chills.

I am not African American by birth, but as an adult I have chosen to be; legally. I do not hold the shadow of two hundred and thirty odd years of slavery behind me, but I know its results. My skin brands me to endure that cross.

But today can be the beginning of something new for us all, if we allow ourselves to embrace the possibilities that already exist in countries beyond our shores. Barack is our flag bearer and we must support him and be patient, even when he stumbles. I think in his speech he was asking if ‘we had his back,’ because he knows that mistakes will be made, but together we shall overcome.

I just did not expect him to show up in black skin. I have always dreamed of a President who would be inclusive of all people when he talked of America’s future. One who would challenge the status quo and the unfair distribution of wealth by such an inclusion. I wanted someone who would help us regain the confidence and respect of the world, which we have lost through, interference, greed, and unnecessary wars. Our leaders have had the audacity to self appoint us as the greatest nation in the world, to the exclusion of others whose peoplehave thrived without military might and technology. Many great civilizations have fallen from such arrogance and we maybe added to that list.

Barack Obama has inspired us to dream that change is possible if we believe it and take the necessary steps to implement it. But many don’t share his vision and choose to destroy him with disguised rhetoric and angry threats. I am not voting for this man because we share the same skin color, but because I believe him to be authentic. Many past messengers have emerged and garnered the support and admiration of the masses due to sheer charisma.

That indomitable spirit that communicates to us on a spiritual level that says “I am here to help you and you must pay attention.” He may be young but he comes equipped with valuable tools. He is calm, shrewd and wise; very wise. He learns quickly and listens to the advice of qualified peers before making thoughtful decisions. That is why many of us have put our trust in him, because as he says; It is time.