What I'd Like to Leave Behind in 2008

In 2009, I would like to leave behind the fear, self-doubt, self-hate, insecurity & lack of self-confidence that plagues us as Black people. For the first time, on January 20, 2009 we will have a competent, capable Black man as President--one who won the election with a majority of almost every voting segment [African Americans (96%), Jews (77%), gays and lesbians (71%), first-time voters (68%), Latinos (67%), Asians (63%), voters under 30 (66%), union members (59%) and women (55%)]. I can remember on so many occasions prior to November 4 hearing other Blacks and Black leaders talking about how Barack Obama couldn't possibly win, wasn't Black enough, acted too White, would be assassinated, our votes wouldn't count anyway, and many other reasons why Blacks should not support him. On a local level, we heard similar questions when Colonel Daryl Jones ran for Lt. Governor of Florida with Jim Davis in the 2006 election.








In 2009, I want my people to learn how to support each other whether shopping at a local Black business, voting for strong Black politicians, or re-building institutions of the Black community. We saw in this election how powerful a united Black vote is in bringing Change to our country. There are many more battles to fight and if we can arm ourselves with courage, confidence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, etc. we CAN change our lives for the better, reverse the cycle of poverty, educate and inform ourselves, build wealth for our next generation, and more. In short-we can change our world and make a positive difference in the lives our our people!