The world has woken up this morning to a historic and stunning victory by the (President Elect) Barack Obama and his black family to live at the White House.To his critics that say he is mixed race and not a black man or those that say if he had been three shades darker he would not have been elected. It is disrespectful to suggest that he is not black. Barack Obama calls himself black and is recognised by millions around the world as such.
Obama is clearly a unique man who represents both sides of the racial divide. But why is-it that the world was willing to accept Bob Marley the greatest reggae super star as a black man irrespective that he had a white father. Whilst some in today’s world find it extremely difficult to accept Obama in the same light.
Surely a person’s race is determined by the colour of his skin. If Obama had been born 150 years ago he would have would have been sold into slavery. Disturbing as it may sound the first 11 presidents of the United States (US) would have owned him.
The US has done it self proud and shown that it can put aside differences, look beyond the barriers of sex and colour and elect its first black president. Obama now reflects and represents the true stars and stripes of the United States of America. America is clearly leading the way in race relations, how much longer will we have to wait for other nations to follow this quest for change.
Obama’s African roots are strong and clear to see. The African continent is in jubilant and celebrating mood. Kenya is leading the way by declaring a 24 hour national holiday in celebration of Obama’s victory.
Kenya is the home of Obama’s late farther, the home of a long line of Obama’s extended family and home of the now famous grandmother (Sarah Obama).
After the euphoria of this momentous day would have died down, Obama will have to face the reality and the challenges of addressing the American economy, Climate change, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Nuclear stand off with Iran / North Korea and calming Russian fears against expansion plans of NATO into Europe.
Obama is an unknown quantity, how will he react, what will he do, what strategies will he adopt to heal a divided and broken world. The next 12 months will be very interesting as we await his next move.
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22 comments:
1. he is black AMERICAN.
2. His racial makeup puts him at less than 7% black "african", which is not recognized as a majority by any self-respecting organization.
3. it was his race that made him a good president, and not all that other stuff about "change and hope"?!
Joelsuke-sama Atlanta, , US
Joelsuke-sama -- Obama's father was 100% Kenyan ( Black African ), which makes Obama 50% African. If only you could get your facts right.
Barack Obama's victory at the US Prsidential election is undoubtedly a major milestone in a history of race relations around the world dating far back as the period of slavery and colonialism in all it's forms, down to present day. America may be leading the world in breaking through on this problem of racism but until and unless we the Africans begin to add value to ourselves as a people and put aside egoistic and self pride or ethnicitism, we could be catalysts for fragmentation in the future. Countries, Governments around the world had begun building empires around their kinds, in terms of their skin colour and the peculiarity of their eyes, just to make sure there was enough evidence to negatize by legal strudtures any attempt at political power by newcomer. And am sure we saw a bit of that during the Presidential election credit to the astute character and statemanship of Barack Obama but these are the realities of our times and we have to congratulate him at least for the good effort. You cannot begin to imagine the impact and the moral implications of Obama's victory on the perception of the black race as degenerate, poor, unscrupulous etc, etc unless you consider the nature of racial injustice suffered by blacks around the world, or unequal treatment meted out to people of colour (African descent) merely on the basis of their pigmentation. I think since Bob Marley died, we never had anyone of his stature on the world scene. Also, like the late Bob, he conjures images of the black starliner illusion, and God knows, we need him there, at the top, if we have any business here.
they dont actually reside in the white house until january. take it easy peasey.
Also Barack Obama himself was born in Kenya so hes 100% African.
The United Police States Of America Camuy, PR
Who cares what color he is, that is not why I voted for him. I voted for him because he was the best man for the job.
Chris Washington, US
obamas father was kenyan, which is of ARAB descent. the only african blood he had was from 1 grandmother.
so the makeup really is 50% white, 44% arab and 6% black.
but the point of my comment was not on his racial background. it was that his racial background should have nothing to do with his "success" as an AMERICAN president.
For now there is excitement in the air; everyone is overjoyed that AT LONG LAST a brother occupies the highest, most influential position on the planet. But hey when this all settles down and the people wake up to the reality we're going to be asking HOW THIS HAPPENED while we pinch ourselves at the magnificence of his feat.
That said, it sure does tell us what we all are - people with many scattered little dreams; once hands are on deck, and reason is given priority, surely, my brothers, there is no way the man of color cannot flesh out his hopes.
Obama's dream was laughed at, by people whose fragile minds and shameless ignorance made them fathom not the enormity of good education in the life of one with a determined mind, a hope, a good history (painful, sometimes), all spiced with a dose of love, sweet and unselfish, for many unfortunate, many abused, many poor...and the creative thoughts to walk the dreams of the mind.
He did it; and he was once upon a time the dream of a certain Kenyan man whose life journey took him abroad, to the LAND of the free and made it possible for him to fortify within his African soul a HOPE shared by many a brave of heart.
That is the beginning. Obama has set the standard for dreams and visions, with tact, discipline, perseverance. It's up to you and I to wake up, start our small dreams as well, with same tact, same discipline, same peservearance, minding not the silly comments, the ludicrous attempts by dimwits and loud know-it-alls to bring us down. This victory calls for the waking up for people, of all walks of life, everywhere in the world, those that want to see out the dark clouds life sometimes bring, from mediocrity and nepotism, ethnicity and all negative, fruitless tags to command sweet ways of minding our own lives.
The torch has been lit; and the flame is ablaze. Inspiration has been provided. The wise are learning. The glib are talking. The cynics are being their cynical best. The jealous and envious are sharpening their pencils, ready for mischief. Good and bad alike are thus well inspired.
What are you doing? Good. Bad. Mischief. Talking. Writing. Cynical. Learning. Planning. Whatever. I'm game. What about you?
The dawn we waited for is here. The cock has done it's annoying "morning call'.
Now there is no excuse for failure. Yours. Mine. Everybody's. The Impossible just was made possible. Hope has been given a chance. A young black family would be in the White House.
Over to you, and whatever you take from it.
For now there is excitement in the air; everyone is overjoyed that AT LONG LAST a brother occupies the highest, most influential position on the planet. But hey when this all settles down and the people wake up to the reality we're going to be asking HOW THIS HAPPENED while we pinch ourselves at the magnificence of his feat.
That said, it sure does tell us what we all are - people with many scattered little dreams; once hands are on deck, and reason is given priority, surely, my brothers, there is no way the man of color cannot flesh out his hopes.
Obama's dream was laughed at, by people whose fragile minds and shameless ignorance made them fathom not the enormity of good education in the life of one with a determined mind, a hope, a good history (painful, sometimes), all spiced with a dose of love, sweet and unselfish, for many unfortunate, many abused, many poor...and the creative thoughts to walk the dreams of the mind.
He did it; and he was once upon a time the dream of a certain Kenyan man whose life journey took him abroad, to the LAND of the free and made it possible for him to fortify within his African soul a HOPE shared by many a brave of heart.
That is the beginning. Obama has set the standard for dreams and visions, with tact, discipline, perseverance. It's up to you and I to wake up, start our small dreams as well, with same tact, same discipline, same peservearance, minding not the silly comments, the ludicrous attempts by dimwits and loud know-it-alls to bring us down. This victory calls for the waking up for people, of all walks of life, everywhere in the world, those that want to see out the dark clouds life sometimes bring, from mediocrity and nepotism, ethnicity and all negative, fruitless tags to command sweet ways of minding our own lives.
The torch has been lit; and the flame is ablaze. Inspiration has been provided. The wise are learning. The glib are talking. The cynics are being their cynical best. The jealous and envious are sharpening their pencils, ready for mischief. Good and bad alike are thus well inspired.
What are you doing? Good. Bad. Mischief. Talking. Writing. Cynical. Learning. Planning. Whatever. I'm game. What about you?
The dawn we waited for is here. The cock has done it's annoying "morning call'.
Now there is no excuse for failure. Yours. Mine. Everybody's. The Impossible just was made possible. Hope has been given a chance. A young black family would be in the White House.
Over to you, and whatever you take from it.
The lord has ordained this for it to happen. This has been in the pipeline for a long time, even the great activitist Martin luther King predicted as the lord give him utterance long time ago, its sad that he cannot witness this historic day bt the spirit is around and he will be glad that it have happened at last.
Now is the time we as black people will wake up from our slumber and give God all the glory becoz there is more in the pipeline that God has in store for us all.
I totally appreciate yr words of encouragement. This is a wake up call my Bro, its for all of us to unite as black and being proud in all we do or say in jesus name.
As a pastor and evangelist i predicted that that the world will change for the better and the lord will open the white eyes for all to see the good ness of our God and saviour jesus christ sake.
Blessings
Pastor Gee
Kenyans = Arabs??? Wow I am confused, I think you need to have some more interactions with the Tusker drinkers of East Africa.
Barack Obama's victory at the US Prsidential election is undoubtedly a major milestone in a history of race relations around the world dating far back as the period of slavery and colonialism in all it's forms, down to present day. America may be leading the world in breaking through on this problem of racism but until and unless we the Africans ... Read Morebegin to add value to ourselves as a people and put aside egoistic and self pride or ethnicitism, we could be catalysts for fragmentation in the future. Countries, Governments around the world had begun building empires around their kinds, in terms of their skin colour pigmentationand the peculiarity of their eyes, just to make sure there was enough evidence to negatize by legal strudtures any attempt at political power by a newcomer. And am sure we saw a bit of that during the Presidential run-off credit to the astute character and statemanship of Barack Obama but these are the realities of our times and we have to congratulat
As a first generation of indigenous African descent my chest swells with pride at the historic events of November 4, 2008. President elect Obama is one generation removed from the African continent and America stands behind you. It is now that I personally feel the hallowed words inscribed on the statue of liberty have meaning "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." Julie Redstone tells us “The Statue of Liberty was originally called "Liberty Enlightening the World…to enlighten mankind to the noble ideals of freedom and equality that belong to each one, and to hold high the standard of hope that light will always triumph over darkness.” Growing up black in America has been a journey in and of itself. Given my unique perspective as a first generation american I have also had my journey further challenged with negative stereotypes and ignorance by both black and white Americans. Well, today the barrier of ignorance has suffered significant damage. Black America and Africa present for your consideration Barack Obama. He is articulate, educated, cultured, compassionate and objective. He is the future, he is our future. As far and wide as the merciless ships of the slave trade travelled, as far as our diaspora reaches, we celebrate Obama, for he is us.
Ralph Nader in an open letter has criticised Obama because of his kow-towing and corporate sponsorship. Let us wait and see if he is right or whether Obama has the guts to make change...
Link
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article21143.htm
I think it's a great day in our nation, and I think he will make a terrific statesman. I'm actually a little proud to be an American for once. And it happened within OUR lifetime, and that makes me feel good about our generation.
Eric LOS ANGELES, California,
What about Sally Hemmings and Thomas Jefferson's children?
Marty Muloski
Chicago, Illinois, US
i think however you look at it, its history, it moumentus for us people! its a new world and we;re finally standing up as a nation and putting aside the "race factor" and just looking at a man for who he is, what he stands for and what he will do for our nation!
whittney
Hawaii, US
ok he isn't really black dumb A$$ he's of muslim origen but its ok I voted McCain and he lost but that means that all the african american people can no longer pull the black pitty me card they can no longer say that they are oppressed or mistreated in ANY WAY cause they are just as equal as we are No I don't like Obama personally I don't think he will last 3 days this is his most dangerous time between the 4th and January cause It goes through history people will never accept a black president espcially a NOT a MUSLIM President so sorry to say but obama probably wasn't your best choice
Kira Yamato
Colorado, US
america is a racist country. You got what you wanted now so no more complaning. It is going to fall on deaf ears. You get the same chances that all others get. No more victimization stuff.
Bud
Alabama, US
Obama is indeed a true and "whole" global president. His background is interesting.......Kenyan dad, American mom, childhood in Indonisia. I personally see Obama as someone very very compassionate. I admired his involvement in community activities and throughout his campaign, he was saying things from the bottom of his heart. He is with the people of America and he know their needs. Just think about the lady he helped at an airport with $100 bill for excess luggage before being a senator and this lady, who lives in another country,had to recognise his photo during this historic campaign. He is kind and has good problem solving skills. He is far matured than Maccain and Palin when it comes to campaign strategies..in winning over the people of America. Above all, he is loved and an AFRICAN AMERICAN. May the souls of his mom, grandma and dad rest in perfect peace. How I wished that they were alive to see this history and see how much he is loved by the world.
May God guide him throughout his. terms in the white house.
We are very happy about Obama we as black and not only that he is from Kenya where i come from but it is a history of wich we shall live to remember..i hope we shall learn from Americans and bring change aswell to our country wish him well in everything.
Obama has been put on such a high pedestal, ones concern will be that he will not able to meet peoples expectations. Great expectations require even greater execution. Obama's limited record and the fact that so many have affixed their expectations and aspirations on his campaign and presidency -- despite the fact that these aspirations between ... Read Moredifferent groups are in fundamental conflict with each other. "It is better to set and exceed realistic goals than it is to ride the wave of hype...right into the trash heap". Indeed, Bush has demonstrated unprecedented attention and dedication to the region, including creating (PEPFAR); increasing U.S. official development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa fourfold; offering a new, more effective way to provide development assistance in the MCC; and setting up a new combatant command dedicated to Africa.Obama is seen as as the "Son of The Land " in Africa hence expectation are high and the question is will "Mr President Elect" able to deliver?
As a first generation of indigenous African descent my chest swells with pride at the historic events of November 4, 2008. President elect Obama is one generation removed from the African continent and America stands behind you. It is now that I personally feel the hallowed words inscribed on the statue of liberty have meaning "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." Julie Redstone tells us “The Statue of Liberty was originally called "Liberty Enlightening the World…to enlighten mankind to the noble ideals of freedom and equality that belong to each one, and to hold high the standard of hope that light will always triumph over darkness.” Growing up black in America has been a journey in and of itself. Given my unique perspective as a first generation american I have also had my journey further challenged with negative stereotypes and ignorance by both black and white Americans. Well, today the barrier of ignorance has suffered significant damage. Black America and Africa present for your consideration Barack Obama. He is articulate, educated, cultured, compassionate and objective. He is the future, he is our future. As far and wide as the merciless ships of the slave trade travelled, as far as our diaspora reaches, we celebrate Obama, for he is us.
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