A Moment of Reflection

Not to put a damper on this historic time, but it means a great deal to me for many reasons other than President Obama himself. On a high level, his presidency represents different things to everyone.

My parents were Depression-era babies. Back in the day when D.C. wasn’t all glitz and glam, but many poor residents lived in houses with dirt floors and some even in the long forgotten alleys/tenements. My mom was born in a house a stone's throw from the U.S. Capitol. As a child, I wonder if she ever imagined a black man holding the seat of president. Dad beamed with pride when he told the fascinating stories of traveling the world as a young Marine (Semper Fi!). Our neighbors gave him the nickname "Mayor of Fifth Street" as a joke, but I wonder what he could have done with a college education and ability to select the career path of his choice.

I feel blessed to have experienced different eras through my parent’s recollections of an age we’ll never witness again. When there were iceboxes, milkmen, streetcars, and jammin' concerts at the Lincoln and Howard theaters.

There were many turbulent and discouraging times also. When the big department stores in downtown D.C. would allow blacks to purchase items…but they could not try them on in the store. Many parts of D.C. were just as segregated as the deep South.

I wonder how they truly felt as the glimmer of hope Dr. King represented was dashed as parts of the city burned upon news of his assassination. All this lead to the subsequent demise of the community as they knew it.

I also wonder if the masses of people who’ve traveled to witness history know (or care) that not only did slaves build the White House and the Capitol, but were bought and sold on the land upon which the National Archives, Supreme Court and other landmarks.

I’m quite sure there are people who say ‘get over it’ and ‘that was the past’, but to them I give the one finger salute. Haven’t we done that long enough? Not to dig up the ugly past, but to not forget the strength and resolve of Black Americans.

Change is great, but it pains me to see superficial glamour replace the true heart of the city. I think we're quick to get caught up in the hype, but it’s vital to look at the total picture…the sacrifice and hard road that lead to this being possible in the first place.

My parents made great strides in their lives and I appreciate their sharing such a rich history with me, but I can’t help but wonder what they would’ve accomplished if they were afforded the same opportunities available to me. I also wonder if they would even recognize the supposed ‘new and improved’ D.C.

How I wish they were alive to witness this time, not because of Obama but of the possibilities he represents. I wonder...

That said…get the partay started!