By Edward Foxworth IIINot in my lifetime! Has been the cry of many of our parents and grandparents. They were the generation of people who dealt with the lynching of Emmett Till, the murder of four girls at a church and the denial of basic liberties like voting rights, equal education and political representation. It was their life experiences of being led, through some very trying times, by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that we now research. Enduring personal abuse, his home being bombed and often being arrested he courageously fought for what he believed was right and necessary. Change was the result. From segregated schools, buses and water fountains to his opposition against the Vietnam War, countless sit-ins and marches, Dr. King was correct in proclaiming that “Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.”Today we sit at a new starting line for the continuation of that very same courageous spirit. A spirit that lives on in a former community activist turned Senator, President Barack Obama. Someone who also understands the strife and struggles that African-American citizens, have had to endure. Yes, he will be challenged nationally and internationally, to provide leadership and direction to millions of people who also want change. But isn’t that what passing the virtual baton is all about? Receiving the knowledge and experiences of those that have ran their leg of the race and are now passing it on to those who are worthy? I’m convinced that he’s more than prepared for the job. To see this thoughtful, calculated, smart and compassionate human being, who happens to be African-American and who just happens to be a man, for this journalist, the eldest son of a former black panther, is extremely emotional.The price for getting to where President Obama is today – Extreme Racism, Sexism and in many cases Death, much of what unfortunately still exist. He certainly does stand on the shoulders of those who came before him and who fought the good fight. There remains however, that undying resolve that each of us has as a responsibility for assisting in this process. To internally examine who we are and to recommit ourselves to becoming the best and most productive people that we can be.Like Dr. King, the hope that President Obama will unify people and catapult “The Dream Deferred” to heights unimagined are what we are witnessing. For in the end, despite the personal challenges that each of us might face, we can no longer afford to wait for success to knock. The path is being cleared for those who simply want more. It is being cleared for those who are “Fired up and Ready to Go!”So if the eyes are the windows to ones soul, let us witness the courage and “Audacity of Hope” as it takes office, pulls up a chair and takes a seat.Edward Foxworth is a member of Destiny Speakers Bureau www.destinyspeaks.net. To book Edward for your next event or radio interview email your request to shirley@destinyspeaks.net
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