Tomorrow Obama becomes the 44th president of the United States. No one can deny, the world is watching, most importantly the world is hoping. Most people around the globe I believe have a love hate relationship with us. They admire us in some ways and despise us for other reasons we may not want to understand.
What does this historic inaguration witnessed by over 4 million visitors in DC and on television
mean to so many? Does the word hope sound familiar? Does the thought, maybe this man can unite us? Maybe this man, who appears calm, collected and happy can take us on a new journey?
Maybe he can motivate us to sacrifice for our country and each other?
I attended a poetry slam for the first time in my life (Yes I am ashamed to admit, it was my first time) at G's and Z's Coffee house on 4412 Almeda here in Houston. This primarily African American art space that introduces visitors to love, revolutionary and conscious poetry offered me with one of the most powerful, unforgettable, and soulful events of my life.
Many black poets, men and women got up to recite their soulful, profound, and sometimes painful work. The night was magical. We were from different cultures, races and religions in this small space where words became an instrument for understanding, consciousness, love and compassion. These men and women of the word reminded me of why America is great and why we have so much potential to be better, to choose better to survive and thrive in the mess we have gotten ourselves into. These poets were hopeful and understandably so.
Within living memory, black citizens in this country did not have the right to vote. Now we are inagurating the first black and white (don't forget, he is both black and white) President, a brilliant man, admit, no matter what your political persuasion. His inaguration will culminate the civil rights revolution. Unfortunately for him and his administration he will inherit the white house in one of the worst times of our history.
A friend of mine who travelled to Washington to witness history told me the other day. " If you believe in the power of prayer and I do, pray for him and our congress. Pray for every politician of every party for we need miracles.
Also pray that he is protected for many still will want to destroy him, and pray that the hope he represents for the US and the world really helps all of us in this global community come out ahead. "
As for the Gaza tragedy, in my lifetime I have watched extremists on both sides of this conflict get the upper hand. I watch as thousands of innocent people are dying and all I can say is, enough already. America needs to help make this peace agreement a reality not a simple rhetorical idea that sounds good. We need new leadership that takes this seriously and forces both sides to accept a two state solution.
A dear friend and an excellent journalist, Montserrat Dominguez of Spain does a national weekend radio show. She interviewed a famous Conductor who is both Argentinian and Israeli. If you can understand Spanish, go to this link and listen to what he has to say.
http://www.cadenaser.com/internacional/audios/entrevista-daniel-barenboim-vivir-dias/csrcsrpor/20090103csrcsrint_2/Aes/
In the mean time, enjoy this historical moment. I know I am very proud to be an American today more than yesterday!
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