November 4, 2008, was a very exciting, heartwarming and awesome day. A dream had come true: Senator Barack Obama had been elected as the 44th and 1st African American President. There are not words to express the overwhelming flood of emotions and tears that came over me as I witnessed this event. History in the making! A day that I did not think that I would see this soon in my lifetime. It was even a greater blessing to see my 80-year-old mother go to the polls, and witness this event in her lifetime as well. One would think that in light of this great event that we have arrived and that racism has been stamped out or eliminated. It only took one day after the election to realize that this was not the case and that racism is still very much alive in our community and in our country. Just from talking with neighbors, coworkers or reading comments on popular websites such as FaceBook and My Space, or watching the evening news, it was apparent that many people were not happy about the results of the election. When engaged in conversation as to why, many could not articulate a concrete answer -- simply referencing back to his race or ethnicity.
How sad it is that some people cannot look past the color of Obama's skin to see the content of his character; to see a very intelligent, educated, knowledgeable individual. One who ran an honest campaign and won the election standing ready to lead this county into the future and generate a change in this great nation.
As an African American woman, I see or experience racism on a daily basis; whether it be on my job, shopping in stores, or walking down the street. And because it is so subtle or covert, most of the time, only myself and others who experience it, can recognize it. While I think electing an African American president is a big step in the direction of eliminating racism, it is apparent that we still have a long way to go in terms of equality of all races in this country.
What steps can we take to further eliminate racism in our community? In our state and in our country? As for my part, I will continue to work with the YWCA of Charleston, who's mission it is to eliminate racism. I hope you will join us in this important work.
Teresa Johnson is a second-term member of the YWCA of Charleston Board of Directors and a registered nurse with Charleston Area Medical Center. She is pictured here with Sharon Pendleton, our first Empowerment Award winner, at the campaign launch of the $2 Million Challenge.
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3 comments:
Teresa: This is just lovely. Regardless what political side of the fence that one sits on, as you stated, this is so uplifting, so inspiring! Thank you for writing such a wonderful piece!
Debby Weinstein
Right on Teresa! Keep us thinking critically - all the time! We must be viligent. Thanks for your contributions.
Teresa is right (and how beautifully articulate) in that we have still have a journey before us. But what a statement we have made as a country about what we believe and our own audacity for hope. Our local and national communities have many challenges ahead - including the constant march toward eliminating all types of discrimination. But I have hope in my heart, and confidence in my friends and neighbors like never before.
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