Yes We Did!..... Now What?

My last posting on my forsaken blog was to introduce Senator Barack Obama to those who had not heard of him. It spoke about a speech that he gave in 2002 regarding his opposition to the Iraq war at a time when such opposition was not popular. He demonstrated his wisdom and forsight at that time and gave us an early look at the person we would all see in the time leading up to November 4, 2008.

Today, many of us sit in a euphoric state with the realization that this man with the “funny name” is now the President-Elect of the United States of America (Wow, I almost teared up just typing it!). Who would have thought just two years ago or even one year ago that such a thing was possible in America.

It is truly amazing how one event can change history and with it change people’s outlook on life. There are people at my office who I see everyday, whether they be construction workers, guards, secretaries, managers who have rarely noticed me and who I have admittedly not spoken to as well. However, yesterday we were all brothers and sisters, we were all proud Americans. A young black construction worker came up to me yesterday with a mouth full of gold teeth (two fangs) and told me how he never understood the big deal over “saggy” pants until yesterday. He said he wanted to represent what President-Elect Obama represented yesterday. He said that for the first time in his life he felt that anything is possible. He said he already has plans to go back to school next year. Today, I saw the young man again today and he was just as excited.

All of us need to realize that this joy, this motivation, this excitement, will mean nothing if it does not turn into action. Prior to Tuesday, November 4, 2008, the mantra of the Obama campaign was “Yes, We Can”. Yesterday, for many of us it was “Yes, We Did!”. But I would suggest that it continue to be “Yes, We Can” and here’s why.

President-Elect Obama will face some of the most daunting challenges that any President in recent history has had to face. A declining economy, two wars and a world that has looked at us with skepticism and disdain. I believe that his election has in some ways immediately assisted at least our global reputation. But it cannot stop there. If Obama has shown anything, it is that despite Governor Palin’s view of “community organizers”, such work is the backbone and foundation of this great nation. Such work and workers are what made it possible for black men and for all women to vote. Such work and workers are what produced a man who over forty years ago had a dream and who told us that “We shall overcome”.

So today, I ask that we not look upon President-Elect Obama to do the heavy lifting from the top of mountain and nation upon which he now sits. But that we take to heart the words that he has instilled in all of us. That is that change does not come from the top down, but from the bottom up. If you haven’t done so, and I’ll be the first to raise my hand, get involved in your local community. Don’t just go to your church, but get involved in the community which surrounds it. Don’t just complain about your Government, do something to change it. Next time you see that man, woman, boy or girl on the street, don’t just look down at them and walk by. Say an encouraging word and if you can, help them. Instead of constantly criticizing our youth, talk to them, encourage them and most importantly pray for them.

The Change We Need was not just President-Elect Obama, the Change We Need is still to come and it starts not with Obama but with all of us.