Blacks, as well as other racial minorities, have been fighting for true equality since the birth of this nation.  At this point in America’s ambivalent history, a battle of epic proportions is taking place.  The objective is to get mainstream America to realize that there is still much more to be done to expiate the crimes that have been perpetrated and perpetuated against racial minorities in this proclaimed stronghold of democracy. 

After whites committed genocide against American Indians, and secured the slave trade-one of a number of heinous institutions that this world has seen, are racial minorities supposed to be appeased by mere legislation in the form of Civil rights and an embattled Affirmative Action program?  After centuries of free labor and real estate that was acquired by unthinkable atrocities, and then leaving thousands of persons virtually homeless and with little to no economic power, does America truly believe that it has ameliorated this situation by telling racial minorities that they are equal in word, but not deed?  Do the majority of Americans sincerely believe that a long and ugly history of exploitation, racism, and the doctrine of manifest destiny on one end of the scales of justice, can be balanced by four decades of halfhearted attempts at spreading “equality”? 

It is somewhat ludicrous that in this new millennium, many people still believe that they are inherently superior to others based on their race as opposed to being the beneficiaries of racial discrimination.  To hear someone refer to “coons,” “wetbacks,” “chow meins,” “spicks,” “redskins,” “black jelly beans,” “niggers,” etc., while simultaneously drinking beer and chewing “snuff” is a ridiculous notion.  But it is just as ridiculous to close your eyes to the racism in America that continues to manifest itself in today, especially the institutional racism that is as prevalent as ever.  Moreover, to downplay or remain purposefully ignorant (i.e., apathetic) about the dire sociological, psychological, and economical effects that centuries of racism have played upon oppressed persons is perhaps the greatest crime of all.  Why do racial minorities make up disproportionate numbers within the military and penal system?  Why are racial minorities so highly underrepresented in the boardrooms and classrooms of America?  Why is there such a great disparity of social and economic conditions between whites and racial minorities?  Could it be that racism in America and racial discrimination still exist, and/or Affirmative Action has not been allowed to reach fruition?  After years of socialization through a whip, being overrun by “manifest destiny,” being treated like cattle or legally “three-fifths” of a man, and then later being negatively portrayed in the media (if portrayed at all), virtually being forgotten in school books, and not being paid any serious reparations for hundreds of years of oppression, how can this not have a detrimental effect upon the overall condition and psyche of racial minorities in today’s times?

People must understand that for America to truly thrive, the undercurrent of ignorance that pervades this country must end.  America cannot afford to allow an increasing class of persons to be deprived of social, economic, and educational opportunities because of institutional racism.  If America continues on this course, then this social and economic sore will fester until the pain becomes unbearable.  This could ultimately lead to civil unrest, or worse.  Many of us are complacent now, but in another century when approximately half of America will be so-called “minorities,” future generations may look at our inaction to deal forthrightly and openly about racism in America as the Achilles heel that caused America’s demise.

Barack Obama has come a long way since February of 2007, when I—like many Americans—was wondering,  “Who is this black guy announcing his candidacy for president of the United States?”  Now, we all know that Obama is not only the perfect man to lead America at this important time in America’s ambivalent racial history, but America’s overall history.

Barack Obama is intelligent, analytical, seasoned, practical, and likeable.  And more importantly, Obama has a perspective that other politicians  can never have, because Obama had to overcome obstacles—as a black man in America—that most other politicians have never had to face.  This makes Obama generally tougher, smarter, and more genuinely empathetic as it pertains to every Americans’ struggles in their pursuit of “the American dream.”  Obama is the kind of man that understands and appreciates the fact that America is at a historical crossroads.  America can continue to bankrupt itself by allowing the rich and powerful to deceive the masses into supporting policies that are weakening America at its core, or America can strengthen itself immeasurably by supporting and truly embracing the humanity that is embedded within our Constitution and Bill of Rights.  Obama realizes all too well that people in this country have ideological differences—ostensibly based in conservatism or liberalism—that have ultimately weakened America’s socio-economic standing in the world.  He understands that the “politricks” of the Republicans have led a large portion of America to support positions that not only bankrupt the dreams and pocketbooks of the “little man” in America, but have also duped these same Americans into supporting an ill-advised war in Iraq that has severely weakened our social and moral standing in the world.

I believe that Obama Knows that race has been manipulated, much like a blacksmith forms a piece of steel into a sword, and used negatively in the hands of the GOP like in the case of Willie Horton.  But Obama understands race politics, and he is savvy enough to exercise smooth, political  jiu-jitsu to turn his blackness—not only of skin, but in experience—into a positive that should be appreciated and respected.  Because of his experience as a true African-American, he can appreciate the struggles, concerns and desires of all Americans, not just the rich, white men in their ivory towers.  Moreover, Obama knows that America’s future is literally dependent upon whether or not we improve the quality of education and make sure that quality education can be accessed by all of America’s children, regardless of race, gender, or economic position.  But Obama’s belief about education is just one example of Obama’s human understanding.  Just like any other sane-minded American, he realizes that basic health care should be available and beneficial to all people.  Obama has said, in so many words, that it is not economically viable to continue to put off investing in more efficient energy sources that will free America from her dependence upon nations that don’t have America’s best interests at heart.  And, perhaps above all, President Obama realizes that by supporting all people, regardless of race, who are trying to improve the lives and conditions of their families is extremely important to the edification and well-being of our nation. Obama’s issues are America’s issues.

Even though Obama is the perfect leader to address issues that are relevant to all Americans, many whites still ignorantly and blindly refuse to get on Obama’s bandwagon because he is black.  This is the legacy of racism in America that bewitches the country’s ability to live up to its position as the beacon of freedom and liberty in the world.  But, as far as blacks, it appears that Obama has finally turned the corner from the skepticism and unbelief that many within the black community held in the early days of his candidacy.  During those days, even blacks who took part in the African American Civil Rights Movement suggested that Obama did not have enough experience.  Moreover, even some black leaders played thei own brand of race politics by saying that Obama was not black enough, or that he hadn’t truly addressed the concerns of the black community.  Some blacks may even still harbor some of the same thoughts and feelings about Obama now, but I I have always believed that this position is somewhat overly critical—if not hypocritical.  Even today, there may be some within the black leadership who obviously don’t appreciate Obama’s modus operandi in dealing with black issues.  It has been reported that the National Urban League  has called for Obama to specifically address black issues in its “State Of Black America” report.  Now, I don’t really know if the the National Urban League wants Obama to really wear his race on his sleeve, or whether it’s just manipulation by the mainstream media in an effort to to manufacture a strain between Obama and some black leaders in America regarding Obama’s political agenda.  But hopefully black and white leaders are smart enough to understand that Obama’s way to deal with black issues is the most effective and politically practical way to improve America’s social and economic global footing in the long run.

The truth is, whether or not many within the old guard of the African American Civil Rights Movement want to admit it, the overall state and health of the black community has been on the decline since the Reagan years, and there really has not been one black leader who has been able to stem the tide by making those in power understand that a healthy and prosperous black community is paramount to the success of the future of America.  Obama is a leader of men that can help all people understand that the economic plight of low and middle income communities, with all of its social implications, will either be the savior or the downfall of America’s future leadership in the global marketplace.  In this day and age, when some want to pretend that institutional racism no longer exists, Obama’s way of addressing the concerns of the “little man,” and not just the black man, may be the best way to not only address the agenda of the beleaguered black man in America, but all men who are suffereing in America. So, it may be politically correct and expedient (and just a good idea, in geneal) from a black perspective, if black leaders and others within the black community continue to do what they have done throughout Obama’s rise to political power:  just be quiet and let him go about his business of improving the state of black America in his own way.  The days of  marches, sit-ins, and other high profile and public forms of activism may not be the most effective way to foster an environment of true racial equality in America today.  The time has come for new ideas to improve race relations, and ultimately defeat the racism in America that effects this country’s impact upon the world.

This is a symbolic, profound and poignant moment in America.  The world is watching, and history will be an unforgiving critic of a “great” nation that continued to press in the wrong direction, even though the road to true greatness begins with a simple and easy, yet bold step in the form of genuine support for Obama.  Not only should blacks continue in step with Obama, but all Americans who truly want what is best for this country should support our president.  Obama’s issues are colorblind, as well they should be.  In my estimation, President Obama is being smart by addressing the concerns of not only black people, but all people.   Isn’t this what we want for our country?  Don’t you ultimately want your offspring to live in a country that judges people “by the content of their character, and not the color of their skin,” as Dr. Martin Luther King envisioned?  Obama is a true visionary whose beliefs transcend race and politics. If given the support that is warranted in this time of socio-economic crisis, Obama will lead this nation, and the world, in a direction that benefits all of humanity.