by Olivia Bredbenner

Created on: November 05, 2008   Last Updated: January 20, 2009

This young dark skinned child started out in a broken home, and then was lovingly raised by his white grandmother. This strong bond of love lasted through out their lives. In part, it helped carry this young boy to the highest office of the United States of America.

How often Barack's grandmother must have instilled in him the values and the self-confidence that is seen in him today. She must have seen and believed that he could be a leader some day. Most likely, even during her illness she knew in her heart that he would be president. After casting her last vote for him, she quietly passed away, on the eve of his election for president of the United States of America.

"Freedom at last" was the general feeling expressed by many black and whites in communities. After Barack had won the election. Although most denied that this election was about race. They do believe its outcome has set them free. Believing that many black children will now see that it truly is about the person you are, and not about the color of your skin.

It does not matter what political party you have supported. The decision has been made. We are all part of this historical day. It does matter that we now recognize that the people have spoken. In a way, that will be an example to the rest of the world. This is how true Democracy works. "Democracy is- the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people " as spoken by Harry Emerson Fosdick in 1925. Aren't we are all ordinary people.

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Barack Obama has many challenges to meet. There is no doubt that he can handle himself, as well as the times he finds himself . Two wars and the worst financial crises in 70 years is just some of the things he will need to focus on.. One would expect that it would help if he has among his skills that of a "masterful magician. " Although, hardly a real expectation.

There are those that question his background and experience in assuming the high role that he has now achieved. It may be more like the evolving of a good man into a great leader. A president does not need to know all things. He does need to surround himself with honorable and wise men. He will need them to help dig out from the past. To learn from where we have gone wrong, and to help him lead us into our new tomorrows.

There was another wise leader in South Africa, who struggled during the Apartheid. Nelson Mandela shared his wisdom with these words. They can also apply to the struggles before us "Where people of goodwill get together and transcend their differences for the common good, peaceful and just solutions can be found even for those problems which seem most intractable."

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We have heard Barack Obama eloquently share his vision for our country. We are hungry for the outcome of the promises he has made. We have a man who sees the long over due dream fullfilled. He has made us believe it is possible. As so as Americans we now stand beside him and help him walk that walk.

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