The year is 1958

The year is 1958; a young boy was given a class assignment of what you want to be when you grow up. The young child wrote down on paper that he wanted to be President of the United States.  His teacher picked up the piece of paper and made him stand before his classroom of 34 students as she proceeded to explain to him in no uncertain terms that it was impossible for him to become president. Furthermore, he should not even think about going to college. He should think about doing something practical like a service job, or   driving a truck. This little child went home heartbroken, and very upset where as his mother asked him what was wrong. He showed her the paper with a failing grade on it and his mother did her best trying toexplained why he couldn’t have that particular dream. In her own way she tried to offer alternatives like becoming a pastor, owning a funeral parlor, his grandmother offered her advice by telling him that barbers do ok. And there is nothing wrong with being a cook.  If you finish school, you may luck out and get a job as a garbage man for the city.

You see folks I was that child. A black kid with a lot of dreams and everywhere I turned there was always people putting obstacles in my way. You see I am a black kid from Chicago and my teacher was white. She, like my mother and grandmother never in their wildest imagination would ever believe a black person would be running for President of the United States. That was then this is now. On this day, June 3, 2008, as I witness a dream become reality and hope become alive.  I realize that Senator Barack Obama has a long way to go.  I understand that there are many who came before him.  I, better than most, understand knowing the mood of this country that he may not make it to the final goal. I hope and pray that he succeeds.  I believe he will be great for America and great for the world. I understand if he doesn’t because as Ted Kennedy once said… “the hope still lives and the dream shall never dies.”

On this particular day, Senator Obama has given new life and hope to that dream. From this point on black kids, Hispanic kids, white kids, male or female can stand up and say they want to be President of the United States and his or her teacher will have to look at that child straight in the face and say yes you can.

Remember Villagers treat folks the way you like to be treated.
Good Night. . . Jimbo