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| First Obama Presidential Inauguration |
On this eve of the Inauguration ceremony, I am reflecting on where I was four years ago. I had the pleasure of traveling to Washington D.C. to attend the inauguration via a dear friend who started as a client of mine. It was a transformative experience. Being in the crowd of thousands of folks on the mall, freezing our asses off, waiting, standing and then listening intently to the proceedings once they got underway, I remember having this crazy, indescribable excitement that morning. I was present with so many other citizens to watch the first black president be sworn in. One of the dreams realized. There were tears and audible elation; strangers were a bit nicer, definitely happier than usual, and the euphoria was palpable. It was something you felt deep in your soul as you stood in the uncharacteristically bitter cold temps (uncharacteristic for D.C.) and my words aren’t really capturing how we all were connected on that day.
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| South Shore Rally flyer |
I’m back four years later, wiser and more committed to change in my life that I hope affects others. I’m also married and thinking about the world beyond my own selfish aspirations, but for my community, future children, family and life partner. I think as a community, we put too much stock in our political leaders to do what we ourselves should also be doing. Leading actions for change to help redefine and chart a new path for our future generations should be a goal for each of us to strive for in our own unique way. Whether that includes running for office, volunteering for a cause close to your heart, fighting to advance a cause that positively affects others or being an instrument for uplifting someone else’s life. In my community, a group called Reclaiming South Shore for All is holding a rally tomorrow on MLK Day (see flyer) to help raise awareness about creating change for the better in the 7th ward. I hope some of you consider attending or passing this on so we can show how much we care about our neighborhoods.
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| Mayor Cory Booker in D.C. for Inauguration weekend |
I don’t want to leave the impression that I don’t think political leaders are important in our democracy. There most certainly are some good ones serving our communities such as Mayor Cory Booker, Governor Chris Christie, Mayor Michael Nutter, Congresswoman Sheila Lee, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and our President. However, they cannot do the work of the people alone. The people (read: us) have got to do our part to make a difference. It can seem insurmontable to tackle our issues when our days are consumed with going to work, getting the kids ready for school, figuring out a nutritious meal, staying healthy, taking care of aging parents or grandparents, and other various and sundry worries that can hold our attention and energy hostage. But we can’t sit back and expect government to run on automatic pilot without our input, pressure and power. So, for the next four years, my renewed sense of hope is buoyed not by what my country or community can do for me, but what I can do for my country and community.
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| President Obama then Senatorial candidate |
#4moreyears
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