Seven Ways Obama's Election Raises the Bar for African Americans

In this society where prejudice and racism once held back African Americans from equality, the election of Senator Barack Obama to the highest office in the land has permanently changed the landscape and presented certain opportunities which heretofore never existed.

This Is a New Day

Most of us have heard the saying, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” This is so true today because on November 4, 2008 Barrack Obama’s election brought about a new day for this country in general and for African Americans in particular.


“Today” represents a turning of the pages in history to a new era, separate and distinct from “yesterday,” an old bygone era where a Black man (or woman) as President was only a distant and unattainable dream for some and an unthinkable nightmare for others.


“Today” is an exceptional point in the unfolding of a historical process that not even the founding fathers conceived would or could happen. This process has led us from the days when slave labor helped build the Capital Building to a day when an African American was catapulted to the White House in an enormous victory. He was charged with the task of leading the nation’s rescue and the rebuilding of many of its infrastructures.


“Today” is a day when African Americans can feel a sense of confidence as they look to the country’s leadership. They see one of their own at the helm, making decisions, inspiring involvement and moving history. With a new found confidence, African Americans can and will be more involved, more determined and more knowledgeable of the nation and the world.


In this article are seven ways that Mr. Obama's election to the Presidency of the United States of America can motivate and challenge African Americans to higher heights and greater goals.


1. Proof Positive

The first and most important factor is how Obama's ascendency to President of the United States proves once and for all that African Americans can be elected to that office. Heretofore, there was sufficient doubt (for various reasons) that an African American could become President.


Some detractors, still clinging to prejudice and racism, believed it impossible due to inability or because of inferiority. Many African Americans believed that they could not achieve this position because of being held back by an unaccepting society. Both of those myths have been shattered once and for all.


Prior to today, any African American (Democrat, Republican or Independent) who ran for President was not accepted as a serious or viable candidate. But today, Barack Obama's election is proof-positive that an African American can become President of the United States. Today, we have the tangible and irrefutable evidence.


2. Faith in the Possible

Now that the myths have been shattered, African Americans (and others) can believe that any person can strive for and achieve goals which were once thought to be unattainable.


Yesterday, those who believed could only dream of the possibility and in spite of their faith, it was still up to someone to miraculously bring it about. Now, today, we can point to Barrack Obama and say, "See, you CAN do this too." This alone should impact younger African Americans (and older ones too) that heard it was possible and even hoped it was possible, but had never seen it done before. You know the old saying, "Seeing is believing."

3. The Obama Role Model Factor

A President Obama now stands as a role-model for those that want to achieve. How well he governs is also important. Not just getting there, but doing a good job, is crucial to the role-model factor.


Initially, Obama's example provides a road map of success, from his upbringing, his education, his personal development and his achievements in the political arena.


Obama’s feat presents an opportunity for African Americans (and others) to study (and emulate) him – his temperament - his decision making skills - his work ethic - his study habits - his goal setting techniques – his goal achievement processes - and – his endurance and patience.


The lessons from such a study will provide a road map for success for anyone who wants an example to follow.

4. No More Excuses

Given that Barrack Obama has achieved what some believed was not possible – today, no one can deny this fact of history. Yesterday, the claim that it could not happen was an effective excuse for a lack of confidence in the American way and in opportunity here in America.


Yesterday, that excuse helped push discouraged citizens to apathy or to alternative political, social and economic systems, beliefs and lifestyles. Today, that excuse is no longer valid. It has been shattered once and for all.


However, Mr. Obama still has to lead in a fashion that puts every American into the mainstream, if such a phenomenon is indeed possible. Nevertheless, this "first step" is historical and brings us even closer to the ultimate dream that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. boldly proclaimed forty-five years ago.


Those detractors that say because Obama is Black, that he will not be their president – only prove that prejudice and racism still exist in this land of opportunity. Thus, there is still work to be done and many more miles to travel. Today, however, those miles can pass without the once familiar and believable excuses. If Barack Obama and others in history can push beyond unjust color (and other) barriers, then anyone can. Today, there are no more tired excuses.

5. Inclusion

Tomorrow, inclusion (or real and complete integration) into this society is likely only if (over time - lots of time) all parties are accepting of each other. This process has been known as a melting-pot which like any good stew (or gumbo) happens in stages. Obama’s election represents a point in history that has opened the door of promise to tomorrow and to the many remaining stages that are still to come.


This monumental achievement could not have happened had not previous stages in history occurred. Had not Jackie Robinson broken the color bar in baseball then Frank Robinson would have never managed a baseball team and the great Hank Aaron would have never passed the legendary Babe Ruth on the all-time homerun hitters’ list.


Had not Shirley Chisholm and Jessie Jackson blazed the trail as unlikely presidential candidates, then decades later Obama might not have been elected President. Had not Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X led protest movements then Shirley Chisholm and Jessie Jackson might not have challenged the status quo in their own time. Had not Frederick Douglas and Nat Turner organized resistance and rebellions then Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey might not have been catalyst for change a century ago.


Had not centuries of decent and upright African Americans raised their children to work hard, be honest and strive to achieve, then many respectable African American families might not have existed, giving them and others a willingness to cohabitate in this country.


Today, we have an opportunity (and responsibility) that is given to us by those who bled and sacrificed yesterday. What we do today sets the stage for what is available for us tomorrow.

6. An Opportunity for Some, Not a Necessity For All

Those African Americans (and others) who yesterday had problems achieving their own goals and bettering themselves should be able to stand taller today. For some, today introduces an opportunity to personally grow, a time to be men and put away boy toys. Today unveils an opportunity for some to reassess themselves, their abilities, their priorities, their environment and their resources. Some will heed the call, some will not.


Today presents an opportunity to say as Elijah said in the Bible, "I have had enough." (1 Kings 19:4 NIV) Isaiah wanted to have a pity-party, but the Lord would not have it. God gave Isaiah nourishment and an assignment then sent him back to work. We who have been tired and discouraged can now use the Obama example. Have you had enough? Are you ready for a change? If so, then today is an opportunity to lift yourself up and know that "Yes You Can!"

7. The Time Is Now

Today, in spite of Obama’s victory, this country faces many problems, but as a nation, we have many resources and talents with which to face down those challenges. How we face these next couple of years is crucial to how the next few decades will unfold.


African Americans in particular can use this as an opportunity to initiate change that will make a difference in this country. Use your creative talents and skills to help solve problems in the political, economic and social arenas. Get more involved in your communities, your churches and your schools. Be more confident in your ability to bring solutions where problems exist.


Learn from history, as Obama did, to see where and how we can do better. Stand tall, but be patience, sharp and diligent as you methodically move forward.

Akili Kumasi is Preisdent of GIL Publications and the author of numerous books and articles. See Black President - www.BlackPresidentUS08.com.