Politics 2008–We’ve Come a Long Way Baby!
By APOOO • Aug 26th, 2008 • Category: Thinking Out Loud •
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Set against the festive and jovial backdrop of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver, CO, Michelle Obama gave a rousing, soul-stirring and poignant speech last night. She was poised, articulate and passionate as she elaborated regarding her roots, brother, parents, daughters, her husband-Barack and service to her community as well as what they would bring to the table. She definitely hit a cord with some in the audience–as I saw tears on the faces of men and women–and I’m sure behind closed doors, tucked safely in our homes some of us were dabbling our eyes as well.
Yes, we’ve come a long way, women, as well as folks of color. On this day, 88 years ago (1920), women got the right to vote. Of course, it wouldn’t be until the 60s when folks of color were allowed the same rights.
Over the years, we’ve witnessed:
1972–Shirley Chisholm, First African-American to run for President on the Democrats ticket
1967-1979–Edward Brooke, First African-American (Republican) Senator after Reconstruction
1984–Jesse Jackson, Jr., First African-American male to run for President. Jackson also ran again in 1988 without success.
1992-1998–Carol Mosley-Braun, First African-American female Senator
2005-Present–Barack Obama, State Senator
2008- Hilary Clinton, First Woman to successfully run for President
August 25, 2008–Michelle Obama, First African-American presumptive First Lady to give a speech at the DNC.
August 28, 2008–Barack Obama, First African-American presumptive Presidential nominee gives acceptance speech.
Yes, we have surely come along way, but even in today’s time someone can plot to assassinate you, simply because of the color of your skin, if they do not want you to be President, And, it is unfortunate, that these bias keep many African-Americans and even women– from holding high-level government offices. Women who represent more than 50% of the population still do not have parity in city and state government or even the House and the Senate.
I know that many are proud of what Michelle and Barack Obama have accomplished, but when the question is asked–”How many African Americans do we have in the Senate today” and folks say “I don’t know but we should have three or four” (actually the answer is zero)–I realize that we still have a long way to go.
During my grandparent’s time and even my parent’s generation, they marched and some gave up their life so that ALL OF US would have the right to vote and, while I know many of them are probably smiling with glee, because we now have a black man headed to the White House who could potentially be our next President, I believe some of them are saddened and wondering if they died in vain.
It is disheartening to hear–”over 8 million African-Americans are UNregistered voters.” How is that possible…when did we become so apathetic? Many will say ‘well a lot of brothers are felons and cannot vote.’ Hmmm…that’s not exactly true. It varies by state–let’s stop perpetrating the myth–and go and get the facts so that we can ACT. But, more importantly, if those 8 million folks registered can you imagine what we could do collectively? Not just for the head of state race, but even in our local communities and state affairs–we could go even further baby.
During my lifetime, I not only hope to see the first African-American president but I also would like to see equal representation by women in all aspects of government including Mayor, Governor, Senator, Vice President and DEFINITELY President. And I would like a mindset paradigm shift, with women representing more than 50% of the population, there is no reason that we cannot put a women and a male, even an African-American male on the same ticket. Women, we need to learn to free our minds and show our daughters that women can RULE THE WORLD…and I bet many of us could do a better job than some of the men we rely on to do our bidding.
In closing, I share with you Michelle Obama’s introduction to the DNC narrated by her mother, as well as, a song most fitting for last night’s performance by Michelle Obama–Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Since we’re talking about politics and FIRST, test your knowledge by answering the questions below.
How many African-American Senators has the US had? Name them. If you need assistance, CLICK HERE.
Who was the first African-American to become a US Senator? If you need assistance, CLICK HERE.
Who was the first African-American to complete a full-term as a US Senator? If you need assistance, CLICK HERE.
Who was the first African-American Congresswoman. Need help, CLICK HERE.
Who was the first African American to run for President–and believe it or not it’s not Shirley Chisholm or Barack Obama–do you know? If you need a clue, CLICK HERE .
Who got the right to vote first–women or black men? CLICK HERE for answer.
What amendment gave black men the right to vote? CLICK HERE for answer.
What amendment gave women the right to vote? CLICK HERE for answer.
What was the primary purpose of the 24th amendment. CLICK HERE for answer.
What gave Blacks the right to vote? CLICK HERE for answer.
Just For Fun (JFF)–Here’s a couple of questions related to this year’s DNC.
Who is Johnny Wright? CLICK HERE to find out.
Guess What Jennifer Hudson will be doing this Thursday? If you do not know, CLICK HERE to find.
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Martin–
What you said is so true which is why I temper everything that I say…and I still use words such as presumptive…I don’t take anything for granted…especially that which I don’t have control over. Thanks for picking up the baton for the cause.
I don’t think our forefathers/mothers died in vain; however it is up to us to carry on the torch and not get complacent and let things fall to the way side.
Note this comment is meant to continue the joy we have been experiencing all day:
We must temper our joy and excitement with the reality that Obama is not yet the president there is a ton of work to do but it could be exciting work. Find out the specific details in your state about Whether or NOT and when can ex-felons VOTE. Make sure your neighbors are registered. We have come a long way but WE GOTS Quite a ways to go to that promise land! So come and get on the bus!
[...] Politics 2008–We’ve Come a Long Way Baby! [...]
We all have to remember that ‘Mother’s’ are the First teachers of Men…to say that a woman can not lead is like saying she didn’t do a good job raising her sons.
I thought in my Lifetime that there would be a woman running for President that people would actually take seriously…that happened with Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Who among us ‘Blacks’ could have imagined that a ‘Black Man’ would be posed to become the next President of the United States?
No matter what happens from this point on…Sen. Barack Obama made History on August 27th, 2008!
Whether he makes it into the White House or not…WE all have alot of work to do…WE have to become more involved in the Political Game…this is afterall OUR country too!!!
~~We’ve Come Along Way Baby but…We Still Have So Much Work Ahead of Us~~
Lisa thanks for stopping by and yes we still have a lot of work to do…we can never rest on our laurels.