In-AWE-guration 2009

What a day! What a historical, momentous day. I spent the majority of the day - starting at 6:00am - watching the Inauguration coverage. And I am overwhelmed. Seeing the thousands upon thousands of Americans converging on the Mall in the early hours of a bitter cold morning, carrying their American flags and wearing their Obama buttons, hats, and scarves, was powerful and inspiring. Even though I wasn't on the Mall with the masses, I felt like I was a part of it. The excitement vibrated through the television. Today was a great day for American and for the world. I hope the unity, inclusiveness and togetherness that was seen today continues. This is what America is about. We are one inspite of our differences.

I watched the Inauguration coverage wearing my Barack The Vote t-shirt that I bought early Spring 2008. I wore my t-shirt with pride and with some trepidation. I weathered the dirty looks that I would get when I'd wear the t-shirt out in public. I braced myself for confrontation. But I was not going to back down. I had faith in Barack Obama and wanted him as my President. No one was going to try to intimidate me to the point where I would be scared to wear my t-shirt. I sipped from my Inauguration 2009 mug while watching American history being made.

I am inspired and have renewed hope for our country and our future.

YES WE CAN!

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Today most of us are not at work because the nation is celebrating the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King would have been 80 years old. If he were alive today, what would he think about the United States of America electing its 1st black President? I think he would be proud and knew that this day would come. As he said in his last speech before he was assassinated, "...I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!"

And we have gotten there. Tomorrow will be a momentous occassion in American History. A country built on the backs of slaves will be swearing in its first black President. But we also have much more work to do. I hope complacency does not take root. There is still much inequality in this country and we must continue to fight. Dr. King planted the seed with the Civil Rights Movement. The election of Barack Obama is a great foundation to continue moving forward. But we must not forget we still have a long way to go.

This is a great time in our country's history and I feel blessed to be a part of it and to share it with my family and friends. Darrius is especially excited about Obama and I love seeing the excitement in his eyes. I hope when he has kids that having a Black President will not be the exception but the rule.