On October 18, 1968, the United States Olympic Committee suspended two black athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, for giving a "black power" salute as a protest during a victory ceremony in Mexico City.
We have come so far since that time of pride and turmoil, yet as we stand 17 days away from likely electing the first African-American to the Presidency, we still see awful and enduring ribbons of racism and ignorance. This from the belly of the heartland, on the manicured streets of suburbia, in the hollows of long-neglected and failing towns. The anger and fear is so palpable it has taken on a life of its own.
What Barack Obama promises is a redemption, another chance for us to get it right, to realize at last MLK, Jr.'s compelling dream. From our current economic and political chaos, we can as a nation emerge stronger, less fearful and more hopeful than ever. One by one, family by family, community by community, from the ground up, We The People must step up, take responsibility, not expect someone to fix it without our help and sacrifice.
It's our last, best chance to restore ourselves and we're almost there.
1 comment:
I hope no one tries to hurt My-Bama.
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