Time of Remberance

It's Thursday, January 20, 2011 -- another year removed from an historical moment that I am reserved to say that it will probably be the last time this world and country will ever witness. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama became the 1st Black President of the United States of America. Yes. A Black Man is leading this country as the 44th President.

Now as I'm trying to organize my thoughts & find the right words to write. I'm still in awe with built up emotions, happiness, disbelief and most importantly motivation.

In speaking to the latter, there's no secret that majority of my culture is raised in urban communities where there are not a lot of positive male role models to observe and aspire to be in regards to positively contributing to society. A common slogan I remember hearing, is that "The Man" is holding me back from doing... blah, blah, blah!!!! Now some of this may have some validity, coupled with a variety of other things that could have contributed to the current state of young African American Boys who transition to adulthood -- and are still not being a positive member of the community. But to solely blame it on "The Man" is an excuse that I feel can no longer be used mainly b/c of the position Pres. Obama holds.

For far too long this mindset crippled the minds and doings of many -- not b/c they were unable to accomplish certain feats, but mostly b/c they were too lazy to beat the odds. The easy way out is to not experience rejection whereas a famous leader once said that "the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands at times of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

In essence, there's a lot that can be said but in sake of writing this to pay homage to past leaders such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X to name a few, and for the anniversary of America's 1st Black President -- I'm just reminded that this day ignites me with the motivation to con't beating the odds of what society predicts for young African American Men.

As Always, Stay Inspired...!!!