What’s It Like to be Black in America on Nov. 5, 2008
Personally, I don’t know. I’m white. But black women and men from around the blogosphere will let you in on this. But before I present their perspectives, I want to say that I remember the time that Geraldine Ferraro was running for national office. For the first time I felt — it’s difficult to put into words — but I felt like I ‘knew’ something about her. I was reflected in her. And then I thought, “Wow, that must be what a lot of white men, especially middle-class men, feel all the time when they see someone in power.” And with that, a few black perspectives:
Watch a video of Sherri Shepherd, co-host of “The View,” as she breaks down speaking about the Obama win.
Beverly Mahone writes about how her grandson’s life will be different
Oliver Willis thanks the black activists of the past for laying the groundwork for the Obama win
Read “A New Dawn” by A.G.
Pam at Pam’s House Blend writes about the historic moment.
A video interview of Colin Powell and his reaction to the election at The Savvy Sista, along with the reaction of CNN political analyst Roland Martin.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I’d guess the same way I’d have felt had it been a woman!
November 5th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Me, too! I supported Hillary at first, but quickly got behind Obama when it appeared he was going to get the nomination.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Rhea,
No words will ever truly express the moment when President-Elect Obama was declared the winner. I, like so many others, cried tears of joy–but also of sadness because my dad never lived to see this day.
Thanks for leading me to these blogs. It’s been wonderful to readall of the opinions of others out here in cyberspace. And thank you for being in the 52 percent!
November 5th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Beverly, I wish I could have felt what you did. I can only imagine it.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
white people living at the edge of harlem, we heard a low roar outside beginning around the time better numbers were announced from ohio. then it built as the perfect verdict of our best selves was announced. a few blocks away at the state office building on 125th street was the growing crowd, all colors and shades, watching the huge tv screen.
it was very humbling to hear this joyous noise. finally, white america has moved in a truly democratic direction, moved beyond our broken promises to black america. we have followed the lead of a new kind of leader. hallelujah!
November 5th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Naomi, there were so many wonderful places one could have been last night to experience the historic moment. Harlem was one I wanted to be in.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I can only imagine how it must feel, but talking with my friend Karen who is African American helps me understand better how very meaningful it is. She has a 4 year old niece and Mattie really resonated with, not only Barack, but Michelle which I thought was interesting. Not only black, but a woman, that gave me some food for thought.
I’m so glad that as a country we were able to step up and be the people I thought we’d almost forgotten how to be. Gives me hope that our ideals and values aren’t completely broken down after the last 8 years.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
It still hasn’t completely sunk in yet. I was so afraid to get my hopes up and am exhausted from being a nervous wreck basket case during the campaign and now feeling relief! It’s wonderful! I hope we can begin healing now. We need it.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
[...] her grandson’s life will be different. Oliver Willis thanks the black activists of the past for Read More|||Reaction to Obama elected 1st black US president The Associated Press – 10 hours ago ___ SOUTH [...]
November 14th, 2008 at 10:35 am
When I (a middle-aged, middle class white man) see white men in positions of power I have no kindred feelings. I see only the reality of the situation. These people are not at all like me. They are millionaires like the Kennedy’s or the McCain’s that have been handed things I will never have. They have been admitted to schools I never could because of their family status or money. George Bush 43 would have had his application to Yale thrown in the trash next to mine were it not for Herbert Walker. They are people who have pandered and given away all that they believe in to get elected. If blacks really think Obama is “like” them, they are delusional. They are engaging in the conduct they so often complain about: they are looking only at his skin color. I see no similarity between myself and the “good ole boys” in power because I am realist. I see them for what they are. Part of Obamamania is creating a giant illusion. I fear many people will be hurt when they learn the truth.