History Among History, Inauguration 2009

Linda McDonald-Carter, an attorney and history professor at Essex County College in Newark, NJ invited her class to witness history in the city’s Society Hill Club House. Friends, community, professor and students enjoyed a continental spread while reflecting on the historic and personal value of the Barak Obama Presidential Inauguration. There are many reasons to celebrate this day of change, but for this community an additional reason is almost a century old.

As if the first Black President of the United States of America isn’t historic enough, the Society Hill attendees were in for another fantastic treat. Assembled in the room, were some of Newark’s eldest citizens, one of whom celebrated a 97^th birthday. Born January 20, 1912 Mrs. Mountain was overjoyed by the notion of a President of color. “I never dreamed that I’d see this day, I am so happy that we have a colored president. This is history. It’s my 97^th birthday and I am so happy that I’ve lived to see it.”

In 1919 Mrs. Fountain began her working career as a sharecropper in Baskerville, Virginia. Years later, in 1937, she moved to Newark, NJ married, bought a home and started a locksmith business with her husband on Howard Street. A lot has changed since Mountains entrepreneurial days in Newark’s, Central Ward. She cites the culture, politics, businesses, but most importantly, she believes that there is great opportunity for youth to surmount adversity. In her view, if Newark’s men are equipped with the right tools, they can bring Newark to a place of glory. “I think these boys should put on a shirt and pants, cut their hair and look like men,” says Mountain, “there are many schools for them to go to today…so many opportunities. All they need to do is go to school and be somebody.”

From ‘I have a Dream’ to ‘Choose a Better History’ Mrs. Mountain has witnessed history. “History is my heart,” comments Carter, “and Mrs. Mountain is living history.” Mrs. Mountain’s life reflects the diverse story that defines Newark and the country. As a veteran to love, adversity and hope, her story is President Obama’s ‘idealism’ incarnate.

The inauguration of Barack Obama is a new chapter in American history. It is not only the Dream becoming a reality, but a catalyst for significant change. Hope is the mechanism that has inspired a uniformed approach to reformed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

On The Eve of History

The most grueling presidential roller coaster in US history will come to an end when Americans make their choice tomorrow. There’s never been a more important and impressive time to exercise your Constitutional right to vote then November 4^th 2008. The next leader of the United States of America will be the American declaration for indivisibility, liberty, and justice for all infused with a responsibility to unite Americans as honestly as 9-11 patriotism, and with as much sincerity as Hurricane Katrina sentiment.

The race has been long, and the candidates are tired. The voters have tolerated media mayhem: the ability to uncover every intrinsic detail of campaign topicality. Stories and perspectives that may or may not have been relevant were stripped to nuances, while talking points were as tiring as spam. But! There is still one more hurdle to jump before the finish line: Election day itself!

Barack Obama and John McCain couldn’t be any more different, neither Biden nor Palin for that matter. For a Presidential election that has truly been no holds bar, the actualization of tomorrow couldn’t be more surreal. Voter turnout will be at Guinness highs, while voter experience and scare tactics just as epic.

American history is stained with primitive moments in civics, economics, war, and leadership. There is an almost philanthropic need for a shift in local, national, and global perception. American discourse and direction weighs heavy on the rest of the world, thus the severity of this election. The War on Terror must strike a chord of recoiled purpose. Wall Street has sown seeds of greed, deception, terror, and selfishness, a harvest that will become the greatest burden yet of the American people. The Earth is shrilling for restoration amid inhabitants of selective hearing.

America this is history! Whether the tally reads Obama or McCain, election 2008 is history. Society is just enough out-of-wack for noble change to be realistic, and an Obama-elect is a litmus test of American readiness for dynamic change; thus, the crescendo that is November 4^th.

As the paradoxical party exposition reaches climax, it’s time for America to answer: Will we choose a candidate that will bring priority, pride, and honor to the captains seat of Global Superpower?

From the hand of…

LadyPink