It’s been a year and some days since most of us witnessed a day we never thought would come, at least not in our lifetimes.  That night and the subsequent weeks leading up to inauguration felt great.  There was a certain quiet (or in some people’s cases, not so quiet) pride that most of us in the Black community walked around with.  Whether you agreed with him, voted for him, or even liked the man, his seemingly comet-like ascendance into the Oval Office was something every Black person could look to as a source of inspiration and pride.

I remember right after the election, there was this certain knowing amongst a great number of people that the election of Obama meant more than just the rise of one particular Black man.  It was bigger than just him.  Obama’s win, and the following spotlight placed upon him, his life, and his family was going to signal to the Black community and Black men in particular that there was hope and create a new way of thinking.  With Obama in office and doing the unthinkable, we couldn’t use the same old tired excuses and in fact, we should all want to do better.  As Black men, our time to shine was now.  Go forth and make a difference and be the change you want to be.  Don’t just talk about it, be about it.  If Obama can, you can too.

He’s every man and every man was/is Obama.

It’s one year later.  Continue reading →