As this academic year comes to a close, now is as good a time as any to reflect on what an amazing year it has been in the world of politics. Not simply because we have elected and inaugurated the first African-American president of the United States, but because of the life lessons we’ve learned.
In August, we witnessed the first nomination of an African American from a major party in the history of our country, the Democratic nomination of Barack Obama, followed shortly by a political power play in the Republican Party, the vice presidential nomination of Sarah Palin.
Regardless of our sentiments about the process or the nominees, we are clear that minorities in the United States have come closer to being a part of the American dream, instead of just an unwanted distraction from it.
As November approached, the hard fought campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain were altered by the derailed economy. The lower the market plummeted, the higher the likelihood of Obama’s election.
It was not that Obama had any substantial experience running an economy, but instead his straight talk, and his willingness to say ‘I don’t have all the answers, but I will surround myself with people who do,’ that made the difference.
America felt comfortable placing an ailing nation in his hands and on Nov. 4, 2008, elected Barack Obama president of the United States.
No matter how many degrees we attain, we will never have all of the answers, and Barack Obama is a great example that an understantding of this will make it easier for one to succeed.
On a cold morning in January, possibly the coldest I’ve ever experienced, millions stood around on the National Mall, simply to be a part of history.
Most of us weren’t close enough to see anything, but the sheer energy of the people gathered, spoke to the essence of what America could be.
We live in an amazing country where so many different types of people can come together for a common cause. The power of America lies in her moments of unity; the same is true for the African-American community.
Over the last few months, we have seen dramatic calls to action by the Obama administration on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, on the economy, on U.S. foreign policy, on health care and this past week, on U.S.-Cuba relations.
I’ll leave it to the pundits to argue about whether Obama has taken on more than he can handle, but from I what I can see, our country stands at an important juncture where opportunity and the right time have met. And it is up to us to decide what to do with it.
Finally, Obama’s success is a result of his supporters; so with that said, I cannot leave this year without thanking a host of people for their genuine support.
Thank you to The Hilltop, to my editor, Jada Smith; my readers, my critics, my friends, the Howard University family, the professors who challenged me to think, President Ribeau for reading my column every week, the Brothers of Xi Chapter and to my family for following my column online.
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2009, and remember that it’s true; the great ones do pass through Howard!
Edward Williams is a senior international business major from Savannah, Ga. He is a devout follower of political news with a keen eye for analyzing how things work in the political community.
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