The Obama Era Begins – Reactions

Above: Election night in Harlem.
(Photo by Jeffrey Phipps for Tadias Magazine)

Updated: Tuesday, November 11, 2008

New York (Tadias) – How do you feel? That was the question we posed to some of our readers and contributors right after the historic election of Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. Here are their reflections:

Taqiyya Haden (New York)

“OBAMA!” That’s my new greeting! Unfortunately I’m not sure of the meaning. It is rumored to mean ‘crooked, not a straight line’ and if so it is still appropriate considering the turns we took to get our first Black President. Or we could just start greeting each other with “44!” Whatever sounds and feels right in the moment.

I almost broke down crying seeing the Beautiful Black First Family walk out. This is the first presidential election in my short 30 something years of life that I was passionate about, stood in the cold for and debated about almost daily. I had all confidence that he would win. I genuinely believe the American people that still suffer the pathology of racism know that he is the only one available and able to solve our foreign affairs issues.

The rest of the world is watching and that is so important. No matter how great this country is and (I have a hard time saying that at all as an African American) it has been founded and became prosperous on the oppression of people that look like President Obama. The United States has been looked upon, justifiably as having a hypocritical system of government by the rest of the world. Democracy has not proven to apply to all citizens. The images alone of this election will decrease those feelings.

My hope is that we all stay energized , excited and maintain a belief in our political power that we have so often ignored or felt so defeated unwilling to try. My fear is some that voted will rely too heavily on Barack Obama and basically go back to being lazy and ignorant now that he has won.

If we are willing to see this as a win for all of us we may be more willing to hold ourselves accountable for change. It did not end last night, this is only the beginning. To my specific community of Africans and African Americans in Harlem we must stay involved and I ask that we think globally but act locally.

And finally…isn’t this the most brilliant and attractive family to move into that house?!

Kedist Geremaw (Obama campaign organizing fellow, Washington DC)

It felt like giving birth to a child ( I am saying this from a birthing experience) in this case the pregnancy lasted close to two years. It is a relief…history was made and a person with a name like Barack was elected the president of USA. My faith in human kind is restored. As Barack Obama said “Your name shouldn’t be a hindrance to your success”

Kedist Geremaw
Obama campaign organizing fellow
Washington DC

Professor Ayele Bekerie ( Cornell University)

On November 4, 2008, I was the first person to enter the polling place in my district at 6 am. I voted for Barack Obama. When I voted, I had a feeling that the vote is going to be a winner. Lo and behold, Obama won big. History is made and and I was in it.

I felt that I played a role to bring the good news that the whole world desired. I felt like that I played a role to bring joy, even if for few moments, to the millions of fans of Obama in Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda, Tanzania, for that matter the continent of Africa. The world is one with the United States of America.

The election of an African American to the highest office in the country, to be the Commander In Chief, is indeed a testimony to the greatness of the American people. Dreams come true in America. Parents of many hues and backgrounds can confidently tell their children now to dream big and realize their dreams.

Obama turned the page of history. Obama wrote a new chapter in American racial history. Relations among racialized groups will not be the same again. Common purpose defeats divisiveness. Conversation outstrips talking points. Intelligence triumphs over ignorance.

Best wishes,

Ayele

Professor Donald N. Levine (Chicago)

For me this election fulfills an eight-year dream. In 2000 then U of Chicago colleague, neighbor, and state representative Barack Obama came to our home for a coffee, to introduce him to friends and mobilize support for his first national campaign when he ran to be congressman from our district. Although he lost that campaign, a loss that depressed him about his prospects for a political career, those of us who heard him then could not believe that he would not bounce back and get stronger than ever.

It’s true, when Barack announced his candidacy for president, I had mixed feelings, believing that it was premature for him to run for the position at that juncture, even though he was qualified. It was when a friend pointed out that his presidency would amount to a transformative experience, for the US and the world, that I caught the significance of the timing and went to work on his behalf, with Ethiopian groups in Ohio and Pennsylvania in the primaries, and with phone calls to voters in Ohio and Indiana in the general election.

And now it has happened. It has been a totally healing, clarifying, and energizing experience. Blessings to us all!

18 Responses to “The Obama Era Begins – Reactions”


  1. 1 Lidi Mulatu Nov 6th, 2008 at 6:11 am

    I share all the feelings expressed here. Indeed it is a new day in america. What an amazing country. We finally got it right.

    And yes, America is cool again around the world!!

  2. 2 Eremias Woldemikael Nov 6th, 2008 at 10:18 am

    God Bless America! The USA indeed is the greatest country in the world. It is not that America does not make mistakes or that it is perfect which makes it great. It is the fact that there is always an opportunity for errors, crimes, and blunders to be rectified and atoned for through the system itself.

    When America fails, it regenerates and comes back resiliently to be even greater than it was. America is always a Work-in-progress for a “more perfect union.”

    In just 232 years, it has inspired and worked for human freedom by example and forceful resistance more than any other country in the world. Another genius of America is also that brilliant men and women like Obama get a chance to rise and shine. They are neither shackled nor suffocated by the darkness that looms through the shadow of dictators.

    I say God, human beings, or any other being bless it over and over again!

  3. 3 zinjera Nov 6th, 2008 at 3:08 pm

    Congratulation All at Tadias

    Its really the dream come true. I am happy to see one of us in the White house. Obama visionary for the whole world to bring, unity, democracy and equality, especially for Africa. We all hope that he will have time to bring peace in Africa and Middle east.

    I would like to introduce myself. My Name is Kassahun Maru I am from Zelalem Injera. One of my friend introduced me to advertise on your website. Since then I was getting email from you with information and news. Whenever i see your email, i wanted to share our vision and mission for Ethiopia. Please visit http://www.yessera.org. We need people like you to lead us to ultimate goal.

    Kassahun

  4. 4 Mimi Kurtz Nov 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

    President Elect Obama cannot do it by himself – he needs our help.

    As as an American, I will do all I can in my power to help him succeed as our next president, because he is the best hope this nation has had in very long time.

    Perhaps we now have the chance to change our country for the better, but only if we harness the power of the people and the enthusiasm of the Obama campaign.

  5. 5 Claire Voiante Nov 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

    I am certainly excited about what an Obama presidency will bring to our beleaguered nation. He is very articulate to be sure, and seemingly has the intellect and composure to be successful in the highest office of the most powerful nation on earth. However, I am a little skeptical about his level of experience, alleged ties to unsavory organizations and religious affiliations. I voted for him, primarily because of bitterness at the incompetence of the Bush administration. I remain disenfranchised with America so far in the 21st Century, and came across a political graphic that does a fairly good job in capturing this sentiment.

    http://www.cafepress.com/usa21stcentury

  6. 6 Selam Nov 6th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    Lidi said it all: “America is cool again around the world!!” The World reaction is just amazing. I am proud to say that I am Ethiopian American.

    I’m proud and hopeful regarding Obama’s victory. I’m glad America could actually overcome bigotry, and vote hope over fear.

    Looking forward to The Obama era!!

    Oh yes, it already feels morning and sunshine in America!

  7. 7 Michael M Nov 7th, 2008 at 10:24 am

    This is the result of perseverance and willpower. It did not take only two years to get here. It took many years and a lot of sacrifices paid by African Americans. It is a day to celebrate Obama’s win but also Martin’s dream and a day to remember all those who paid with all they’ve got. November 4th was the first day of everything. A day I felt genuinely, deeply proud to be American. The beginning of “One America”

  8. 8 menelik Nov 7th, 2008 at 2:00 pm

    I have lived here in Germany since 1982. And I still have no right to vote. Mann!! I am so jealous, when I witness what’s happening in America and compare it to the mentality about race here in Europe.

    BIG UP AMERICANS!!
    GOD BLESS AMERICA.

    YOU DID IT!!!!

  9. 9 Jeanne Nov 8th, 2008 at 1:21 pm

    I am a white senior woman. This is the first election in my many years that has given me hope, enthusiasm and yes, tears.
    I know President Obama will do EVERYTHING in his power to finally make it right.

    Now we, should do everything in our power to help him.

    I love America and so does Senator Obama ! Let him bring out the positive in our land and show us what a truly dedicated and caring President can do!

  10. 10 MorningStar Nov 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm

    I am an Iranian American. I have lived in the US since 1977 and have learned to love this country beyond measures. Barack’s victory is a win for all the people whose citizenships are tainted for reasons beyond their control.

    I realize that he was favored as the stronger candidate to shape our internal affairs. However, personally, I feel his future achievements internationally will outweigh his accomplishments domestically. We live in a land that is so vast that it hardly has so few neighbors. Most politicians in the US have mostly book knowledge of the rest of the world– with vacations and occasional business trips that are limited in their scopes. Barack’s diverse cultural background ties him to every part of the world. He is truly the first president of the world.

    He has realistic and practical opportunities to change the world (at least change its direction). I pray that God almighty give him the wisdom and the will to do just that. And I am certain He will. He has already bestowed upon him a sharp intellect and the ability to communicate that brightness to others.

  11. 11 diddlebit Nov 8th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    I still get goosebumps when I think of Obama’s win. A win for the world. I feel hopeful and more proud to be an American.

  12. 12 frances Nov 8th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    I think he’ll do a good job for our country. At least I’m praying that he does. One thing that confuses me is the fact that people are failing to mention that President-elect Obama is half white.

  13. 13 Eric Nov 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    I think if you look at this election only terms of Republicans and Democrats, the country made the correct choice. As a Libertarian, however, I find the amount of now-acceptable statism disconcerting. People seem to have forgotten that the purpose of government is to restrict the rights of individuals — by force — for the benefit of the common good. By the very nature of the system, the people that are governed should always question the motives of government. The single best thing Bush did in the Whitehouse is remind the nation that you should always second-guess the government.

    Just because a Democrat is in office does not mean we should stop thinking critically about those we elect to govern us.

  14. 14 Tyrsten Nov 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    Though not a Republican, I voted for McCain, and I’m disappointed that he lost. I am not optimistic about the new administration. McCain is about as left as I will ever likely go. I’m one of those more or less successful, happily married, conservative white males it’s politically correct to hate and blame for everything.

    But I will support Obama as my president. I want him to be successful. I will not lend my voice to any that seek to slander him. I will not concede to seize upon any minor issue as indication of his incompetence, naivety, socialism, etc… Unless I personally understand and know unequivocally that the results of any particular Obama initiative will be quantifiably and qualifiably worse than it’s benefits, I will support it. He is an American President and we are all obligated to be loyal to him, even those of us who had good reason to question how much loyalty Obama’s base extend to his predecessor.

    I will go so far as to fight down my own suspicions and label them as questionably legitimate at best. That is, I will not label this, even to myself, as a “race card” election. I will not continue to entertain the suspicions I have had about where the campaign money came from. I will now try to dismiss all of the questions about his associates that linger in my mind. I will assume that the sum total weight of a democratic process representing more that 300 million Americans is heavy enough to overcome those kinds of factors.

    However, I will also not entertain as valid any excuses for Obama’s performance. The Democratic party owns Presidency, Senate and House. Even the current Supreme Court’s track record tends to support the Democratic perspective. We’ve already had the economic plunge. There are no alibis left for things not to get better. Ecomony, foreign policy, military activity, the intelligence community, the border, immigration and customs enforcement, the rise of those who want to force a global caliphate upon everyone else… very little can get worse if managed by a competent person able to influence others effectively. Obama has made every claim to be that competent person.

    I’m very concerned and I’m paying close attention. But, I’m hoping for the best and I will be loyal to the administration chosen by the process I wholeheartedly believe in.

  15. 15 Skeptical Nov 8th, 2008 at 3:31 pm

    Change – what is it, that the leaders of the world can now influence this inexperienced politician easily swayed, already looking like a Jimmy Carter. I’m still skeptical of this without really anything concrete. Just seems as though so many people hate the current administration they went to the otherside – curious with the bans on gay marriage. Seems emotion drove the vote over rationallity and objectivity. And I wonder how all these taxes will help the middle class, when it will drive up prices because the rich as business owners just pass it to the consumer (supply and demand). I want some solid results before I say this is a victory for America. – at just spending 8$ per vote I’m wondering who he owes in his policies.

    But we will see maybe I’ll change my pessimistic mind.

  16. 16 k williams Nov 8th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    I voted for President Obama as a hopeful voter. I do not know if his agenda will be carried out in full. But I do know that he has the ability to use the bully pulpit of the presidency to inspire us to be better and hopefully to pull us back from the very real risk that we would lose our constitution. A friend and ardent Obama supporter was cheering the win on election night and someone said “We’ve elected the first black president ever!” My friend got a startled look on his face and said, “I’d forgotten about that.”

  17. 17 Lyn R Nov 8th, 2008 at 9:40 pm

    I voted for Obama for many reasons. It was my first vote in Florida and I’m living in a heavily Republican county. And for the first time in my adulthood, I was getting a lot of hostile vibes the moment I mentioned I was a Democrat. My reaction to them was like Joe Biden on t.v., “Are you kidding me? You’re joking, right?” No, they weren’t. I actually had to learn to tip-toe around people to feel them out before I could talk politics. It sucked.

    But, I didn’t shut up. I’d talk about these situations with friends and family up north and some of them commented, “You always were active but you’re really loud now. How come?” And I’d laugh and say, “I’m louder than I ever was because I’m the only one in my immediate circle talking about my support for Obama! No one is listening to me so it’s just me.” A week before the election, I discovered other people (like 10 total) who told me they voted for Obama and boy was it a relief to know them.

    So, on Nov. 4th, frankly, I was worried. You know–the ghost of the 2000 election results was still here. I was wishing I was still back in Jersey because I felt at least my vote would be counted and I’d be surrounded by the familiar. I was so paranoid, I actually thought the election office was going to toss my ballot into the trash can. Yes, I’ve lost faith in government.

    So the night of election, I was so anxious. I was certain there was going to be a recount and drama. Lo and behold Florida turned into a blue state!

    On election night, I was at the Victory party surrounded by 600 people. I could not help but notice there was about 50% African-American; 40% Anglo-American; 4.999% Hispanic and 1 of me, Asian-American. Jersey is definitely more diverse. LOL. So there I was, celebrating a win and I was genuinley in disbelief. I was in a daze. I looked around me and it just hit me that I was a part of history because my vote contributed towards a spritual shift in the deep south. I’m hugging strangers who I’m assuming, if their family tree goes back 150 years in FL, their ancesters were most likely slaves. Or heck, if their family was living here 40 years ago, white, black, whatever, I was thinking, “Man, I am in the deep south where this all started and my God, my vote here really, truly counted!”

  18. 18 sharon Nov 23rd, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    Barack in The hebrew language means a blessed place. It is pronounced (Baa-Ruk). It is in the Old Testament. We are blessed to have such a tremendous change in our life time. It is no longer possible to hold one down because of one’s race. “Whatever you can perceive , you can achieve.” He is the 44th president. 4 is the number of grace and double 44 is the number of two terms of a blessing. The election year 2008, and the number 8 is the number of New beginnings.

Comments are currently closed.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Copy Protected by Chetan's WP-Copyprotect.