A Long Time Comin'

Indulge me for a second. Beyond the politics, beyond the issues, beyond red and blue, history was made last night. The sight of men and women, young and old, black and white, embracing, sobbing told me that this was bigger than issues and, I’m ashamed to say, bigger than I’d realized. In the quiet darkness of the house last night I wept. I wept for a community and a culture that has now been more than symbolically, but literally released to their empowering destiny. Legislation has released them in bits and pieces—a shackle here, a human right there—over the past 100 years. But legislation only gives the potential for opportunity. The real hope for opportunity lies in the everyday interactions between man and woman, young and old, black and white—how we treat our fellow man and the opportunities we give each other. The citizens of our country extended a new level of opportunity, not just to one man or one family but to an entire generation and culture, not just for now, but forever.

My mother was a student at Little Rock Central High School during its historic integration. The stories I’ve heard from her about the private goings-on in classrooms, the hushed conversations, and the barbaric actions of some moronic students have always been a touchstone I return to whenever racial issues surface. It stings me, it always has. And when I hear Sam Cooke sing, it makes me cry. When the president-elect referenced the song in his acceptance speech last night, it was all I could do to keep from standing up in the middle of my living room and shouting “YES!”

I'd love say I voted for him and that I helped create this moment, but I didn’t. I may seem like a hypocrite, like I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth, but hear me out: I didn’t vote for Obama because it would have been merely a racial vote. I so desperately wanted to see an African-American as president in my lifetime, sooner than later, but I didn’t want to vote for anyone based on the color of their skin. That’s the point—to get beyond race. I voted my conscience on the issues. I’m proud of my vote. I’m also more proud of this country than I’ve been in a long time.

Somewhere in deepest south, one final chain has fallen from the hands and feet of plantation ghosts, releasing them to finally, finally, rest in peace.

I was born by the river in a little tent

And just like the river, I've been running ever since

It's been a long time coming

But I know a change is gonna come

 

It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die

I don't know what's up there beyond the sky

It's been a long time coming

But I know a change is gonna come

 

I go to the movie, and I go downtown

Somebody keep telling me "Don't hang around"

It's been a long time coming

But I know a change is gonna come

 

Then I go to my brother and I say, "Brother, help me please"

But he winds up knocking me back down on my knees

 

There've been times that I've thought I couldn't last for long

But now I think I'm able to carry on

It's been a long time coming

But I know a change is gonna come

 

(rw)

Comments

[jaymi]

randy,
i too, did not vote for our now President-Elect (i'm a third party voter, all the way!) but was also moved to tears when the announcement was made. i was on a cruise ship that nite and the room in which they were showing the coverage erupted in amazing celebration. it was incredible! i actually sent a text message to certain of my friends re:how i was moved by the historical significance of the moment. most of them shared my enthusiasm, except one. i really believe that the only way someone could be so unmoved is if they have not been exposed to the true suppression many of our African American brothers and sisters have experienced in their lives.
anyway, thanks for posting, hope all is well with ya!

[ariele]

thank you for this.

[mdeal]

Randy, Very touching post, I teared up reading it. I too voted my conscience and voted for Obama. It was a historic moment and I'm proud to have been a part of it. The sight of the crowd in Chicago and his speech were inspiring.

But I have to add, that McCain's concession speech was gracious, beautiful and heartfelt. It reminded me that even though I disagreed with him on issues and did not think he was the right man for the job, just how much I like and admire the man. He is a man that truly loves his country.

[Renee]

Great Post!

[Amy]

Randy,
Like you, I did not vote for our future President. However, I am proud that so many people got out to show their passion for the United States.