I recently spoke with someone concerning the nomination of Barack Obama as the Democratic Nominee for the Presidential Candidacy. The topic quickly turned defensive when I said, “America is a melting pot.” I was basically ‘rebuked’ for thinking such a thing. It wasn’t that the person I was speaking to was offended, they felt I was blind to society’s view of Black people.
Far from it! I am a black woman living in a town where I am the minority, trust me, I’m not blind. Yes, I’ve had my share of racial comments thrown my way. I’ve been followed around in stores. I’ve had the stares and so on. However, that does not change my view that not everyone feels the way of the ignorant few.
My comment to the person was one of motivation. I basically wanted to bring light to the fact that if Obama can do it nationally, we can do it locally. I know that not many positive opportunities are present for people of color in El Paso, but that shouldnt’ stop us from trying to reach the top. Obama’s nomination is a stepping stone to what has taken decades to accomplish. A black man…viable as the President of the United States. Honestly, growing up, I never thought I would see this day.
In El Paso, there are cases of racism. Racism exists within our own people. You have light skinned brothers and sisters who look down on darker skinned black people. You have overweight black people being degraded by thinner black people. You have black people degrading other black people everyday. Listen to some of the music being played on the airwaves. The acts of racial hate didn’t escape us. As shameful as it is, SOME of us embraced it whether knowingly or unknowingly.
My point is this: Barack Obama is one of the recipients of what so many of our ancestors fought for. Equality. Yes, I’ve heard the ignorance that he isn’t 100% black, but newsflash…Yes he is! In spite of the fact that he was raised by white grandparents and his mother was white, didn’t stop the racial hatred in his life by others. He was black and others let him know it.
This nomination means that we as a people have another reason to get up and the least try to make a way for ourselves in the face of adversity. I know with or without Barack Obama in the White House, I will teach my black children to make their own way in this world. Yes, they will and do today face adversity because of the color of their skin, but that is not going to stop them from getting what God has for them. My son has been called a n****r for no reason. My 6 year old daughter came home from school saying another child told her that black people are the devil’s children. I mean, it’s not going away. My greatest fear as a parent to a black young man is this: HE WAS BORN SUSPECT. Though I wanted a son, I was fearful for the things he would face in life because of what I had seen other black men go through. Even if he’s innocent, as a black man he’ll be guilty until proven innocent. He thinks I’m paranoid because I tell him, don’t go to any parties where there is drinking because if something goes down…the black kid did it. I’m not crazy, I just know that because of the color of his skin he will automatically be a target for everything negative.
This is why parents need to teach their children how to be respectful and stay away from all appearance of evil. It’s a hard way to discipline, but in the end, they will thank you for it.
I look around El Paso and see the many positive black role models for our young men and women to look up to. The important factor is that there are many black men in El Paso who have the feat of being an example. From Harold Howell (El Paso branch/NAACP) to Bishop Juan O. Lawson (Holy Light COGIC) to Dr. Maceo Dailey (UTEP Professor), our children have great role models, lets expose them to positivity.
In closing, I would like to see a less hateful world; unfortunately that is not going to happen. We still must strive for peace and prosperity while we are yet on this earth, but in doing so we must be wise. No, Obama’s nomination doesn’t mean that racism will decrease, but it sure does feel good to know that not all Americans feel that a black man isn’t capable of running the country. I’m proud of America and all of those Americans black or otherwise who have agreed that not all black men are trying to steal, kill or destroy you.
I received an email from a newsletter I subscribe to and I would like to leave you with these closing words from it:
Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Determination is a key ingredient to your success in the matters set before you. You are indeed coming to a new spiritual plateau, but this new level is not easy to achieve, for you will encounter fierce opposition. Discern the attack of the enemy against you and set your face strong against opposing forces. Resist the temptation to run and hide; instead, be strong and courageous in taking and standing this new ground. It is My work that you are manifesting in the earth, and My reward is with those who are obedient, says the Lord.
Be Blessed,
Moni/ BEP Publisher