Back to eAction Report

What Change Means to Me

The election of Barack Obama as president of the United States undoubtedly reflects the changing political landscape of America.  President Obama’s carefully run campaign brought people from all walks of life together, focused on common interests and concerns, and demonstrated how each individual could directly impact a national election. 
           
For many Americans, President Obama’s win in the general election re-ignited feelings of hope and promise –the same feelings that gave rise to countless civil rights victories in the 1960s. The motivation to continue what was started then has declined over the past four decades. We have witnessed the slaying of prominent civil rights leaders, the influx of drugs in American cities, failed family structures, and inadequate support services; all of which have taken a toll on minority families and activists in recent history.

Despite this we’ve had some gains – the result of sacrifices made by people who came before us.  Minorities now have improved chances of attending good schools, advancing professionally, and now becoming the leader of the free world.  These gains should be celebrated, but we cannot wrap ourselves in a false sense of success.  Minorities have moved up the socio-economic ladder; but, large segments of minority communities – particularly African-American communities - remain victims of societal ills, and their environment.

President Obama – first during his years as a community organizer and then as the first African-American President - showed how one can further close the gap between the “haves and have-nots” by finding common ground and promoting personal and civil responsibility.  This is a lesson I learned growing up from my father.
                       
As a child growing up in Washington, I was surrounded by politics.  My father, an immigrant from Sierra Leone headed an activist group committed to providing educational and economic opportunities for Sierra Leoneans in the Washington, DC area and those he left behind in Sierra Leone.  There were regular meetings at our house, so I witnessed firsthand the obstacles faced by a minority community and the will of the community to make better lives for themselves.
           
At the time, I wasn’t particularly interested in the mission of my father, but rather more concerned about what time these meetings were over so I could watch my favorite shows.  When I got older, I realized how important these meetings were and how they impacted our community. 

My community included people from all over the world.  Despite the language and cultural differences, the common thread binding people together was the desire to become part of a national community that afforded people from all walks of life the opportunity to excel in whatever they chose to do.  This same desire contributed to American culture and politics, and helped to create a positive image of African immigration among Americans.

As the presidential campaign got underway, President Obama emphasized personal responsibility.  He helped people to understand the importance of civic participation and activism.  His message helped people feel empowered and less prone to making excuses or blaming others for their current conditions. 

The message of personal responsibility was always emphasized in my household; and, it carried over into my high school and college years.  During this time, I was heavily involved in community service and in several political campaigns; mainly geared toward improving the lives of minority youth in the DC area.  

Although he’s not alive today, the sacrifices made by my father enabled me and the people within the Sierra Leone community to improve their lives while instilling a sense of responsibility to the next generation.  My father’s experience in America helped to shape the perception of America by friends and family in Sierra Leone.  Many were, and still are, inspired to make the trip here to take advantage of what it has to offer.  This desire - shared by so many people across the globe, helps to bring America closer to embracing people’s differences while finding our commonalities.  This couldn’t be more evident than with the election of Barack Obama as President.

Before, it was decidedly “not cool” to be political active on black college campuses. Getting-by and being successful was more important than creating movements for change.  For those who represent the post-Civil Rights generation - the recipients of better opportunities than our parents - President Obama’s campaign reminded us that progress can be made and change can still happen through grassroots organizing.  

Peace Action is working to expand its outreach efforts and build on what President Obama has started.  We’re building the citizen movement opposed to “pre-emptive” war and organizing across the country to demand an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We’re organizing at high schools and on college campuses; and, providing our network of chapters and affiliates the resources needed to reverse the damage done by the Bush administration.   However, it cannot stop there.  We have to follow President Obama’s example and be willing to engage diverse groups of people on our issues if we want to have a more powerful impact on our nation and our world.