A Change IS Gonna Come!

"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a Black man."-Former President Jimmy Carter

Those words from former President Carter speak for themselves.

I guess I would be blind (and clueless) to think racism has escaped our country. Almost 200 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and decades after the Jim Crow laws and the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), the stinch of bigotry and prejudices against African Americans still lingers. The sad truth is there are still individuals out there who aren't and won't ever be ready for a black man to be the President of the United States.

However, I must admit I am grateful I witnessed this historical election. As much hatred as there is out there, clearly there's some love and hope in the midst that helped my President get elected to this position. I'll never forget the voice of a Caucasian woman and the look on her face when she told me a month before the election an account about helping senior citizens register to vote, and how much she supported President Obama. She told me how one black lady told her she never voted before, and she wanted to gather some things before she left to vote. The older lady gathered photos of her deceased mother and other loved ones in her family who weren't able to witness this moment in time. It took everything in me not to break down right there. I was so inspired by that story that I also took a photo of my grandmother with me on that chilly November morning a year ago as I cast my ballot. Man, I would love to see the look on Big Mama's face right now...

I often wonder what it will take for those who carry such disdain for President Obama because he is black to give him an opportunity to do his job, an opportunity frankly he deserves. Is it not good enough he's intelligent (was I dreaming or did I read he was the president of The Harvard Law Review?)? Is it not good enough he has such an optimistic faith in this country, the very country who has people who hate him? Is it not good enough he's walked into a line of fire, which includes a job (his term) that entails a plummeting economy, two wars and other issues in which we're not even aware? I guess not even winning the Nobel Prize is enough (in which non-Americans nominated and voted for may I point out, but I digress). He's just can't win for losing...


A year later, I can tell the sense of optimism has slightly decreased all over the country, in addition to some people's support for President Obama. But, not for me. I refuse to give up and throw in the towel. I may be optimistic, but I'm realistic too. There's no way one man can change the world in a day, or a month, or a year. I realized what he faced when he took that oath on that bitter winter day in January, and I think he did too. I'm no fairweather fan. I support my President because Sam Cooke said it best, "A Change is Gonna Come"!

Embracing My Brown!

Cocoa. Mocha. Cappuccino. Caramel. Chocolate.

These are just a few descriptions of the color brown and the words people use to describe the various skin tones of African-Americans. I think of them as terms of endearment that are not only used to describe foods and drinks we digest, but more or less the flavors of my people. All of them are sweet to the tooth and appealing to the eye (which we are and so much more!).

I can't express how much I love my people. It wasn't until about three years ago I actually sat down and listened intently to the lyrics of India.Arie's song "Brown Skin" (one of my faves by her--gotta love it!). In the song, she poetically depicts her love for a brotha. I have to admit, I fall more in love with the song every time I hear it! Apparently, I fell asleep on another song with India.Arie (and Musiq Soulchild) entitled "Chocolate High"--this is my new cut! :)

Our skin colors represent a spectrum of hues and our hair textures vary, which we (especially black women) can sport in any style (whether it's shaved off, worn in a natural, braided or twisted, or a part of an extension creation). We do it and we do it well! The beauty of it is that it's all beautiful!

I went to an elite nightclub last weekend (a week ago tonight) and I was blown away by the beauty represented in that place. It was a Soul Train Halloween party, DJ Mick Boogie was bumpin' the beats, and the aura was indescribable. You could feel the love in that place. I asked my sister, "Where has this place been all my life? We have to come back!" Maybe I need to get out more often, make more time for myself and take a break from work every once in a while. That place was a pleasant breath of fresh air and a reminder of who we are: a strong, vibrant and beautiful group of people kissed by the sun.

I love my melanin. Oil of Olay has a slogan, "Love the skin you're in". That applies to more than just the complexion of your skin. It goes deeper into the soul and flows through the mind.