Validation- YES WE CAN!!!

[Sharee]

I stayed up late last night waiting for the election results and I was shocked and overwhelmed by the flood of emotions that came over me. I cried like an infant for so many reasons.
I cried for my 11 year old self who wanted to go to a school dance with Jonathan Noble only to hear the next day through gossip that his mom wouldn't let him go to the dance with a nigger.
I cried for my 17 year old self who went to my senior prom with my first black boyfriend only to have the traditional prom video cut short the next day when his black hand popped up screen touching my white back through the peace sign cut out in the back.
I cried for the girl who sat in world civics class among people that I had grown up with and spent the night with and shared secrets with, while one of my classmates came and whispered in my ear that I could come to Becky's senior party but I had to leave my boyfriend at home because her mom didn't want black people in her pool.
I cried for my 2 black classmates who sat in there with me that day and sat quietly as everyone around them got handed an invitation, including me.
I cried for my 30 year old self whose mother in law got angry and referred to me as a half nigger.
I cried and cried and laughed and cheered because finally my voice would be heard.
My pain and experience is just a speck in the sea of hurt that has raged through the minority experience in this country since it's inception. And I feel a kind of vindication that can only be understood by those of us who have endured prejudice that has cleverly been disguised and dressed up and denied by the perpetrators.
I've spent my entire life feeling frustrated and cynical, cautious and suspicious.
And now I feel none of those things. On the contrary, I feel like justice was served.
My attitude shifted last night from defensive to hopeful and responsible.
Because now, there are no more excuses for those of us who have grumbled and complained and felt like the system and society was against us. Now it's time to participate, to celebrate, to integrate into action in small ways and big ways.
I'm in celebration mode.
A man just like me, with a white mother and a black father is THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Imagine that!!!!!!

[Yvette Marie]

I feel your pain and your joy. I'm happy we've been blessed with him. I want to see more and more of him and his family. This man has so much positive energy flowing his way he will succeed. We are all helping him.

[msscience]

I think noone can describe how very moving and inspiring election night was. It meant a psychological weight was removed from a culture and a nation. Praise God for that miracle! Its brings freedom in so many ways. I must say It is awful that racism ever ever came to be, it was and is a horrible disease! You are beautiful and I hope you know that now!

[Kate]

You both might like watching this... http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1857649028?bctid=1859060204

Its a behind the scenes look from the convention.

Kate

[Clarissa Kelly]

Still having teary-eyed moments here on Thursday! Reading letters to the editor in my morning paper was so uplifting, I'm just so proud to be an American today.
Lovely piece in my paper, an interview with Michelle's brother who works here in Oregon. :0)

http://www.oregonlive.com/beaversbasketball/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/1225947319125580.xml&coll=7

[Sharee]

I know Kate! I had another sob fest when I watched it! I felt the same way when I saw Jesse Jackson crying. It's has just all been so moving and inspiring and now I honestly feel so much more obligated to be involved in my country. I hope a lot of people feel that way:)

[Kate]

Just watched the view clip, where are my tissues now.

[Kate]

Sharee,
Thanks for sharing your story. As I said before I can only imagine how African Americans must feel at this momentous occasion. Your story brings it closer to me. I felt so awful hearing the things you said.and cried along with you. The closest I have felt this is in living in a extremely red state and never feeling my voice is heard. Or seeing the religious discrimination I have felt being surrounded by Mormons, or my daughter not being included because we didn't go to the right church. I know its not the same and I would need to multiply my experiences thousands of times to know what it is like. Not sure why I am going on like this. Anyways I do share in your joy and truly feel this is a turning point in our country where when we look back we can say it all began when Obama was elected by an overwhelming majority in the country.

Kate

[Lydie>--]

Ehh you almost made me cry! Love how you wrote this! This was such an amazing historical event. I was skeptical that Obama would win! But people like you EVERYWHERE recognized that it was just about that time to let go. Color ain't nothing but a thing and we are all one! Take care girl!

[Clarissa Kelly]

Pass me a box of tissues somebody! This is all so good. We are shining!!
Watch Sherri from The View this morning, it is so moving and I think I get it now.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/05/sherri-shepherd-sobs-over_n_141398.html

Clarissa xxxx

[Elisa]

What a story! But now things are changing for better. Congratulations!