Juneteenth: 143 Years Later

Yesterday the United States of America took the largest step ever toward the healing the gaping historical wound between whites and people of color in this nation. While the Emancipation Proclamation made the abolition of slavery a national intention in 1863, it wasn't until the 13th Amendment was ratified that the monstrous sin of slavery was outlawed. That was on December 6th, 1865. Previously, on June 19th of that year, in Galveston, Texas, a Union general emancipated former slaves in Texas, and the little known (by most white folk) Black holiday of Juneteenth was born. Now one hundred and forty-three years later, a man who in 1863 would have been legally considered inferior, or even more abhorrent, the physical property of a white man in some states where he campaigned the heaviest, is the President Elect of this great country.

Those of you who know me, know I rarely speak about our nation with such affectionate language.

But now I can.

Now WE can.

All of us. Not just veterans, not just civil servants, not just the descendants of historically prominent citizens, not just bitter/crazy flag waving white people . . .

Back during the primary elections I was torn between so many good democratic candidates. Clinton seemed the practical choice. Richardson and Edwards (at the time) both moved me with their focus on the common citizen, and they had solid experience. I, like so many, was afraid to put my hopes in the exuberant fresh faced young man who reminded me of so many of my heroes from history. I could hear the echoes of John and Robert Kennedy, could feel familiar inspired energy of Martin Luther King Jr. I debated a long time in the polling station. Finally, I decided, I wanted to believe, I wanted to hope, I wanted to bet on a dream. I voted for Obama.

Yesterday, over half of the 133 million participants in the election voted the same way. Today I echo Michelle Obama--today I am proud to call myself an American. Its a strange and wonderful new feeling-to have hope and pride in one's nation.

As I sat on the couch and talked with Ashley, I became aware that for the last eight years I have turned quite inward in my vision of the future. I could see a place and future for Ashley and me, but it was like living with all the drapes closed: I couldn't see the future of this country, not even glimpse an idea of where we might go. Now the drapes are down and I can see good things for us as a nation. My social ostracism as a child had left me feeling like an outcast, my political views the last ten years have left me feeling like I can only relate to the underrepresented views and desires of so many. But now I feel I am part of it. I feel part of the whole. For the first time my vote has been rewarded with positive results. Its an amazing thing. I am giddy with the surreal joy of victory.

But, Obama is not a god or a superhero, he is human and not infallible. But what he represents to our nation and the world is a good example and the mortal embodiment of the American Dream.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Obama is that change and represents that change. A change for good, for the better, for unity, not division, for cooperation, brotherhood and sacrifice for the common good. He represents the most Christian values in the New Testament, without bringing his church or religious beliefs to the table.

There are still red states (why the Republican party has now attached itself the color that used to be associated with socialists and Marxists is beyond me, but amusing, nonetheless). And there are still bigots and racists and zealots. And I pray that the guilty parties of this current administration are met with justice and retribution befitting the massive damage done in just two terms.

But I will try to follow the example of the man I helped put into office. I will try my hardest not to be bitter, not to be angry, but instead to reach out a hand to my fellow citizens and make peace.

Freedom, get ready to ring baby, because the times, they are a-changin.