45 minutes, Some 45 Years later by M.J. / August 29

I’ve been debating about how to approach this post. I think i’m still processing a lot of this, trying to be responsible in my response to it. I will however start by saying that I’m sure it was no coincidence that Barack Obama gave his nomination acceptance speech, on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Much has to be said about significance of, a person of color accepting a presidential nomination 45 years (to the day) from the most influential civil rights speeches ever given. That is heavy… but what I think I was most moved by the post-speech reactions from the elders who lived through Dr. King’s day. They all seemed so astonished, having lived their life being told that one day a black man would be president, never thinking they would ever see the day. To them, even the prospect of it seemed unbelievable.

Obama took attention to speak on the american dream and how easily it has been deferred. He harked on the need for change, spoke on the policies he aims to pursue and in the end, sparked inspiration in people desperate for something other; stressing that “We love this country too much to let the next 4 years look like the last 8.” When it comes to predicting the outcome of this election, I can’t call it, not in the country that gave George Bush 2 terms. I’m am sure a change will come, I’m just not sure whether it will be for the better or the worse.

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