Barack Obama’s election on November 4, 2008 as the first African-American president is a clear watershed event in our nation’s progress toward civil rights equality.  Most of my family’s political, social, and religious activism has been geared toward the achievement of incremental steps leading up to the plateau of that day.  Families of all stripes across America have matching histories and legacies that have contributed too.  In fact, on November 4, 2008, I thought about the millions of minorities who’d suffered humiliation and abuse experiences.  Then my heart leapt as I pondered their audacity of hope as they stood in long lines in record breaking numbers, from sea to shining sea.  I teared up at their faith in our political system’s ability to steer our country toward change.  The inhabitants of millions of homes with histories of dark experiences with intolerance and prejudice chose voting over violence that day.  This election win doesn’t mark the end of inequity and humiliation for our nation’s minorities.  Nor does it represent the mountain top in our country’s civil rights journey; but I see it as a soaring peak rivaling the Emancipation Proclamation and the Voting Rights Act.  Barack Obama’s success represents the type of accomplishment that my forefathers fought so hard for in military uniforms, and my female ancestors worked so hard for in maid uniforms: a brighter day for the next generation of minorities.  November 4, 2008 was a day when equal inclusion, respect, and opportunity no longer seemed just the stuff of speeches and dreams.  Looking forward, I see Barack Obama’s election as the harbinger of a brighter day for minorities in America.  It is the fruition of countless prayers, suffering, death, and sacrifices of all kinds, by all kinds of people.  The role of minorities in our society is changing.  I feel privileged to witness our historical victories.  Many of my heroes have already passed away, including family members & social activists; yet I realize that our fight for justice and equality is still far from over.   This is why I have put on the armor bearing the family crest now, to become the standard bearer for a new generation of activists & public servants.   Yes I will carry on the family tradition of public service for my community and nation.  Yes we can achieve anything in America, if we just work together as one nation, under God, indivisible!  Yes, Martin, someday we as a people, will get to the Promised Land!  What does Barack Obama’s election mean to our nation, to my family, and to me?  It means that hope trumps fear, faith can move mountains, and love conquers all!  It means that although our forefather’s recipe for a melting pot of all religions, and colors has simmered, smoked, and boiled over in the past, on November 4, 2008, we congealed into a warm, hearty, blending of pure red, white, and blue. God bless America!