BY DONNELL COLLINS
I was recently vacationing with my lovely wife off the shores of Florida, visiting the places of "no worries mon" -- unless you live there -- when I decided I would definately like to be in Washington for the inauguration of Barack Obama.
There are 50 countries being represented on this cruise ship and it appears that I am the only one wearing an Obama T-shirt. I don't recall ever seeing a president on a T-shirt let alone me buying one.
Who is this Obama and what does his being elected President mean to me?
Some would say that you have to be black to understand the true measure of this phenomenon. I, on the other hand, think that you only look to your family. Take a peek and allow your mind to be reminded of how you felt when one like you was placed in a position that you never had. Although I believe there is only one race of people, we have plenty of families within that race. We, as a people, must learn to celebrate the joy of not just your own family but that of other families as well. That will make the joy of your family that much sweater.
The first time my father was able to vote was in 1960 presidential election. Prior to that in the state of Mississippi he could only dream of it. I know that almost 50 years later my father could not even dream of of what took place on Nov. 4, 2009.
I am now on my way to Washington, D.C. I am on an Amtrack train that I was told was 17-cars deep. I got the last ticket on the last train of the day. A diverse group of people are boarding a train to see what happens when Kenya meets Kansas and they rendevous in Hawaii.
America, ain't it beautiful?
Donnell Collins, a Kane County Board member from Aurora, is a freelance photographer for The Beacon News.
It is wonderful to read your story...history. I also share your view of "one race of people with plenty of families within". I feel Obama has the knowledge, character and leadership to unite this wonderful melting pot nationally, and also be a healing global influence. But he cannot do it alone, we all have to take some of the responsibility with our daily choices. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.