Benjamin Ola Akande
Dean, Webster University School of Business & Technology
Dear Moyo, Anjola and Reni,
It’s 10:15pm Central Time, Tuesday November four, 2008 and history has been made. Barack Obama has just been declared the first African American President of the United States. Frankly, I never thought this day would come. They say more people voted in this election than any other in U.S. history. Today was an affirmation that America values ideas over fear. And tonight marks the emergence of the Obama Generation.
Many Americans have wondered,- some with awe, some with alarm – who is Barack Obama, this man with an African name. Where did he come from? To some, it seems that he appeared from out of nowhere to captivate the media and the masses all around the world. But, Barack obama has been emerging all along. To the African immigrants, obama is a familiar figure. His calm demeanor and thoughtful, wise perspective is a characteristic you will find among many Africans. His fluid ability to use the spoken word is a tradition that our ancestors have used for centuries to keep their dreams alive. During the campaign Barack spoke to the past and the future as if it were in the present. He reminded America of the power of promises and effectively painted a picture of a better way and better days ahead.
We, the Obama Generation, are members of a broadly defined group of immigrants, first-generation African Americans and their children, a rich mix of people, who call America their home but whose common denominator is their link to the African continent. President-elect Obama is one of us.
We, the members of the obama generation have succeeded in virtually every walk of life. We are a people tested, resilient, and fortified with a rich cultural diversity. We are a new generation of immigrants; many of us professionals, who arrived here with well-honed skills and lots of potential, bringing with us humility, temperament, strength and resolve. Many of us came from abject poverty with a hunger to make a living and soak up the goodness of America. Others came to gain the knowledge and wisdom that America has to offer. Barack Obama’s life story is familiar to us and not that exotic at all.
We are an optimistic lot. We believe America’s future can be even more successful than its past and its present. We bring different experience’s and perspective’s to the task of breaking that impasse that has gripped this nation in its recent past – lack of trust and a lack of the will to change. Ours is a generation that eats change for breakfast.
My dear Moyo, Anjola and Reni: today a man with the name Barack Obama–whose father journeyed here from western Kenya in search of knowledge–is to be the next president of the United States of America. His victory has granted you a future of unprecedented possibilities, along with newfound responsibility and now, it is up to you to find the balance that will bring to life your dream. Our dream.
Your loving dad,
Benjamin Ola Akande
November 4, 2008
| Larry |
November 7th, 2008 5:46 pm ET Who declared Obama the first african-american president of the united states? I thought he was the president-elect of the united states. So will the great seal of the office be changed to read as 'Seal Of The African-American President Of The United States'? There was no Barack Obama (African-American) as a choice on my voting ballot; does that mean we will do the voting all over again? |
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| Larry Robinson from Belton Texas |
November 7th, 2008 8:11 pm ET To me, these words beautifully– with wisdom and passion– describe a proud man who just explained how blood kin will stich back together tethered pieces of our tired flag. As long as this generation breathes new life, America shall never die. |
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| Ryan E. Mears, Architect |
November 8th, 2008 12:34 am ET 05 Nov. 2008 |
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| nelson |
November 8th, 2008 1:41 am ET This is one of the most incredible and exciting moments in time as the least qualified and the most inexperienced candidate was elected for the highest office of the United States and is'nt it funny that this title fell on an African-American. There has been so much talk about the brightest and best of America, but then those men/women are serving in our military who fully understand the cost of freedom. This past election will go down as the year the bar for excellence and the brightest and best fell to the point of No Experience Required. |
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| Becky Gonzalez |
November 8th, 2008 5:06 am ET As a hispanic woman I remember growing up in the 70’s believing I couldn’t dream too big because I was a minority and we were treated as second class citizens where ever we went. A high school counselor once told me “you’re a beautiful girl marry a rich man.” I was trying to get advice on how to get into a college. |
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| jim |
November 8th, 2008 11:53 am ET Barack Obama won the election by promising to give 45% of non paying taxpayer money or as I call it welfare check. It is an old trick that Hezbollah in Lebanon do by helping the poor with hand outs. Obama also won at a price. 92% of blacks voted for him. I don't believe they all voted for him based on his political postions. That goes to show that blacks are racist. It is unfortunate he got elected through deception. |
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| Aynes |
November 8th, 2008 8:41 pm ET I too thought we elected a president not an african american president. |
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| Patrick of Ohio |
November 8th, 2008 9:08 pm ET Okay, we get it. It's awesome that we have the first black man as president. Everybody is happy that the nation is for the most part not biased against races, and that white people have proof we're not all racists, and black people have proof they're not all stereotypes. I think that this current generation (the new voters and teenagers) all ready thinks of racism is a silly idea anyways. Really, we were just waiting for you people that grew up in the 70's and beyond to get it. Now that we're past that point, let's begin watching Obama, see how well he keeps to his 16 month withdrawl plan, the consequences, and the other policy he will make. Sure he's only president-elect now, but he's still a senator and now has a lot of influence and can begin trying to push proposals through congress. All ready Iran is mocking him and testing him. So let's be glad that the old folks can finally stop talking about racism and ignore the ignorant. Let us finally look past race and look at the world and the impending catastrophes of the future. |
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| Garry |
November 8th, 2008 9:52 pm ET I am Canadian and not since my youth which was the John Kennedy years have I seen so much hope in the USA with Obama elected President and perhaps started with those first Kennedy years. I am very pleased with USA as it has matured and envy you as we have not had the same chance in Canada to have such great leaders of late and wish you well ! |
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| jessa |
November 9th, 2008 8:50 am ET As a canadian, neighbour and one of the many strong allies of the U.S, I am grateful and thankful for all of those who voted for Barack Obama. In my short 22yrs on this planet i have never seen until now someone who has impacted the lives of so many people throughout the world. He made us believe that there is hope for a better future not only in the U.S but the entire world. Again I thank all of you who voted for such a remarkable man. |
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| Betty Ann, Nacogdoches,TX |
November 9th, 2008 12:08 pm ET Whoa! that gave me chills! absolutely beautiful! |
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| So. Padre Island, Texas |
November 9th, 2008 4:08 pm ET Larry, Dear "Boy"– The "Seal of the Office" is available to Any Man or Woman who Earns his/her Right to it. Grow Up! |
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| Jeff |
November 9th, 2008 5:05 pm ET People who have a problem with African in front of American, |
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| Kent Fitzsimmons,Kewanee, IL |
November 9th, 2008 6:04 pm ET Larry.............wow, are you mad about Obama. The rest of us embrace the new President and the hope for Change that he brings to this country and the World. I wish him all the best and will pray for you Larry......... |
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| Derrick |
November 9th, 2008 9:38 pm ET As a young american i am proud to be apart of the new generation. For so long elder generations has perceived us as apathetic and unaware of what is going on. Barack is the young intellegent leader America needs in this dark time of American history |
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