Black Leaders On What Obama's Nomination Means To Them

Politico:

In 1961, Robert F. Kennedy predicted that the country could elect a black president in the next 40 years. That's how fast race relations were changing in America, said the attorney general at the time.

Now, 47 years later, Barack Obama stands at the precipice of fulfilling Kennedy's eerily prescient forecast. On Thursday, he'll become the first minority to win the presidential nomination, achieving what many thought was impossible given our national obsession with race.

...

Politico talked to dozens of black leaders from across the country, asking them to assess the impact of the Obama nomination and what it says about the state of race in America today.

The panel had as many opinions as Politico had questions. But almost everyone could agree on at least one word, an expression they all believed King would have used to describe Obama's nomination: "Hallelujah."

Read the whole story: Politico

Comments

[Cy08]

What a day? Today we celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Tonight Senator Barack Obama will accept the nomination of the Democratic Party and thus becoming the first African American candidate for President of these United States.

Regardless of your political association this will be an historic event. It will fulfill the dreams of the founding fathers to create a nation where all men are created equal. It fulfills the dreams of Harriet Tubman. It will fulfill the promise of the nation’s first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln ending slavery. It fulfills the dream on Martin Luther King and all those who marched, all those sat in, went to jail, and yes all those who died. It’s the realization of Democratic president, Lyndon Johnson who singed amendments ending discrimination and enacted the voting rights act.

No matter what happens tomorrow, tonight it’s great to be an American.

[Bitsko]

Wow, Bobby. Forty years. That's pretty fast!

[prpolk1]

I truly wish my beloved uncle's were alive today to see that America is still changing.

One never had much faith still stuck in the olden days and never willing to forgive or forget the past. Always believed that a certain race never wanted African Americans to succeed or achieve anything.

The other, followed Barack and always told us that that black man is going far and would be something big in politics. I sure hate that he won't be here to see it all come to pass.

A President Barack Obama WOULD truly be evidence that the world is changing.

I know Dr. King and all the others that stood strong for change will be there front and center to help Senator Obama deliver the speech that will echo in everyones heart forever.

Peace to all and many blessings!

[fishsandwichesr2good]

There's a certain irony in referencing Bobby Kennedy & Dr. King in the same article. Do you think anyone will mention that Kennedy was the AG who authorized the FBI's tapping of MLK's phone?

[Daisy1111]

I am proud too. Symbolic of our country's ability to correct itself.

However, C o l i n P o w e l l would have been a better choice. Symbolic and highly qualified during these hard times internationally. I love that man.

[Bitsko]

Love this needless wasteful insane war too?

[Tropiholic]

No wonder we're all crying from coast to coast! This is a wonderful step forward. I am so proud.

[PAposter]

This is one of the most significant events in history, and I am so pleased that it happened in my lifetime. We still have plenty of work to do, but this is huge. And I am proud to be a part this American history.

The other place I would like to see more harmonious relations, is in the Middle East. We are living proof, that it can happen.

The election of Barack Obama could potentially change (not end necessarily) many long term conflicts around the world.

[edwarvir]

Senator Obama was two years old when Dr. King gave that beautiful speech.
My! how things have changed since August 28th, 1963 Too bad my parents are
not alive to see this HISTORIC moment. I am very proud of him, and no
I would not vote for CLARENCE THOMAS FOR DOG CATCHER MICHAEL STEELE
I don't really know him or what he stands for. I know he is a reepie but that
does not disqualify him, it would make me wonder how a man of color could
cast his vote for Methuselah, or be a pundit for Fox News no matter how much
they paid you.

[chitown8]

Mccain can't even congratulate Obama for making history in of country.

I can care less about which party he is with Obama made history last night and Mccain didn't even say congrats.

I thought Mccain was country first.?

Yesterday is in the history books.

Even Pat Bucannan Congratulated Obama.

[Justsaynodeal]

Apparently you didn't look at the McCain ad here on HP which clearly congratulated 0bama.
So do you want to take back your nasty post?

[mybostonjack]

America is not perfect, but we (the Democrat party specifically) should be extremely proud that we have the first African-American president.

Obama/Biden'08

[loax]

As an American, I believe that this is one of America's proudest moments. Obama has put into motion, that anyone from anywhere can achieve the highest of goals if they work hard to make their dreams a reality.

The Republicans should think twice before they attempt to skewer this moments in history with their attacks, and disclosing the choice for VP. Millions of people across this great nation will not forget or forgive if the Republicans try to turn this historic moment in history into a sde show! Congratulations to America, we are indeed living proof af how high we can reach and attain our goals!

[barackobama4prez]

It's amazing that we have so many americans who fail to see the significance of what's happening here. given the shame of this nation and how it was birthed, this is a major step toward racial reconciliation. it's not the end of the work, but it's a major step forward.

[Justsaynodeal]

Not being one of those people who personally felt shame about how I treat those of other race or religion, I fail to see you how you can shame Americans who didn't support 0bama merely because he is black. Some of us feel that this country is not obligated to elect a unqualified and inexperienced black just because he is black. The reflexive cry of racism used against non 0 supporters has been a serious charge for those like me, and quite a turn off.

[marymansour]

This convention is absolutely amazing in its groundbreaking and historical essence. I have been amazed at how many black politicians and community leaders failed to flock to Obama at first. They were firmly in Hillary's camp or of GOP leanings. Before you slam me for suggesting that all African-Americans should vote their race, let me just say that Barack Obama is an exceptional candidate of any race or creed. Not many come down the pike of his ilk. I am a white woman in Alabama and have felt strongly about Obama since his Kerry keynote speech. It is as equally important historically as a woman becoming a presidential nominee and yet Obama's astounding nomination has been been tarnished a bit by the Clinton's need to be in the limelight.

I just hope that tonight's acceptance speech is all about Barack Obama and that the descendants of slaves brought to this country can stand tall and proud listening to this remarkable young man who I hope will be our next president. I will be at home watching it on tv and shedding a few tears of joy during this historic event.

[RHONDA1204]

I think that's part of Obama's message. He was willing to let the Clinton's have the spotlight. He doesn't always have to be the center of attention. That's what is so amazing about him.

[Justsaynodeal]

The Clinton's gave him the greatest gift they could give to him at this convention.....a plea for party unity. Truth be known, he needed the Clinton's much more than they need him.

[mesut]

I'll just say my grandparents would love to see this moment.

[harriscrl3]

There is something surreal about this its like the cosmic forces are coming together. You have RFK eerily words and this is happening on the 45th anniversary of the I have a dream speech. Tonight will be such a wonderful moment its history in the making and we are living it. Inspite of all the problems with the economy and fighting two wars its truly an amazing time.

Carol

[Paula1953]

I agree Carol,
I feel very fortunate to be witnessing this. It's like nothing I have witnessed before in my 55 years on this earth.