The Inspiration of Barack: "Yes We Can" -- College

In my previous blog I failed to mention much about the process we undertook in order to complete the series. By no means was it easy, and it took everything we had to pull together resources and finish. From receiving free assistance from usually well paid professionals, to raising most of the funds through donations from friends. We had people from all over coming out to help, Oren Goldenberg from Michigan, James Yi from San Francisco and a host of other volunteers. That's why what we did here is so significant. We took a page out of Obama's book and were successful at it. Almost like a prototype, test, or a living example of how his plan for this country can really work. A grass roots effort, people pulling together with a common purpose, even without all the necessary means, can make something positive and significant happen. I like to say that we accomplished this with nothing but Hope.

I understand the hesitancy to step out there on Hope. We have been so disenfranchised by this current government that we no longer even know what it means. That's why there are still people out there who actually think McCain would be better for this country. They don't know what hope feels like and the tremendous effects it's capable of having. I'm here to say, it's real. It is the story of my life. I've been in so many different situations where maybe I shouldn't have prevailed, but I did. One recent example is this film series. That's why Obama's message resonates so well with me.

As promised, I will be uploading one short per week. The first I'm going to show is "Yes We Can" - College. I wrote this one not just for those discouraged by their inability to achieve higher educational endeavors, but for anyone who doesn't believe they're capable of doing something that's usually out of the ordinary. In many of our lives, we feel comfort in the norm: "My mother and father have always done it this way, so there's no way I can do it the way my heart tells me I should." Huh? When we decide to ignore our hearts and do what's simple, it becomes unnatural. Then comes the unhappiness, stress, sickness and pain. Do not fight your heart, follow it. Be that person who is locked up inside you waiting to break out. Have the courage to stare at the face of your fears and say "Yes, I can." And if you don't think you have the nerve to do so, look at someone like Obama and like we did, take a page out of his book. Some of us are brave enough to do so ourselves, some need guidance. Don't be afraid to follow when you are provided a leader like this.

Think of our country in its current state. Think about the foremost conversations in restaurants, elevators and front porches. I'm almost certain that you're thinking of things that are not very positive (economy, gas, Bush, etc). Then try to shift your thinking to something different. Think of our entire country being hopeful. Take a second and imagine that. Yes, this country has great potential. Please, do your part in helping us reach that potential. First things first, lets get this man in the white house.

I hope you enjoy the first short. Also, if you are in the New York area we're having a screening of all seven, plus the behind the scenes video on Friday, September 12th at 7pm @Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick St.). If you're interested in coming, you must RSVP to: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpltwm

Comments

[Danigirl65]

Qasim:

THIS represents a piece of the hope that an Obama presidency offers. We all need a little hope to get us through the most trying times and Obama represents this hope in many ways. I truly believe this man will be a great leader in bringing out the best in America and we definitely need to find our best again; the status quo is just not working.

[outsidein]

Bravo. So far all I've had to watch (and I've done so on repeat for months haha) is this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMf9oBpvI0o

but mainly cos i love the song. Keep up the great work, be sure to give the actors strict direction and stray from cheesy, it's very easy to ham up the message when it comes to inspiration. I appreciate the illustration of real issues. Keep up the great work and don't be afraid to tell people to vote or direct them on where they can support. Also, be sure to aim at the voters that haven't been reached by the campaign already, i think you could do wonders. Thanks, means a lot.

[Qasim Basir - Huffpost Blogger]

I really appreciate the compliments. I hope that some who choose to find the negativity in a message like this will really look within and find out what's happening in order to make them feel that way. If that individual knew anything about the mentality of some inner-city youth when it comes to higher education, I can guarantee they would not have made that comment. Sometimes it does take a positive figure such as Obama to arise in the midst of all the negativity they see everyday in order to give him the extra encouragement to feel like they have a chance. The way a young African-American in the 'hood' feels about their capabilities after seeing someone like Obama does wonders for their mentality. It gives them hope in their word, where there usually is none.

[sariat]

beautiful job! i watched it with my 16 year old daughter. This is what makes the word "hope" survive.

[voidware]

"Bob the Builder", PBS. Check it out.
He coined the phrase "Yes We Can".
It was for kids 5 and under; not college bound adults.
You should Idolize him instead.

[Opsimath44]

That's your contribution to society? Telling someone else who they should look up to? Nice.

I really don't get folks who make the effort to be so negative. If you don't like something, then ignore it.

Qasim: Teddy R said it's not the critic who counts, but the man in the arena. You, sir, are in the arena, making things happen. Enjoy every minute of it. God will not judge you on awards, medals, or diplomas, but on scars. Wear those scars proudly!

Peace, out.

[NC4Obama]

O Bob the Builder coined it eh? That phrase wasn't around until Bob the Builder huh, yeah that makes a lot of sense.

[jaybeauty]

as always this was so inspiring. there are so many that need to read this and i know will be inspired to believe so i/m forwarding this to everybody i know. i will be in new york a week too late so i won/t see the screening but thank you again for this. i look forward to seeing and hearing more from you.

[JerzGirl226]

I liked it. I'm from the New York area but I'm back at school so I can't go. Good luck though.