The Inspiration of Barack: Back to Message -- "Vote"

We've had our first two screenings of the Series and the "Yes We Can" Tour has begun. As a result, my vision has become clear. The message I must convey is obvious and I've found my voice!

As I remained planted in my seat in the back of the theater at Tribeca Cinemas in New York City, I tensely awaited a response from a focused audience. Maybe their unwavering concentration to the screen should've lightened my tension, knowing that most don't give much attention to that they aren't interested in, but it didn't. My heart never stopped racing and I never cooled off. This would be the first time I've showed the series to a group of more than four people, in front of a group who was non-partial, didn't have to tell me they liked it because they were my "friends," and, my first time screening any type of "political" material. This all contributed to these uncustomary, uneasy feelings.

Since we were playing all seven videos straight through, there wasn't to be any applause until the end. That all changed when we reached the end of the 6th, "Yes We Can -- Vote." The crowd unexpectedly erupted in applause. Mike and I looked at each other and without saying a word, knew that we were on to something. At that moment, I was no longer nervous. I was ready to speak, listen and answer any questions. The series came to an end and the applause was amazing.

So we thanked the audience and opened the floor for questions and comments. The general consensus was the same: this series brought people back to message. When I first wrote the series I didn't have a clear picture of exactly what I was going to do with it. I tend to trust and follow my heart most of the time, even when the path isn't as clear. But the general response, I came to realized that I wrote these very scripts for the purposes of Inspiring people to do their part and getting them back to message. An older woman raised her hand and said, "In the midst of all the latest distractions, Sarah Palin, etc, I'd begun to lose focus of the bigger picture. But this series was so refreshing because it made me remember why I was ever inspired in the first place." That, plus other comments helped guide me as I spoke of my motivation for this. I was moved by the audience and I felt honored to be able, through this series, to pass on the Inspiration of Barack.

Now I know. And like those screenings, this will be our message moving forward. We'll get people inspired to volunteer, register voters and make sure that people understand that in order for any kind of change to happen, we have to do our part. Every time Obama speaks, he makes it a point to say "It's up to US." The sooner we recognize that, the better off we'll be. Do your part. Remember why we all fell in love with this movement in the first place. "We are the ones we've been waiting for" -- Barack Obama.

The video for this week is entitled "Yes We Can -- Vote". The idea behind this one is to make people realize that it's never too late to find your own voice. It will always be more difficult, but most certainly more fulfilling. Despite the odds, you must stand up for what you believe in.

The next screenings will be in Michigan next week (9/25 - 9/29). If you are in Michigan and would like to get more details, please visit our website.

"Yes We Can -- VOTE"

Comments

[Russell Bishop - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you more than I can express for creating these amazing messages in support of Barack Obama. I sure hope their campaign throws some support to these screenings and I would love to see them on TV! for Lorla: I went to the website and found these screening dates:

New York, NY, Saturday, Sept. 20th, 2:30pm - 5pm

Tribeca Screening Room
375 Greenwich st #2
New York, NY

Ann Arbor, MI, Thursday, Sept. 25th, 6:30pm - 9pm

Showcase Cinemas
4100 Carpenter rd
Ypsilanti, MI

Detroit, MI, Saturday, Sept. 27th, 4pm - 10pm (4pm, 6pm & 8pm)

Detroit Opera House
1526 Broadway
Detroit, MI

Saginaw, MI, Sunday, Sept 28th, 7pm - 10pm

Quad Theater
3250 Kabobel Road (near Bay and Tittabawassee)
Saginaw, MI

Contact:989-799-6368

Lansing, MI, Monday, Sept. 29th 7pm - 10pm

Eastwood Cinemas (Lansing, MI)
Eastwood Towne Center
2500 Showtime Dr.
Lansing, MI 4891

Dayton, OH, Thursday, Oct. 7th, 7pm - 10pm

Neon Theater
130 East 5th st
Dayton, Ohio

[lorla]

The link did not work. Please show it in MI, both in the cities and suburbs. We need the white union vote to win. Contact UAW leadership to see if it can be shown to members. Where is it scheduled to be shown?