The Velvet Rope

Posted on September 19, 2007
Filed Under Fulfillment, Success, Freedom, Courage, Community |

The other day I had a thought that brought tears to my eyes; if Obama is elected President of the United States of America, it will forever change what it means to be a Black American. The thought of Obama as President struck something deep inside me.

When I was a little girl growing up in the 70s, my parents joked of having a black president, “it won’t be the White House any longer, they’ll have to paint in black.” Even then I knew they were joking and they didn’t really believe it was possible to have a black man as President of the United States. The same applies if Hillary is elected, it will forever change what it means to be a woman in this country.

Here is what I mean. For centuries the leaders in this country have been white men. The faces of this country’s founders have been embedded in our minds: old white men with white hair. Admittedly, it was their wisdom that created our Constitution, Bill of Rights, the three arms of Government. It was also from their world view . . . as privileged, white men. When we look at our American history, black people have been considered a fraction of a human; this was actually written in the Constitution as it applied to slaves, their owners and taxes. For the past several centuries, we have been doing everything possible to restore ourselves to our God-given humanity. With each step towards progress we have struggled, marched, rebelled, and even killed for equality. Women have not had the same struggle as black people, but we have faced our battles boldly as well.

The face of power in our country has always worn the face of a white man, until the last couple of decades. Even our images of God of are old white men with white hair. These images have created unspoken boundaries. You don’t belong there because you’re different. These jobs are reserved for a certain type of people, the privileged and entitled. These unspoken boundaries solidified and confirmed themselves in the minds and hearts of millions of people, until we all came to know and accept the rules of the game.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Well the rules are finally being challenged by people who are qualified to play the game. And for the millions of children witnessing this historic Presidential race the playing field and the possibilities have just widened. Honestly, I never dreamed of the day a black man or a woman would be elected as president. I couldn’t see it because it had never been seen before. My vision was stifled. Whether we are ready for it or not the minds and hearts of Americans are changing. People are beginning to realize they have more choices, they can dream bigger, intend greater, and venture into new territory.

Speaking as a woman who is also a Black American, this is all very exciting and wonderful. There were places in my mind I reserved only for the worthy and privileged, now I realize I am that also.

Peace and Blessings,