A NEW SEASON.

NOW. I had the good pleasure of being in Grant Park when history was made. Let me lay out the night for you in a few quick sentences as I know some of you may be tired of hearing about it (NOT I!)...so, I live in downtown Chicago and after work, there was a hum of hope and anticipation over chicago. As I walked to Grant Park, it was around 70 degrees, there were thousands of hopeful people making their way to bars, parties, different parts of Grant park, big screens everywhere so that travelers wouldn't miss out on any updates, the flashing lights from the stage that had Barack's name all over it were in the background as people moved like ants on a mission (I am speaking from the perspective of not being in the main part of Grant Park). Once I got to my standing spot, I actually thanked God that I wasn't in the main part because it would have been more crowded. Where I was had a great personal space room and a great view of the big screen. Hallelujah.

We all know that the moment CNN displayed a "BREAKING NEWS!!!!!.....BARACK OBAMA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT", the crowd went wild. Some laughed, others clapped, others smiled, still others reflected, and other yelled and screamed. Then came the "YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!" chant and we were off. The whole world at that point was trying to call home which meant no one could get through on their phone lines, but nonetheless, we had each other to celebrate with. Perfect strangers came together like old friends and everyone beamed. We just beamed with pride.

I have to give it to McCain, he made a pretty decent concession speech. And as Obama took the stage, chills came over my body and we all cheered. There are no words that can encapsulate his extreme humility and accomplishment in that one moment. THEN (and this is secretly, my favorite part!) his family came out. God only knows how to create such a PULCHRITUDINOUS family ( I had to use that word...it's my favorite word).

NOW. Michelle Obama is a whole different story. Especially for me, as a young African-American woman. Her beauty radiates in so many directions that one doesn't know what to do with oneself. All I have to say about her is: the next day, I put on my best work clothes, put on my stilletos, put on my make up and walked into work representing myself in such a proud and confident manner that I thought I didn't have in me. She helped to bring it out of me (judge me if you will, but everyone gets their inspiration from somewhere/someone). A friend told me that NOW black women are vogue because of her.

Well, I mean...have you looked at her lately? With that unique, everyday beauty that is not glorified much..with her real woman figure (real women definitely have curves), her beautiful Michelle Obama smile with it's hint of crookedness (very slight)....all of that makes such a beautiful role model for all of us.
NOW. Because of Michelle, GBKs and the like can look up, be encourage, and aspire.

NOW. Because of Barack, black men have a chance to enhance their image which has been misunderstood (by both blacks and non blacks). Yes, beautiful black men, YOU CAN DO IT! whatever it is...

NOW. Because of Barack and Michelle, Black MARRIAGE and BLACK LOVE can begin to move to higher heights in from the outside perception (others looking in) as well as the inside perception (us looking at ourselves and determining what it should be like).

NOW. Because of the Obamas. Black family can begin to move to higher heights as well. MAN Oh MAN. Nothing can stop a strong, positive, God fearing Black family. Nothing.

Whew...I am going to come off of my soap box because I have a tuna casserole to check, but all of this rambling to say: IT IS INDEED A NEW DAY. In soooooo many respects. I haven't even scratched the surface in this blog.

TO everyone out there, like Esther in the Bible, why wouldn't Barack step into office during such a time as this?

With GOD, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

And MOM, I know you see this from where you are. YOUR EFFORTS have NOT been in vain. You were there before Michelle Obama, teaching me how a black woman should conduct herself and her business. I love you and miss you as always. MY heart will never stop bleeding for you, but TODAY is also a new day. And I am seeing the hope that you have given me, rise up in me again.

Much love.