What is the American story? Stories where the impossible become possible, the improbable are probable and the ironic become iconic! That is the American story. The story where dreams come true. Where nightmares can turn into enlightened realities.
That is what we witnessed this week, when the world looked on as we elected a President for the people, by the people who also happened to be an African American. Who would've thought it!
But we did it, all of us. Well not quite all but a huge majority said we were ready for a change. That the status quo was no longer acceptable and that our past does not have to equal our future. Doesn't that feel great!
If this was only the story of one man who came from humble beginnings and went on to become elected the President of the United States, it would be motivating and inspiring. However that is not the only story to be told here. No, that's not the main story.
What makes this story so extraordinary and unique is that this man was born to a white woman from Kansas and a Kenyan father. Yes, this man who has achieved so much and inspired millions of Americans and those from around, is a product of a country who has a history of slavery, injustice, and discrimination against a segment of its citizens.
The country that embraced policies such as "separate but equal", Jim Crow and constitutional enslavement and whose racial ideologies created a civil war, civil rights movement and racial riots.
But only in American can this story be told. Can this story reach such a dramatic turning point in our history. After hundreds of years of stereotypes, ignorance and fear that we as a collective voice insist that our country turn the page and travel a new path.
We are sure to continue to fight for inequalities and injustices toward our citizens, whether for women, Hispanics or the gay and lesbian community as well as racial issues as it pertains to African Americans, but we must all agree that the country moved a huge step forward on that historic night on November 4, 2008. Congratulations America, you did good!
Check out "An American Story"
An American Story from Gail on Vimeo.
An American Story from Gail on Vimeo.
Get commemorative T-shirts and buttons from this historical election.
1st Family Commemorative T-shirt. Blk. The classic heavyweight t-shirt. Tagless design for ultimate comfort. Pre-shrunk, 6.1 ounce 100% cotton. Double-needle stitched bottom and sleeve hems. Loose, classic fit, wears well on anyone. (starting at $24.70), s, m, l, xl
1st Family Commemorative Button. 2-1/2 inc. Vibrant colors covered withscratch- and UV-resistant Mylar Durable metal pin-back easy to pin anywhere. $5.50
1st Family Commemorative Button. 2-1/2 inc. Vibrant colors covered withscratch- and UV-resistant Mylar Durable metal pin-back easy to pin anywhere. $5.50
