Yes We Did
Student Reflection on Obama Win
Allycia White
Issue date: 11/10/08 Section: Opinion
As I pulled up to the polling center, I was stunned at the number of people that were waiting in the line. At first I was mad because I hadn't eaten anything and it was about eleven o'clock in the morning. I didn't know when I would be out of line. My feeling quickly changed because I realized that people actually cared about this election. The mass of people wrapped around the elementary school simply waiting in silent anticipation to cast their ballot. Surprisingly enough, it was very calm and people were very patient.
With my iPod playing in my ear, my mind began to wander. I started to think about my grandparents. (Both of my grandmothers are still alive.) I thought about the stories they used to tell, like when a white person was walking on the sidewalk they had to jump down and walk in the street. I remembered the stories of black people being given literacy tests and having to count balls in a jar in order to vote. I remembered learning about the stories of Medgar Evers and Emmett Till and the ways in which they were brutally murdered. I even remembered the times when I was followed in a store because I wasn't the preferred color to the store's owner. With a flood of emotion, I wanted to cry right there in the line, but I didn't want people to look at me funny. I was truly happy though. I never thought that I would see the day when a black man would be in the White House for more than just a visit.
Finally I got myself together and voted. I walked out of the polling center as a first-time voter with such a pride about me because I already knew that Obama had won.
Later that night, watching Obama give his acceptance speech, it almost felt like a dream that I hadn't woke up from yet. I was so proud of my state, my country and most importantly my race because We did it.
Needless to say though, the battle has just begun. We still have an economy that is in shambles, a war, problems with health care and education and racism is still alive and well. No doubt, there is a long road ahead of us. I am very confident though the right man got the job.
With my iPod playing in my ear, my mind began to wander. I started to think about my grandparents. (Both of my grandmothers are still alive.) I thought about the stories they used to tell, like when a white person was walking on the sidewalk they had to jump down and walk in the street. I remembered the stories of black people being given literacy tests and having to count balls in a jar in order to vote. I remembered learning about the stories of Medgar Evers and Emmett Till and the ways in which they were brutally murdered. I even remembered the times when I was followed in a store because I wasn't the preferred color to the store's owner. With a flood of emotion, I wanted to cry right there in the line, but I didn't want people to look at me funny. I was truly happy though. I never thought that I would see the day when a black man would be in the White House for more than just a visit.
Finally I got myself together and voted. I walked out of the polling center as a first-time voter with such a pride about me because I already knew that Obama had won.
Later that night, watching Obama give his acceptance speech, it almost felt like a dream that I hadn't woke up from yet. I was so proud of my state, my country and most importantly my race because We did it.
Needless to say though, the battle has just begun. We still have an economy that is in shambles, a war, problems with health care and education and racism is still alive and well. No doubt, there is a long road ahead of us. I am very confident though the right man got the job.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Freddy D 4th FL RA
Freddy D 4th FL RA
posted 11/17/08 @ 8:45 AM EST
Excellent article!
askelvins
Asuma Kelvin Williams
posted 11/19/08 @ 8:50 PM EST
USA has shown greater maturity and superiority in her political standings and this should be a lesson to all other members of the so-called G8 and the world at large. (Continued…)
Business Opportunities
posted 12/01/08 @ 4:20 AM EST
As far as being able to do anything, it is just a saying. Obama was able to become president since he was born in America. So the governor of California cannot become president. (Continued…)
Las Vegas Movers | Las Vegas Moving Company
posted 1/20/10 @ 4:18 PM EST
Quote:
"Needless to say though, the battle has just begun. We still have an economy that is in shambles, a war, problems with health care and education and racism is still alive and well. (Continued…)
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