Change Is Upon Us...

- The most important thing to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are for what you might become -

W.E.B Du Bois

Now,unless you live under a rock somewhere on Mars,then I'm sure you have at one point heard the name Barack Obama. If not,I have no words for you. Actually,I do...but I will refrain...

Anyway,in less than twenty four hours (from my side of the world), America will go to polls to decide the 44th president and if you,like me have CNN and BBC radio on hand at all times,you know that the polls are swinging towards Obama's victory.

So,you may ask? But Santi,you ain't American...What does this election have to do with you? Well good people of cyberspace,I will try and explain my fascination and maybe offer insight as to why soo many people really want the change that Mr. Obama will (hopefully) bring.

I opened this post with a quote,something I never do,but i think I'll start to...anyway,I like this quote as it,to me encompasses all the possibility of change and reminds us not to fear change. I first heard about Barack Obama in 2004. I was watching CNN's coverage of the presidential elctions between George Bush and John Kerry. And at the democratic convention,a young,poised and articulate african-american senator delivered a speech that left me shaken to the core. The last time I felt goosebumps like that was when I heard the full delivery of Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream' speech in 8th grade...

So as I sat there in awe and admiration,I couldn't help but wonder,'who is this guy?'...and why aren't people talking about him? I googled him and started following his story. As fate would have it,the whole world would soon know who he was in just four short years...

From that speech,one thing stood out and it still is one of my favourite references,and it goes like this:

"Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope: In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation, a belief in things not seen, a belief that there are better days ahead. "

Now,again you may be asking,all well and good,but what does this have to do with you?

Well,I am African. I am proud of my heritage and without devulging too much personal information,I have lived and continue to live a life that I could only dream about. I am a strong believer in dreams and the audacity of hope...Life has taken me many places and I live each day hoping,believing and taking strides to make all that come true. They've been times in my life when what seemed impossible,became possible. There have been obstacles,and quiet a lot...some that I face to this day,and not once,have I EVER used my race as an issue,I would like to think that I am being judged by the content of my intellect,but I know this is naive...anyway,whether someone chooses to judge me at face value,is their issue,not mine.

You know,alot of people have asked me,'is it because he's black?'...and I could have a well rationalised answer,but the truth of the matter is yes,the deal clincher is just that. Sure he is a well educated and inspiring man. But this is someone I can relate to...he looks like me,comes from a similar background like me and fought against all odds...and I don't care what anybody else thinks or says,because unless you aren't a person of colour,then you just won't get it..and that's cool too.

Anyone who has dreams knows that there are days when you question if you are doing the right thing,making the right decisions and in constant need of re-affirmation that rarely comes,but your spirit is still not shaken to give up. I can't explain this phenomenom of belief and faith,but I know it is what gets me through. And motivates,re-enforces the passion and pushes the perserverance.

When Barack Obama accepted his nomination,I cried. Why? This is a man who comes from a background of trials and tribulations from his generation and his parents and grandparents tribulations. he had dreams,they had dreams...something i can relate to very easily and coming from Africa,like I said,it can be hard to believe that you can be 'something or someone'. So,Barack Obama realising his dream against all odds, speaks volumes to me..as a woman of colour from a third world country,where dreams remain just that...dreams.

Now more than ever,I know that my life has forever been changed. Someone like me...African heritage running through his veins, seeking to be elected to the highest office in the world,a dream alot of people said the world wasn't ready for...a dream even he couldn't have imagined for his life growing up,a dream that began with Martin Luther King's speech...and the battles of civil rights movements in america and in africa...

So,good people,as we watch and wait to see if his dream and the dreams of those before him will come true,I ask you to allow yourself to dream and hold on to them. And let nobody tell you you can't...all you have to do is look at Barack Obama...if he had listened to every hater,he would not be where he is...believe in yourself,and your dreams...have the courage to stand up for what you believe in and hope - for a better life,a better world,better days!

I will never forget that the only reason I'm standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world.

BARACK OBAMA, speech, Jan. 8, 2008