I watched the election returns with a group of black civil rights activists, some of whom had been working in 'the struggle' for longer than I have been alive. I still don't have words to describe the jubilation in the room. I teared up a bit as Matt Little, 87, a man who led the Minnesota delegation of the NAACP to the March on Washington in 1963, grabbed my arms and told me that at this moment he felt like his life's work was nearly complete.People in the room immediately grabbed their cell phones to call or receive calls from loved ones. Tears rolled down their cheeks. People were hugging and shouting, 'we did it!' I was struck by an image on CNN in the background of a group of Kenyans, in Kenya, celebrating Obama's win. I got the sense that the whole world was on Cloud Nine.
I left the site of the party and headed back downtown to the office to file a story. In the car, I listened to John McCain's concession speech. I got choked up as he so gracefully offered his congratulations to his opponent - but also his condolences to Obama over the loss of his beloved grandmother. I can't imagine the mix of emotions going through the president-elect's head over this. The woman who played such an integral role in his ascendency died just hours before he made history.
I got into the office just in time to see Obama's acceptance speech in Chicago. His address was perfect. It set the right tone and completely captured the moment. Then they turned the cameras on the crowd and focused on Jesse Jackson. He wasn't just teary eyed - he was crying. I got chills and my eyes welled.
I finally finished my story and got home around 3 a.m. I had to watch some more election coverage before I could sleep. I asked Mecca, 'when was the last time so many Americans felt so much joy about the selection of a president?' I can't remember in my lifetime. People who voted against Obama just don't get it. Obama's transformative appeal is not about some 'cult of personality' or 'celebrity.' He has struck a legitimate nerve in people all over the world.
And yes, I too, have had my faith in this country restored. But Obama's got a lot of work to do now to rally the rest of the troops. There will no doubt be pockets of this country that will push back and you will probably hear some white folks say, 'he's not my president.' I hope this period doesn't last long. We can't afford that.
