This morning at 7am, I was the first to arrive at my polling station. The 70 year old man in charge was still getting his crew of 4 prepared for the voters. Before officially opening, I watched them take an oath to be honest in the process. I was excited. This is the first time in my voting life that I have the opportunity to vote for a truly viable African American candidate, that I support. Obama is certainly not the first African American to run for Commander in Chief of these United States. There was Shirley Chisolm in 1972, Jesse Jackson, Alan Keyes, Al Sharpton (come on now) and Carolyn Mosley Braun have all run for the post. None have reached this phase that Obama has today. In the lifetime of my parents, who lived in segregation, who picked cotton in their youth to make money... they have the opportunity to vote for a Black man for President of these United States. And I love his slogan... "Yes We Can!"
To make it even more interesting, we have viable qualified female candidate. This is like a sea change, a paradigm shift that truly is incredible, and I am so happy to be here, experiencing it.
So I voted. Tears came to me as I drove away in my car... Let's hope it counts.
Walking through the halls at work, I felt lighter...confident.. 'yes I can'...
As I turned the corner, there was a nice looking lady waiting in the lobby area with her computer talking with our director. The director stopped me and said, "Pamela, have you met Sally Ride?" My internal voice screamed "Sally Ride! my goodness, the first female astronaut! I want your autograph!" All of this while externally I smiled, shook her hand and told her how wonderful it was to meet her. That we were so excited to have her on faculty now as Emerti. She was gracious and funny.
A day of firsts to be sure. Of emotions that are difficult to share. Of hope...confidence....historical precedence. A Black History Month to remember.
Today, whatever your political affiliation... I hope you took the time to cast your vote. To help lay the path to the future.
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