With a promise to make change in America, our people invited Barack Obama into the White House to govern our country for the next four years.
Having grown up in the city where Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated, having grown up in a city where I was told I had to drink from the white peoples water fountain, and having grown up in a city where if a little girl said, "I love all people, black, white, yellow, brown and pink", and was spit on and shouted at by adults, I can tell you most assuredly that this night on November 4th, 2008, was the historical moment in time I was looking for as a little girl.
I will never ever forget shopping with my mother in JCPenney's in 1971, when trying to get a drink of water, I found the shorter water fountain (Clearly labeled Colored People ONLY) more accessible as a 6 year old. As I pressed on the small knob that had "PRESS" in black type written letters, as the sparkly clear water squirted up from the fountain, and I as I opened my sweet pink lips to recieve the crystal fluid, I was abruptly stopped by a white woman shouting at me. "Stop, stop! That's the colored peoples fountain!" My mother rushed to my side, shocked by the shouting, and she took a very quick look at the situation and stared blankly at the shouting women. Then she turned to me and said, "Drink! Drink all you want".
I have spent 38 more years finding myself decidedly NOT prejudice towards African Americans, Mexicans, and any non-native people who have lived in my little realm. It was my mother who gave me the strength to say, "Don't tell that racist joke", or "I don't stand for hatred". It was never easy, but I have always believed that one day I could stand up in the world and not be the only little girl (and grown woman) who didn't feel hate in my heart for those we share water with.
It is with so much joy that I voted for and was happy to be a part of Barack Obama's election into the President of the United States!
I believe American is going to be beautiful again!
Love,
Jyotsna
