Share this:

In January 2009, the ABP team took part in an event that commemorated a truly memorable occasion. For the first time, the people of the United States elected a person of colour to be their President. Although the election of a black man to the highest office in the world’s sole remaining super power is note worthy in itself, Barack Obama’s ascendancy to the American Presidency meant much more to people in dozens of nations throughout the world, including Canada, as evident through the many celebrations that took place during his inauguration.

President Obama’s inauguration symbolized the beginning of change, hope and renewal to people who had grown weary of the staid status quo in a world that has been gripped by the fear of terrorism, an economic system on the verge of collapse and a growing sense of inequality between the well-to-do and have-nots.

One of the pledges made by Obama made during his election campaign was a commitment to help less fortunate countries in the world such as those found in Africa. ABP attended the Obama inauguration party held at the Mile One Urban Tavern in Calgary with the hope that he will honour his promise for increased aid to Africa in the future.

It has been nine months since President Obama first took office and whether or not he will live up to the gargantuan expectations placed on his shoulders has yet to be seen. It is incredible to think that one man can serve as a type of metaphorical ‘mirror’ that reflects our own desires and dreams for the world back at us yet this is exactly what Barack Obama, whether through luck or design, has done.

As a part of ABP for almost one year, I know what I see when I look at President Barack Obama. I don’t see a black man. I don’t see a man whose mother was white. I don’t see hope or change or renewal (can anyone really see those things?). The only thing I see is a man. Yes, merely a man. A man who seems to be willing to work hard for a better tomorrow. I see a man who is willing to believe things can be better.

I too want to be that type of man and I have no doubt that the rest of the ABP team wants to be that type of man (or woman) as well.

Advertisement