Can the Obama Presidency End Racism in America?

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As the nation shines in the brilliance of a new day and new dawning of American history, there is much hope and promise in the leadership of President Barack Obama.  Young and old are filled with pride in this inspirational, bold leader and the promise of America. As President Obama assumes the reigns of the leadership of the global community, global citizens are excited and engaged in new movements of positive change. The ascendancy of this young man of African and American descent is beyond remarkable. And yet, his journey underscores that racism is subsiding, but just like the tide on the shore, the tide has its own ebb and flow. If we are not careful, as many bask in the inauguration of Barack Obama, we will forget the poor and disenfranchised. As we bail out corporate, global structures, African Americans and other disenfranchised groups will continue to be shackled with persistent educational, economic and social injustices. Racism continues to fester in the hopes of a young child of color who wants a pathway to Columbia and on to Harvard. Racism will continue to thrive if it will take another forty years before a child of Africa provides leadership to the free world. Many children and youth may believe that it is the cynicism of the adult community that keeps their memory focused on the tragedies of the past. And yet these tragedies are present in the overrepresentation of African Americans in the juvenile and criminal justice systems.  As President Obama seeks to lift Eric Holder to the position of Attorney General, Mr. Holder, both of these men of color are more than anomalies in our popular culture, but remain rare in the pipeline of future political leaders. It is because of the persistent, mundane nature of racism that when the inaugural coverage ends, the reality of the racial disparities will continue. This time is only a brief holiday from the persistent injustice that is fostered structural racism.  As Democrats are poised to ride the coattails of President Obama, in order for the nation to fully be restored to its rightful and humble place as world leader, Democrats and Republicans will need to genuinely learn to work together. Not just for any perceive political benefit, but because it is the responsibility of both of these political partners to restore America to its greatness.  Republicans must reach across the aisles, while Democrats cannot afford to be boastful –but use this unique moment in time to lift America. Abraham Lincoln--- Martin Luther King---Nelson Mandela ---and now Barack Obama have captured the spirit of a nation and a world – but who will be the people who will put aside their differences and promote social justice regardless of party. Barack Obama’s election is a dosage for the eradication of racism but it is not the cure --- only a significant dosage along the way to a cure for racism.