The 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, has been sworn in and starts his tenure in office. While President Obama's inaugural address was expectedly stirring, it was Rev. Joseph E. Lowery benediction that spoke most to me. It mirrored the concerns of my heart and the pride of my soul.
I do not think for one second that the 24-hour media cycle, or the hundreds of thousands of people who flooded the streets of Washington, D.C. is too much hype. This is a significant moment in the history of not just Black America, but for America and for the world. Just as the country issued in a new democratic way when George Washington passed the presidency to John Adams - a passage not of blood line or of war - it is issuing in a new era today. The United States of America can shed some of its guilt and shame and move forward with a renewed hope and trust in its ideals.
Rev. Lowery's prayer recognized the journey that has taken us to this moment, but he also asks for God's strength so that we will not get weary. After the National Mall has emptied of the cheering crowds, after the cameras have turned to some other news, the journey continues. It is not on President Obama's shoulders alone that the future of this nation depends. As he said in his speech, every task counts - as basic as the nurturing of a child.
Let us not get weary. Let us look for opportunities to support our communities. Let us make our voices heard in the administration of our governments. Let us mentor our youth and care for our seniors. Let us reward hard work and spurn laziness and wasted talents. Let us not get weary, but let us face the prospects - bitter and sweet - together.
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