If You Want a Michelle – Then Please Be a Barack…

If You Want a Michelle – Then Please Be a Barack…

By Denise Bolds, February 7, 2010

As the discussion of relationships between the black man and black woman continue, I hear black men lament: “I really want a Michelle Obama.” It is true; First Lady Michelle Obama is someone I greatly admire: a strong black woman who is educated, family focused and confident in her deep brown complexion. I find myself praying more for her and her daughters than I pray for her husband.

Michelle Obama is very comfortable in her blackness and she speaks very clearly on her values – she even wears her clothes more than once. I say in response to the black man who desires a Michelle in their lives… Please be a Barack: Step up to your Michelle with your education and earnings potential intact, with no baby mama drama, no incarcerations or drug use. Be ready to woo and court your Michelle and ask for her hand in marriage. Be ready to be a father who is present in the lives of your children, be able to contribute to your community, be humble, and be a good listener and not a lecturer but a speaker. Be ready to participate spiritually.

Black man who wants a Michelle – please be ready and able to tell the world that your Michelle is your best friend; how you would not have made it without her, let the world see your face light up as you look at her. Let the world see you step up, protect and provide for your Michelle. Black man, of you want a Michelle – please make damn sure YOU are a Barack Obama.

Black woman if you want a Barack Obama – you better be a Michelle: humble, educated, family orientated. Please be willing and able to believe and see your Barack’s dreams: work with him, be ready to sacrifice and put your own dreams on pause for a bit, be a present mother to your children and put away the tally sheet of ‘honey-you-must-do’s’. Black woman be ready to stand up for your Barack and work shoulder to shoulder. Black woman be ready to be your Barack’s extra eyes and ears, be ready to do your very best towards your Barack so that he is on point. Black Woman if you want a Barack, please leave sexuality in the bedroom and maintain intimacy and respect in the eyes of the world. Black Woman please be ready to be that rib of Adam - so that your Barack says: "Finally!"

                      To the black man and black woman – if you want success be ready to sacrifice.

Black Single Motherhood Mystique – Fascination in Hollywood at a Very High Price

I am a single, successful black mother and damn proud of it. I have observed a familiar trend demonstrated repeatedly by society as far as ‘understanding’ black motherhood. For hundreds of years black women provided the manpower and nursed the babies as slaves who built this country. For all the uterine contributions of the black slave woman, America has never acknowledged this fact as an asset.


In film we see an Oscar awarded to Halle Berry in ‘Monster’s Ball.’ Ms. Berry plays a black mother who physically and verbally abuses her son who is overweight. Halle’s disdain for her son was evident. Berry’s role portrayed black mothers as being dysfunctional. We will never forget Ms. Berry giving Bill Bob Thornton fellacio – or the very explicit sex scenes, where Berry wanted to “Feel Again!” Ms. Berry is a black single mother in “Losing Isaiah” in 1995; this film was about black motherhood empowerment, and Oscar worthy.

Mr. Lee Daniels directed Ms. Berry in “Monster’s Ball”; “Precious”, a new film released November 2009 is another film on single black motherhood, also directed by Mr. Daniels. I clamored to see this film; I was inspired after reading Push by Sapphire twice. Sapphire wrote Push in 1996, a brutal look into black single motherhood. At the same time, Push is empowering as Precious learns to read and write; her world changes. This movie is supported by both Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry’s production companies. I was one of seven blacks in a predominately white audience at the Jacob Burns Film Center.

I also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Daniels, an African American gay man who was also raised by a single mother. Mr. Daniels’ father died leaving Lee’s mother to raise the children with Lee being the oldest at age 12 and recalls physical abuse in his home while growing up. I was able to garner information listening to Mr. Daniels speak in his bemused awe of his success:

• “Hollywood does not want to see these kinds of films up here on screen. I shot this movie and I was ready for it to go straight to DVD.”

• “Push the novel is very sexual – I had to watch what I used from the book, otherwise the movie would have never been shown.”

• “I got a call from Oprah because Tyler Perry called her. She asked me: ‘What can we do to help you?’”

• “I have been after Sapphire for years to let me do her book as a film.”

• “Racism is over in America.”

I thought about the book Push – I read it twice. Society does ‘push’ our black students to the side. Precious believed she was doing well in school despite having a reading level below second grade. Precious stated: “I got an A in my class for just sitting there and keeping my mouth shut.” Precious could not open her math textbook because she could not read the page numbers. She passed that class also.

Daniels referred to Push as being very sexual (it is); he could not put the intense sex in the film otherwise, it would not have been shown. I can still visualize Berry’s sex scenes with Thornton in “Monster’s Ball.”

Daniels stated: “Hollywood does not want to see this kind of film” On the contrary, I was one of seven blacks in an all white audience that voyeuristically pulled back the curtain of the black family and avidly watched a single black mother abuse, neglect and destroy her child. I do see Hollywood’s acceptance; I do see every white person who left that theatre after viewing this film believing they ‘know’ black families. I do believe the impact of this film places black single motherhood with a negative distinction of being permanently dysfunctional.

There have been other movies made showing empowerment in white single motherhood: Norma Rae, Mask, Erin Brockovich and Silkwood. There are also a few movies made showing black motherhood empowerment, although this message is not direct, but oblique. “A Secret Life of Bees and American Violet”, which show black mothers as head of household in a home that, is stable and nurturing with feminine unity. These films go by silently and receive almost no publicity, no celebrity endorsements and are challenging to see in a theatre or to own once released as a DVD.

“American Violet” was shown in a limited amount of theatres - a film about the unjust law system: a black single mother almost loses her life and her children by being falsely accused and pressured to plea bargain – a very lucrative business in the USA. This empowered single black mother was brutally judged by white men – representing society about her having multiple children for different men – no husband. The very same act black women were forced to do under slavery.

Black motherhood is not always in a state of dysfunction. There are many black single mothers both past and present that have successfully raised their children – Mr. Daniels is one of them. Many magazines have celebrity single mothers post articles and columns and yet the ‘average’ black single mother is invisible.

Go see the movie “Precious”; ask yourself about Push. How many films are made depicting black mother empowerment and success? The message is very clear: it’s hypocrisy to all of the self esteem building programs for girls of color when Hollywood only shows black women portrayed as being dysfunctional. Daniels said racism in America is over, I don’t believe it is. Mr. Daniels is very talented at what he does but is black single motherhood the sacrificial lamb of cinema projects? The fallout from the fascination of viewing black motherhood as being dysfunctional is a high price to pay – Is the little gold statue is worth it?

©Lion’s Way, Inc. 2009

The Making of a Drug Addict

The Making of a Drug Addict
By Denise Bolds, MSW August 2, 2009
Pharmaceutical drug addiction is not just ascribed to the wealthy and affluent; in fact anyone whom a medical physician writes a prescription for is susceptible. This slippery slope on impropriety is justified by over nine years of college medical education and residency, and by the FDA. Just how accessible are prescribed medications anyway?

One day, I was talking with my neighbor, a college educated woman. I confessed to her that I have been having trouble sleeping. I even looked like I was sleep depraved. My neighbor in her innocence replied: “I have just the thing for you!” She went into her purse and took out a small brown bottle. My neighbor placed a small pill into the palm of my hand; it was smaller than a tic-tac and had a very light peach color. “Take this tonight before going to bed” she instructed “Make sure you can sleep for 8 hours uninterrupted, so turn off your phone – this will put you to sleep and you will feel great after having a good sleep!” My neighbor in all of her benevolent innocence did what millions of other people do: give that helpful little pill to someone else – my neighbor did not ask me if I had any medical conditions or allergies to medications, she did not instruct me not to have any alcohol with this cute little pill – she just gave me some ‘help’ and ADVISED ME TO TURN OFF MY PHONE.

Suppose I did take the pill (I did not, in fact I still have it to this very day) I am a medical nightmare – I am allergic to everything, from tetanus to penicillin and the list grows every year I get older. I have no way of knowing if I am allergic to Ambien or Luniestra; by turning off the phone, family nor friends could not wake me up with an annoying ringing telephone - sounds like a deadly scenario for sure.

The ‘abuse’ of pharmaceuticals occurs thousands of times a day and with the health care crisis resulting in over14 million people in America without health care coverage; you can bet pills are being circulated faster than a twitter on a cell phone. As a medical social worker I have witnessed the extent of Rx addiction – more subtle than Matt Dillon in Drug Store Cowboy. (Which EVERYONE should watch…). Millions upon millions of Americans are addicted to pharmaceutical drugs and there is no relief in sight.

Injuries, surgery and medical complications that are 10, 15, 25 years old are STILL being treated with Vicodin, Oxycodone, Dilaudid, Tylenol #3, Percocet and so on. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) produces weak outreach in educating about the high incidents of addiction and medical complications of pain killers. Pain killers kill the pain by killing the body the pain is in. Pain killers block pain receptors – also blocks the body’s ability to respond to respiration and functioning as a whole – EVERYTHING slows down with utilizing pain killers, all metabolic action and respiration as well as eating. There is a loss of appetite, breathing/respiration decreases resulting in fluid accumulating in the lungs, there is a massive absorption of water as a result of taking pain killers, constipation occurs. This waste cannot be eliminated properly so the body becomes toxic and sluggish. All of the things necessary to promote healing after surgery or injury are thrown out of the window. You won’t eat well, eliminate waste well, ambulate well, healing is prolonged and other complications can result. Pain killers and muscle relaxants disorient, sedate and slow body responses. These pills are taken by mothers, machine operators, drivers, teachers, police officers, air pilots, and more resulting in reduced judgment ability, decreased quick responses as well as being lucid – all compromised by a pill.

These medications are highly addictive as indicative by both the AMA and FDA, but these pills are still dispensed at 30-60-90 pills at a time. American health care system has become so Rx dependant that Workman’s Compensation and Social Security Disability all rely upon Rx records to validate how ill or injured a person really is.

The body processes pain as the result of surgery or injury – alerting the brain - too much pain places the body in distress. Remember that surgery, fracture, tooth extraction or sprain does heal – the body does heal. The claim is that you may not be at 100% prior to injury, accidents or surgery – you were not 100% anyway – if you were, you would not need that above. The goal is to have a patient at 100% is totally deceptive and not natural. Every day, the human body ages and dies off; cells at a time. An 89 year old is not at 100% after all he is 89 years old.

Pharmaceuticals are not just regarded to pain, many co morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes , seizure disorders and more require Rx intervention have reactions that are detrimental to being healthy: visual impairment, loss of appetite, insomnia, depression, decreased libido and the most prevalent – obesity!

Americans have been fighting the fat for decades. Many Americans are overweight not because of lifestyle but because of a prescribed medication. It is a double edged sword for many who fight diabetes yet the very insulin prescribed has a counter indication of weight gain. Mental health diagnoses that require Rx maintenance also face this deadly dilemma: many of the very same prescribed medications recommended by physicians have a negative outcome – weight gain. The remedy for weight loss – take another pill!

So why is it that the AMA & FDA continue to support the dispensing of these high addictive mediations that often have serious side effects? Many health care professionals will attest to the belief that “The reaction is milder than the disease itself.” My question: for how long? A diabetic of 20 years relies upon insulin management puts on an average weight gain of 7 pounds a year – a weight gain of 140 pounds from Rx alone – not including weight gain from age, genetic pre-dispositioning or any other co morbidity. There have been investigations in pharmaceutical research that has generated warnings of taking these drugs: For example, OxyContin, a drug used to control pain has been deemed highly addictive and the company, Perdue Pharma LP and its executives have all been charged and prosecuted for “Unleashing a highly abusable, addictive and potentially dangerous drug on an unsuspecting, unknowing public.” Perdue Pharma LP has been ordered to pay $634.5 million in fines for knowingly promoting this highly addictive drug in 2007. (S. Lindsey Associated Press, May 2007).

How can this be stopped? Educate the patient. Pain is a normal body process and cannot be totally diminished. Childbirth and labor is a natural process and yet as soon as a mother leans she is pregnant, she is immediately developing her birth plan to be pain free with lots of pain medication during delivery and yet she wants a healthy baby. Can the research be correlated to the increase in ADD/AHD children in the past 20 years is related to the mother’s use of drugs during delivery? Pain Management is a proactive as well as reactive process. We must educate on the levels of pain and its relationship within the body. We must also embrace that this not a pain free world. Is the pharmaceutical presence in western medicine a systematic dependence that results in profit and job security? That is a question that must be answered. Are the benefits out weighing the risks? How many friends and family are dying from complications of treatment (medications) rather than the actual disease itself?

2009 Blacks Still Have NOT Over Come

2009 Blacks Still Have NOT Over Come
By Denise Bolds 2/27/2009

For years blacks have not trusted the police and it is easy to understand why. The latest news of police officers in Harrison, NY placing racist material targeting President Obama on Facebook comes as no surprise. The hypocrisy is in the fact that these men took an oath to serve and protect the community both black and white. It is not enough that these officers were suspended immediately; how many other police officers feel the same way yet work as law enforcers every day? Remember, police carry guns. It has been said that guns don’t kill; it’s the people who hold them. Can a police officer’s oath be considered valid when that officer is racist with a gun in his hand?

Unlike white people, blacks have to be aware of their race and ethnicity every day, all of the time – it is not a choice but a reality that is inherent within a race. Home is not a sanctuary from racism; many neighborhoods don’t want black residents. It is also known that mortgage banks avoided black applicants and real estate agents direct blacks to certain neighborhoods for housing than others.

Racism affects one’s health, but don’t expect a black patient to be treated as well as a white one or for there to be an adequate availability of black physicians to treat black patients. The American Medical Association (AMA)recently issued a formal apology for committing discriminatory acts againt black U.S. physicians for over a century. The AMA excluded black physicians from participating in discussions and studies to reduce racial disparities in medicine. A profession under oath (Hippocratic) has supported racism for over a century.

Have blacks over come with President Barak Obama? NO. Obama, an ivy league educated African American became the 44th President of the United States of America January 2009 after a blistering campaign where Obama was depicted as not being qualified to lead a nation, being Muslim and being called “That One” by Senator John Mc Cain. All of this after America elected Former President George W. Bush at a huge cost; a recession and economic crisis that have not been seen in the United States since the Depression.

Political cartoons are racially toned and yet protected by the Fifth Amendment. The New York Post’s cartoon is not the only racist toned cartoon targeting President Obama. Politicians, public servants are sending racially toned cartoons: Los Alamitos California, Orange County Mayor Dean Grose sent out the following email: the White House and the front lawn is replaced with a watermelon patch with the caption: “No Easter Egg Hunt this year.” Mayor Grose’s email is just the tip of the huge iceberg on racism here in the United States of America. Mayor Grose has resigned from his post as Mayor after his gross act and has stated that he did not know that associating watermelons and blacks was derogatory.

Blacks must not be complacent with the election of President Barak Obama. Racism is NOT over in America; in fact this presidency has exacerbated this destructive behavior and belief. Blacks also cannot be distracted with the ignorance of these racist actions that cleverly hide behind the Fifth Amendment. White Americans actions describe a life of being unrestricted and uncensored – White is Right. This attitude prevails in actions that dominate history books and news.
There is another photo circulating about a window display at Barnes & Noble Bookstore: Books of Barak and Michelle Obama are displayed with a book about monkeys in the middle. It not clear if this photo is a hoax or not – the fact is these inflammatory acts are ugly and unnecessary.
The election of President Obama does not mean blacks have overcome – America has to understand that this presidency is the most important in the history of the United States. President Obama said in his recent speech The State of The Union Address: “The world is watching America” Very true. It will take more than a black president to cure racism in America.

The Preservation of a Presidency

The Preservation of a Presidency

January 21, 2009 history was made in America – millions upon millions witnessed a black man take the oath as the 44th President of the United States of America. This event was the most viewed in the history of television - globally. America is being watched by the entire world.
In all her glory, America in her young history is wrought with discrimination. Slaves, blacks have built the majority of America – the only ethnicity with the longest duration of free labor. Hundreds of years of free labor has generated some of the most beautiful and monumental edifices in America.

The evolution from slave to 3/5th of a man, to inventor, innovator, civil rights leader, star athlete, millionaire, and finally President has been slow and frequented with racial hatred, retaliation, stigmas and passive aggressiveness. Every other race can and has ascribed and obtained success without the hatred and violence that is directed at the black man, woman and child.

President Obama is asking for diligent patience, sacrifice and service. We Americans must change: how we eat, heat, travel, where we sleep and how we communicate with one another; Americans must undergo a complete change of lifestyle. Americans must become eco-friendly to save energy and water. Americans must also become bio-friendly; we must protect and promote good health.

Obama’s Presidency comes at a time of depletion, deception and degradation in a country where its people are distracted, depressed and disenfranchised. This presidency is very serious and comes with huge risks.

President Obama has received ‘volumes’ of death threats from white supremacists and ignorant individuals who cannot understand that everything in the United States of America has been influenced and/or built by the black slave and his descendants. Racism must be destroyed for America to prevail. This presidency is vital to humanity and the future – our children. We have to leave a safe plant and a manageable debt to children who grow up healthy to become contributors in society. President Obama’s all inclusive model supports change. Obama’s Inaugural Speech incited many because he included ‘non-believers’. This large group of non-denominational people pay taxes vote and serve in the armed forces and should not be excluded. America is very good a separatism and exclusion of groups; all under the guise of freedom and democracy.

The 2009 Inauguration was wondrous; while so many were caught up in the moment – one must also observe the people around the Obamas. Former President Bush’s facial expressions at times mirrored fierce ambilivance. Former Vice President Cheney could not stand at Obama’s swearing in for a pulled muscle in his back from moving boxes. Dick Cheney has had heart surgery and he is moving boxes? The story does not seem plausible – what is understood is that former Vice President Cheney frequented hunting clubs where the Confederate Flag is still hung proudly. Did the Former Vice President refuse to stand for the first black president of the United States of America? Chief Justice Roberts fumbles in administering the Presidential Oath to Obama; who graciously allowed Roberts to correct himself. Obama went onto repeat the oath correctly the very next day – to dispel any question of Obama’s authenticity of his presidency. Was Chief Robert’s ‘slip’ accidental?

Take a good look at the plethora of photos taken on Inaugural Day. Examine these photos closely; there are some surprising emotions in the sea of love and hope. With blessing comes responsibility and sacrifice in the wisdom it brings. Americans must build on this sea of hope and not just sit back and enjoy the ride as done in the past. Malcolm X once said: “By any means necessary.” Every American must be prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice change demands.
As President Obama enters his four year term we must be ready to battle racism and the ignorance it breeds with our very lives. Americans must be the human shield protecting President Obama and his family. The Obamas stepped up and a took huge risk as a black family running for President of the United States; a country that supported slavery for 400 years and still oppresses African Americans today. The election of Barak Obama as the first black president of the United States has not absolved nor ended racism. Blacks must not forget our history of over 400 years of oppression based upon the color of our skin and the ignorance of stigmas and exploitation.

Americans must demonstrate courage and unity – the same as our ancestors did; many giving the ultimate sacrifice – their lives. The same sacrifice is expected of us today if we are to destroy racism and the ignorance it breeds. Racism is traumatizing – it destroys both mind and body. Supporting President Obama is beyond wearing logo clothing, collecting commerable comic books, cards, bumper stickers, coins and the plethora of merchandise that is out there (which in and unto itself is a form of exploitation with no proceeds from what is sold going to the Obama Campaign/Causes). Americans must intensify their support of President Obama because the world is watching and our future our, children are at risk.

People get ready, change is here - are you ready to pay for your children’s future? Are you ready to preserve this presidency? This is the most important presidency in the history of America. Are you ready to sacrifice by any means necessary for the common good? Past actions of greed and excess has resulted in Americans now having to face the above questions that simply cannot be avoided any longer. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” I know where I stand, right in-between President Obama and his family against the violence of racism. I stand here for my son’s future, I stand here for America.
Denise Bolds, MSW.

White Single Mother = OK Black Single Mother NO WAY!!!

The Evident Double Standard – Or Should I Say 14…
I am a black single mother for the past 18 years and I am proud of my distinction. My son is a freshman in college and he is off to a wonderful future that I supported him to. These years have not always been rosy and kind, there have been challenges.
Being a black single mother in the eyes of society is not considered trendy, chic or glorifying – in fact, I am a double statistic; society believes it would be better if my black baby and all single mother black babies would be destroyed. Society has not censored its views on black single motherhood. I can remember wearing my wedding band for a long time after my divorce while my son was still a baby. The looks, hostile stares and innuendos were all based upon stigmas from slavery. It did not matter that I am a working professional with a nanny to take care of my son while I worked. My son and I were not accepted by society and we were expected to fail.
Imagine the range of emotions I went through as I am sure many other black single mothers did upon hearing the octuplet’s birth mother already having six children at home.
This white single mother under the age of 30 lives off of Workman’s Compensation, no profession and no husband. Some of her six children are disabled and obtain benefits.
The hypocrisy of society is quite evident: It is ok to be a white single mother, but to be a black single mother is unacceptable. As a medical social worker, there are many questions that come to my mind – the most prevalent being: Who is helping this mother to support and care for her 14 children? What medical professional would impregnate a woman in this scenario?
I do understand that the medical professional is limited to what the patient discloses, but this case almost seems unreal.
For years there has been ‘scientific’ data supporting the theories of why black single parenting is a burden on society and the correlation of the burden being the result of no father being present for financial and parental support. This white woman under the age of 30, living on disability checks is in a home that her parents have brought for her and she is the mother of six children, decides that she ‘wants her eggs’ and gets impregnated with eight more? Was there a psychological evaluation done on this woman?
It is reported that this mother came into the hospital already four months pregnant with 8 fetuses – whom preformed the invitro fertilization? There is a sad and obvious psychosis here waiting to be diagnosed. Once these babies become older- will this 27 year old want to become pregnant again? There are reported inconsistencies in the medical history of this mother that her own parents are contesting.
This single white mother under the age of 30 now has a publicist, numerous television appearances, possible book deal and reality television show in the works. Someone will donate a house, van and diapers for all of these children – all of these actions glorifying what black single mothers are and have been judged and persecuted for by society for hundreds of years.
The repercussions are many, as a medical social worker, I know the cost of a premature infant being in the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) ranges between $15-20 thousand dollars per day – times that by eight babies, about $140,000 per day – for about two months (60 days) until they can be discharged to home. This does not include the cost to deliver these babies or the prenatal by a Perinatologist. Who is paying for all of this? What quality of life will these preemies have? Premature infants require lots of care and lots of dollars to fund the care they receive – at whose expense?
The mother of these babies is out on Workman’s Compensation for a back injury sustained at work – carrying eight fetuses would certainly exacerbate the back injury. Does this mean the mother collects Workman’s Compensation for life? There is no way this mother can support these babies alone financially without receiving public assistance unless she was born a Kennedy, and I don’t see them having litters of babies either.
Has this woman been enabled by society? Does this woman have a psychosis? Her rationale for having all of these children is: “They are my eggs and I want to have them.”
Women are born usually with two ovaries, both having hundreds of unfertilized eggs. Does this mother intend to try to birth them all? The fertilization process in sexual reproduction occurs for a reason; it is nature’s way of promoting natural selection. If science did not intervene, how many of these eggs would eventually become human beings?
The quality of life has to be strongly questioned for these children – all 14 of them. This scenario is unnatural and unethical, requiring both investigation and prosecution. The medical profession has revealed its dark side with these births. The quality of life has not been considered. Science, notoriety, and fame are dominant. To openly support this white woman who is under the age of 30 and unmarried with 14 children is to openly admit that black single mothers have been and continue to be stigmatized by society. Just in case there may be some doubt of the validity of my statements - here is a breakdown of the costs to care for these children: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090212/ap_on_re_us/octuplets

Bardavon January 20, 2009 - Viewing Obama's Inauguration

Bardavon January 20, 2009 – Viewing Obama’s Inauguration

I could barely sleep – I was up at 4:43AM. I am excited today, I feel like it’s my birthday, like my water broke, like I won a huge lottery jackpot, I feel like I am in love. Today I am experiencing something like never before. I am going to watch the first black President of the United States of America be sworn in. I made it to the Bardavon an hour early and I gave away my extra tickets immediately to three women who gushed repeatedly of their luck in being on line near me. One of those women was Margaret from Wappingers Falls, NY. Margaret is a white, petite elderly woman with a bright smile. She is dressed to the hilt: silk pumps with rhinestones, stockings, a beautiful dress hat and a dress coat.

Margaret’s attire reflected my attitude – this is a special moment that I am a part of and I want to look and be at my best. My presence to witness Barak Obama’s inauguration is necessary and warranted. Margaret’s attire touched me; this white woman showed her enthusiasm for this black man who is about to become president of this nation. Margaret’s presence (standing on line in the cold) and attire signifies her respect and acceptance of such a significant event.

I did not want to watch this historic event alone at home – The Bardavon was the perfect choice: a very historic theatre – the Bardavon Theatre is the oldest theatre in the nation, built in 1869. This beautiful building with remarkable architecture and great seats is unforgettable. I had the additional good fortune of sitting with a woman whom I admire and call a friend; Leola Ruffin-McPhee. Leola and I talked about many things, but mostly about our sons and their future with a black president.

The crowd at the Bardavon was electric with smiles, laughter and hugs. Everyone was happy to bear witness to such a historic event. Attendees brought food donations for the local food pantry. This was a feel good event. I loved the fact that there were so many young people whom also attended the Bardavon. I have never seen such participation by both the young and elderly in a political event like the response for Obama.

Watching history being made, I was reminded of tradition. This inauguration was bigger than choosing the last Pope and bigger than a royal wedding. America had the opportunity to show tradition in a very diverse style with the new 44th President of the United States being a black man. What was not avoided, omitted nor forgotten was the fact that black slaves built and cared for the very capital that Barak Obama now presides over. At one time blacks were considered 3/5th of a man as Solidad O’Brien reiterated numerous times during the broadcast, to my joy.

Americans needed this inauguration and this black president as an infusion of hope and change. This nation is experiencing a sapping of confidence. I witnessed so many people today be energized with hope and sentiment of inclusion of all to do the hard work to make change that will benefit the nation. President Obama stated: “Greatness is never given, it is earned.” I applaud President Obama and his family for standing up and out at the cost of personal risk and great scrutiny to give hope and lead change.

I feel validated: for every time I was called the n-word while growing up as one of the few blacks in an Irish-Catholic neighborhood in NYC. For every time I faced racism and discrimination at my job and community right here in Dutchess County where I vote, pay taxes and contribute my time and efforts. I did cry today, my tears are of joy and hope that blacks will be embraced ending the hatred/ignorance. Racism and discrimination will not be eradicated with Obama as president. I am looking forward to the change his leadership will bring and the impact on our youth who hold the future.