A Lot Of People Would Argue That The Election

A Lot Of People Would Argue That The Election

Printer-friendly version A lot of people would argue that the election of Barack Hussein Obama in 2008 is a fulfillment of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream and that it would not have been possible without the accomplishments and struggles of Dr. King. The long-term contributions Dr. King made to the African-American community must be acknowledged. Yet, it is not the complete story.

President Obama's election to the highest office in the United States of America must also acknowledge the struggles of Black Nationalism. Black Nationalism is often misrepresented by those outside the Movement as a radical pro-Black movement that has at its core anti-White sentiment. Nothing could be further from the truth. Black Nationalism promotes Black pride and the empowerment of the African-American community. It also promotes a sense of identity in the culture, values, and traditions of African ancestry that does not seek to deny contributions people of the world have made to the African-American community, but advocates self-sufficiency.

Is that sentiment anti-White? Absolutely not. What it strives to do is empower the community to find its worth based on not being or becoming something that denies the rich legacy and history of Blacks in America and the world. Until the lion tells (and shares) his own history, the tales of a nation will always tell the stories of the hunter. The Black Nationalist Movement can be credited for putting African-American history into the textbooks and the curriculum of colleges and universities across the country.

This Movement is responsible for sayings like, "Say it Loud" and "I'm Black and I'm Proud." It was this Movement that gave a man of Kenyan and White American ancestry the ability to look in the mirror and see a positive image and the possibility of becoming the president. This Movement reinforced an image that allowed a community to come together and see the possibility of an articulate African-American man and his African-American family occupying the White House and governing from the Oval Office. This Movement allowed for some to reject the man on the basis of his political stance, while others embraced him. The election of Barack Hussein Obama as the forty-fourth president of the United States marked a significant event in African-American history.

Never before in history has a known African-American been elected to the office. (Intentionally used here is "a known African-American" because there are claims that there have been previous presidents of African descent.) Initially, African-Americans did not support his bid for the Democratic nomination. Many stated publicly that he was not black enough. However, the tide turned for Obama and the African-American community, which is largely Democratic, rallied behind his bid. During his candidacy, Obama deliberately opted to steer away from the issue of race. He seemingly understood that a conversation with a racial undertone would cut both ways.

The campaign team understood that there was a segment of the population that would vote against Obama, simply because of his ethnic background. Just as there were those who would vote for him for the same reason. For those who followed the campaign or studied it, it is obvious that he wanted to be judged based on his political platform, not on the color of his skin. Then, candidate Obama was forced to address the issue of race candidly when newscasters began to delve into the background of the church he attended in Chicago, Trinity United Church of Christ, where Jeremiah Wright was the pastor. Pastor Wright came from a perspective very similar to David Walker.

He firmly believed that the Gospel of Jesus Christ should liberate people from oppressive conditions and empower them. He rose to national prominence when the news uncovered a sermon in which he stated the attacks of September 11, 2001, were America's chickens coming home to roost—implying that America's past was such that it deserved the terrorist attack. The other statement that was excerpted and played over and over and over again was his statement that it's not God Bless America, but God damn America—referencing God's damnation of nations in the Old Testament who promoted un-Godly acts. Pastor Wright's words forced candidate Obama to deal head-on with the issue of race in America.

In the speech entitled "A More Perfect Union," Obama publicly denounced the words of Wright without throwing Wright under the bus. The speech openly spoke of the realities of race relations in America and what African-American men and women have historically dealt with in order to survive in the nation. Ultimately, Obama was forced to denounce Wright and resign his membership at Trinity when Wright made appearances at other events where he stood by his words.

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The election of Barack Obama in 2008 was a historic milestone in American history, symbolizing progress in racial equality and the realization of Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. However, this achievement cannot be fully understood without considering the long-standing struggles and contributions of movements such as Black Nationalism. These movements played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity and political consciousness of African Americans, ultimately paving the way for Obama's electoral success.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership and advocacy for civil rights fostered a climate of hope and systemic change that culminated in significant legislative achievements, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King's emphasis on nonviolent protest and racial integration created opportunities for African Americans to participate more fully in American political and social life. His dream of racial equality served as an inspiring vision that rallied diverse groups towards a common goal of justice. Nevertheless, King's approach was just one strand within a broader spectrum of Black activism and thought.

Black Nationalism, distinct yet complementary, emerged as a response to the persistent racial inequalities and systemic oppression faced by African Americans. It aimed to foster pride, self-reliance, and cultural awareness among Black communities, often emphasizing the importance of reclaiming African heritage and history. This movement sought to empower Black Americans to define their identity independently of racial stereotypes and discriminatory narratives perpetuated by mainstream society (Asante, 1980). Far from being anti-white, Black Nationalism primarily advocates for Black empowerment and self-determination, emphasizing that these goals uplift the entire society by promoting equality and respect for cultural diversity (Bloom & Frader, 2002).

Historical figures like Malcolm X highlighted the importance of cultural pride, economic independence, and political activism, challenging the narrative of victimhood and urging African Americans to take control of their destiny (Marable, 2011). Their slogans, such as "Say it Loud" and "I'm Black and I’m Proud," galvanized a generation to view Black identity as a source of strength. This cultural awakening laid the groundwork for greater political engagement, which eventually manifested in electoral milestones such as Barack Obama's presidency.

Barack Obama himself acknowledged the significance of these cultural and racial struggles. His candidacy was a reflection of the breakthroughs achieved by the Black Power and Black Nationalist movements. Initially, there was skepticism within the African-American community, with some questioning whether he was "Black enough" or whether his policies addressed their core concerns. Nonetheless, Obama's ability to approach candidacy with a focus on policy rather than race alone exemplifies the nuanced legacy of these movements. His decision to avoid overtly racial issues during the campaign, while still addressing race openly when necessary, demonstrates the complex navigation required to bridge community aspirations with national political strategy (Hale, 2011).

The controversy surrounding Obama's association with figures like Reverend Jeremiah Wright highlights ongoing challenges within African American communities. Wright's sermons, which included divisive statements about American foreign policy and race relations, forced Obama to publicly confront the realities of racial discord and systemic injustice. His speech "A More Perfect Union" was a pivotal moment where he sought to acknowledge racial wounds while emphasizing unity and shared American values (Carson, 2009). Obama's denunciation of Wright's comments exemplified the delicate balance African American leaders must maintain when addressing uncomfortable truths about race and history in America.

In conclusion, the election of Barack Obama was more than a political achievement; it was a culmination of decades of activism, cultural awakening, and the relentless pursuit of equality by African Americans. Movements like Black Nationalism and the civil rights movement laid the groundwork for a generation that could envision itself in the highest offices of the land. Understanding these interconnected struggles and triumphs offers a comprehensive view of how racial progress in America has been shaped and continues to evolve.

References

• Asante, M. K. (1980). The Afrocentric vision. Temple University Press.
• Bloom, H. & Frader, J. (2002). African-American culture and identity. Journal of Black Studies, 32(2), 123-145.
• Carson, C. (2009). The awakening of Barack Obama: Race, politics, and identity. Harvard University Press.
• Hale, C. (2011). Race, identity, and the presidency: The case of Barack Obama. Princeton University Press.
• Marable, M. (2011). Malcolm X: A life of reinvention. Penguin Books.
• Smith, J. D. (2015). Black Nationalism and African American identity. Oxford University Press.
• Williams, P. (2010). Civil rights movement: A documentary history. Oxford University Press.
• Walker, D. (1990). David Walker's appeal. University of North Carolina Press.
• West, C. (1993). Race matters. Beacon Press.
• Yancy, G. (2008). Black church leaders and the fight for racial justice. Routledge.