Ralph B. Everett, President and CEO, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, issued this statement on the Democratic Party’s nomination of U.S. Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States:
Today, as we recognize the nomination of Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) as the Democratic Party’s candidate for President of the United States, we mark the realization of an American ideal.
It has been less than a half-century since African-Americans could only dream of participating in our democracy and civic life, and nearly 40 years since the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies was created for the very purpose of achieving that dream. Our journey began with the modest goal of fair representation for all people in the political process and self governance. Senator Obama’s victory will forever alter the politics of our nation. He is an example of talent, diligence and passion at its finest. We commend his success and share in his triumph.
This defining moment in our history will forever impact our children and their beliefs in their own possibilities to reach their full potential. As we celebrate this milestone, we must remember where we began. Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream is no longer a dream, but it is a symbol of progress. Senator Obama and the American people have breathed life into Dr. King’s lofty dream that he first spoke of 45 years ago at the Lincoln Memorial.
"Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy," Dr. King said during the March on Washington, August 28, 1963. The promises of democracy are indeed coming to life and we hope to continue to see them realized by all citizens of all colors. This is a great day for America.
About the Joint Center
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is one of the nation’s premier research and public policy institutions and the only one whose work focuses exclusively on issues of particular concern to African-Americans and other people of color. For more information, go to http://www.jointcenter.org.
