By Ralph B Everett, Esq.
Over the course of his campaign for the presidency, Senator Barack Obama asked voters to believe not just in his ability, but in the promise of America. People of all races embraced and responded to his call to action and now we have President-elect Barack Obama who will lead our nation as the 44th President of the United States .
It is important to remember that this election is more than a historic milestone or the turning of a page - it is, in fact, a restatement of the vision that a more perfect union is within our grasp. Politics and self-governance have been changed forever.
For nearly four decades, the Joint Center for Political and Economic studies has worked to expand black political participation, and over the years we have taken pride in the steady march of people of color into ever higher positions of power. But this does not lessen our astonishment at the election of the first African American President, an event that few of us could have ever imagined.
Senator John McCain honorably carried the banner of his party in this election, and we encourage him to continue to speak up for the future of this nation - and to use his influence to redouble his party's efforts to attract support from like-minded individuals of all races and from all regions of the country. Politics serves America best when the parties enlist participation and support from all quarters.
For many African Americans who have struggled against the tide for much of their lives, and who up until now may have been inclined to believe that they had little to show for it, the promise of America shines brighter today - not only in the reflected glow of Senator Obama's victory, but also in the eyes of our children and grandchildren. They now have in President-elect Obama an object lesson that in this country anyone can achieve their dreams if they set their minds to it and if they work hard enough. The value of this moment to future generations is immeasurable.
As the world looks on in wonder, we begin this day having bathed in the blessings of liberty and in the assurance that ours is truly the greatest of all nations - the last, best hope on Earth.
Ralph B Everett, Esq. is President and CEO of Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
