A Dream Fulfilled?

The swearing-in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States is indeed a historical benchmark and event. Members of the Boomer and Builder generations seem to echo a mutual refrain, "I never thought I would see this in my life time." Succeeding generations aren't always sure what to make of that comment. For the most part, regardless of their gender, religious or ethnic background they have lived most of their lives in an age of unlimited potential with few glass ceilings. Their memories of race riots, civil rights marches, and segragated schools are confined to history books and the stories of their parents and grandparents.

My generation knows this event did not come about with ease. Many lost their lives, suffered physical, economic and emotional wounds to make this happen. Racial tension improved during our formative years with the Civil Rights Act and other legislation, but the struggle was still taking place. In 1969 the U.S. Supreme Court squashed any lingering opposition to the landmark 1955 decision against racial segregation in public schools (Brown v.s. Board of Education). However, the High Court's 1969 decision ordered immediate action in the segregation of public schools. It put teeth in the 1955 ruling. Finally there was no legal argument left for those favoring segregation. But racial division was still alive in our country. Congress can legislate and courts can rule, but changing the heart takes much more.

My point is not a history lesson in Civil Rights. I'm not qualified to give that lecture. However as a white, middle-aged male, I do have a great deal of appreciation for the significance surrounding our 44th president. Whether you voted for him or not, is a moot point. On Tuesday, January 20th, all Americans can celebrate another historical event in our ongoing national narrative. While the innauguration of "44" is a major milestone in our strife for equality, the truth remains that there is still much work to be done in fulfilling Dr. King's dream.

Consider that most of Wall Street's big guns are led by middle-aged white males. Consider that the majority of the U.S. Congress are white men. It's not just politics and business. Richard Lapchick co-authored a report that shows how much work we've got left to do in the world of collegiate athletics. In his report, "The Buck Stops Here: Assessing Diversity among Campus and Conference Leaders for Division I-A” found that, “the leadership in which the power structure in college sport remains overwhelmingly white.” The stats don't lie either:

In Division I-A, “92.5 percent of university presidents, 87.5 percent of athletic directors, 92.6 percent of faculty athletics representatives and 100 percent of conference commissioners are white. Only 3.5 percent of the faculty are African-American and 3.4 percent Latino,” Lapchick said. Only 12 African American coaches have been hired for the 199 Division I-A coaching vacancies since 1996.

We still have a long way to go. This is a great step for our nation. However, perhaps too many are placing the role of savior on the shoulders of our 44th president, a role that is humanly impossible and unfair regardless of your faith. He needs our prayers, ideas, support and commitment to make the necessary sacrifices it's going to take to restore our global leadership status. I believe much of the dream has been fulfilled, but there is still more. Imagine the hopes and visions an Obama presidency can launch in the hearts and minds of Americans of Asian, and Hispanic descent, not to mention those of women. If anything our nation's children need to cling to the words of the great poet, Shel Silverstein:

Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me---
Anything can happen, child
ANYTHING can be.