(ThyBlackMan.com) On January 10, 2017 President Obama gave a farewell speech that made reality sink in for many Americans. Since November 8, 2016 many have been in a state of denial. The behavior of President Elect Trump made it more difficult to accept that President Obama’s time as President has come to a close. Facebook timelines were flooded with many people that had their Kleenex boxes ready because they knew they were going to cry. Let’s be honest many of us were hoping that he would hold no punches in what needed to be said, and it’s safe to say he didn’t.
“After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. And such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic. Race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society.”
This was not the upbeat speech we have become us to from the President. It was somber and spoke more of how much work 
remains to be done. This speech was a call to action while the President highlighted some of the threats to our democracy. With that being said for many Americans it was a hard reality that his term is practically over. The audience chanted “four more years”, and President Obama let them know he couldn’t give that. When he came into office in 2008 some of us cried out of sheer joy, and awe, that we were now finally represented in the highest office in the land.
“For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn’t suddenly vanish in the ’60s — (applause) — that when minority groups voice discontent, they’re not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. When they wage peaceful protest, they’re not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our Founders promised.”
President Obama was an example of how to handle adversity, and remain cool. It has to get to you when you are President of the United States and you are constantly disrespected by the general public in a manner that no President has ever endured. No matter what came his way he kept working. President Obama is a black man that held the highest office in the land while openly loving his wife. The exchanges between our President, and our First Lady warmed our hearts and inspired our dreams. When he acknowledged his wife during his speech many began to cry as it was absolutely beautiful. Here we have a President that was in office for eight years without a scandal. He loved his wife, was a devoted father and did his best to lead this nation.
“Michelle — (applause) — Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, girl of the South Side — (applause) — for the past 25 years, you have not only been my wife and mother of my children, you have been my best friend. (Applause.) You took on a role you didn’t ask for and you made it your own, with grace and with grit and with style and good humor. (Applause.) You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. (Applause.) And the new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. (Applause.) So you have made me proud. And you have made the country proud. (Applause.)”
President Obama’s farewell speech had many of us in tears. Some cried because they were proud of him, and appreciated the service he gave this country. Others would cry because they truly didn’t want to see him leave as an air of uncertainty sits over our nation now. Many of us have seen Presidents come and go; we liked some and disliked others. However, there is a pouring out of emotion as this President’s term comes to a close. Even those that were critical of President Obama had to acknowledge that he was a President worth respecting, and he truly loves this country.
“I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than when we started. Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans, it has inspired so many Americans — especially so many young people out there — to believe that you can make a difference — (applause) — to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves.”
I can admit that as the President spoke I felt resolved. He reminded me of something my elders have always said, “If you don’t like something get up and fix it.” In that speech he galvanized many to know this is their country and all of us are responsible for it. We are citizens, and that title is important. I will miss President Obama, and his family. I will one day tell my son he was born in the time of President Obama…one of the greatest Presidents to hold the office. He is my President, and I feel honored to be able to say I witnessed his administration. Though he is leaving office the lessons his presence, resolve and methods have taught us is to be cherished.
Staff Writer; Christian Starr
May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.
