I know we did not get here alone.  We stand on the shoulders of, and are fortunate to benefit from, the courage and unbreakable spirits of generations before us that wanted something for us that they did not have themselves.

Today I remember and appreciate the men and women in my family and of my country who did not give up on their dreams and hope of freedom and equality. Because of them, I can say again: I am young, Black and inspired by Barack Obama.

How did we get here?  Did it start with President Abraham Lincoln's desire to govern a country of free men, no matter the color of their skin?  

Was it Susan B. Anthony's endless work to make sure women had equal voting rights?

Was it President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Was it Bayard Rustin's dream that all gay and lesbian people would be treated equally?

Are we beginning to see the promised land that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked about during his April 3, 1968, speech?  Only time will tell, but for the first time in a long time, I am hopeful that if we don't get to, the children of our country will see the promised land.

Carolynn L. Johnson is vice president of business development at DiversityInc.

The flag with which Carolynn is pictured is available solely from Ross Flags. The flag is the only one sanctioned by the family of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For more information on how to purchase the flag, visit www.rossflags.com or call (909) 597-8600.

Click here for more Election 2008 coverage.

Readers' Comments