I TOO AM AMERICA…

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Last month my husband and I took our second journey to Washington, DC to be a part of events for the 57th Presidential Inauguration.  We were part of the millions of individuals who took over the district in 2008.   And after continually being active as part of  both campaigns and helping to move the Obama Administration’s agenda forward, we wanted to be present again.  Like 2008, I reserved a hotel room literally one full year before the inauguration, yes I had that much faith that President Obama would be re-elected.  And after serving as a National Delegate at the Democratic National Convention, I was even more confident.  It never occurred to me that he might loose and I might have to cancel the reservation.

During the journey along I-95, one of my favorite Langston Hughes poems came to mind.  It was actually one of the first poems I memorized.  The last line of the poem reads, “I, too, am America.”  This simple line reflected how I felt during a trip that involved volunteering at the Presidential Inaugural Committee Headquarters; visiting the Russell House Senate Office building; attending the Inauguration in a ticketed area; attending a ground breaking OFA Legacy Conference; attending a White House Policy Briefing for Community Leaders; touring the East Wing of the White House and ending with a visit to the Library of Congress.

For me it just seems right that I would have these opportunities in my nations capitol mainly because my ancestors made it possible.  I was raised to believe that any goal I chose to reach, I could achieve with hard work and God’s grace.  So it just seemed right that this part of what it was to be American specifically North American was my privilege and right.  Yes, I know the reality that there is still racism and ignorance within society but I strive to walk over and through it for I, too, am America.

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I, Too

by Langston Hughes

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I, too, sing America.

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I am the darker brother.

They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes,

But I laugh,

And eat well,

And grow strong.

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Tomorrow,

I’ll be at the table

When company comes.

Nobody’ll dare

Say to me,

“Eat in the kitchen,”

Then.

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Besides,

They’ll see how beautiful I am

And be ashamed—

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I, too, am America.

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Source: Poetry Foundation Website http://www.poetryfoundation.org

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A picture says a thousand words, so here are a few thousand to reflect on…

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All photos are property of the author.

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