The Shreveport Sun
The 2008 Democratic National Convention made history in a number of ways beyond the obvious, an African-American accepting the nomination. Blacks, overall, participated in the convention far more than any other convention in the past.
When Barack Obama made his acceptance speech on August 28th, he did it 45 years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the March on Washington and delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech.” It was also 44 years after Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party member, Fannie Lou Hamer, testified before the Democratic Convention’s Credential Committee.
Without Hamer and King blazing those trials more than four decades ago, there would be no Barack Obama accepting the Democratic nomination in 2008. And that’s what makes Obama’s official nomination so special. Though he didn’t mention race during his acceptance speech, the tears of joy and smiles of accomplishment of those witnessing history said it for him.
State Rep. Barbara Norton says the event brought tears to her eyes. “I knew it was going to happen, I just had no idea that it would happen today…it validated the strength of this country,” she added.
Obama’s nomination is not only proof that the Democratic Party has changed but that the country has changed as he is not only the first black Democratic nominee, he also has a great chance of becoming the next President of the United States, something many could not imagine they would witness within their lifetime. Without a doubt, with our hard work and determination, Barack Obama will be elected the next President of the United States on November 4.
As he noted in his acceptance speech, “Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story - of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren't well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to…It is that promise that has always set this country apart - that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well….It is why I stand here tonight.”
And because of him standing there on August 28, 2008, accepting the nomination to become the Democratic Presidential candidate, many more generations of African Americans will be able to stand there in the future.
