In the movie “The Fifth Element”, a Black president , played by “Tiny” Lister, oversees a crisis that is taking place in the year 2263.  For a long time, I believed that’s how long I would have to wait around to actually see a Black president in the White house. 

Now that Barack Obama has been elected #44, the waiting is over.

A brother walked by me this morning, a perfect stranger, and gave me a hug.  Tuesday night the streets of Los Angeles, Oakland, New York, and so many others were filled with joy and celebration. Even as people go about their day today, there are horns honking (it could just be bad drivers in Los Angeles, but I doubt it).

And there’s going to be an Obama baby boom!  A lot of Cancers born in 2009!

America has changed the face of its leadership, thus changing its presentation to the world.  Before November 4, Uncle Sam looked like a man that was too old to be in the club.  Sam's financial crisis and two wars made him seem like he had bad credit and two baby's mothers, and the cowboy hat wasn't helping either.  But now Uncle Sam's image has undergone a makeover.  I don't feel so dirty now knowing that Uncle Sam "Wants me."  Sure Sammy has the same issues, but with a new attitude and a new wardrobe, there aren't any challenges that can’t be overcome.

On a professional level, Obama's rise to the presidency gives me confidence in my pursuits as a comedian.  With a President Barack Obama, it feels like there are fewer obstacles. My name is difficult to read and pronounce, my jokes and delivery are targeted at people who have an understanding of urban culture and mainstream America.  Not only have I gotten advice to "do something about my name," but I've also been instructed to cater to one demographic and forget about the other. 

But now, since America has chosen a leader with a unique name, who can identify with more than one American sub-culture, I'm less worried about translating my material and more focused on just writing it.  I also have a sense of connection with more of my fellow Americans and I'm just plain happier.  Sure racial profiling isn't going to disappear today.  Sure discrimination will not vanish into the shadows of society.  And of course bigotry and racism will not banish themselves into the past. But now I know the characters who exercise such tactics don't represent the majority of my fellow Americans.  

I feel a lot less bleak in the face of the  shortcomings of my nation.  This "change" in the White House doesn't change our problems as a nation.  It doesn't change any of my personal problems.  But it certainly does change the lens in which I view them.

 
 

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