2008 Presidential Election: What if Obama Wins?

By Earnest Gates

This is a question that I never hear anyone talk about, but it is a question that needs to be asked. Often times we prepare for failure but don’t do a good job preparing for success.

If Obama wins the election, on January 20, 2009, he will be sworn in as the first African-American President of the United States. Many people all over the world will be overjoyed at this milestone and there will be tears flowing as far as the eye can see.

But…the next day he will take on the burdens of the ENTIRE Black community if we do not begin to talk about what we should do if he wins. The problems that affect the Black community will not go away by using a magic wand.

Poverty will still be an issue. Low academics will still be an issue. Racism and discrimination will still be an issue. We will still need advocates and advocacy organizations. Barack Obama will only be able to do so much, especially if he wants to get re-elected.

So let’s begin to have an open dialogue about what needs to happen now to prepare for an Obama Presidency. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.