" Why I Voted"

As election day approaches , I am reminded of how truly blessed I am , not only as an African American . But as an American . Like most of you I never thought growing up on the South side of Chicago , that I would see the day that an African American man ,or a woman for that matter would have the opportunity to vie for President of the United States . We are entering what seems to be a new era of unity . To those of you who have not been to an Urban area of the country this may be hard to believe , but we are not all militant , lazy , irresponsible people .Most of us are hardworking ,deeply religious , loyal people. It is not at all what some in the media would have you believe . Parents tend to their children , and we try to strive for positive growth. That being said , On October 13 , 2008 I made my way to the election pol for early voting @ the Carter G. Woodson Liibrary in Chicago , and cast my vote. As I waited in line i could not help but think what my father gone since 2005 , would think . You see , my parent grew up in the deep south , and known a thing or two about segregation and racism . I remeber stories of separate washrooms and restaurants . I remember them telling me about exhausting walks to schools miles away , when a more convienient school would be just over the tracks. I remember the stories of the hot days in the cotton fields . for pennies on the pound. But mosyly I remember may parents saying that no mater how hard things seem to be you must learn to pick yourself up and move on . As I voted these were my thoughts , that the prospect of hope , peace , and freedom ring true , even in the worst of times. Not so long ago african Americans could not vote , or if the could they were given competency test , tricks created to surpress or discourage .Women had to fight hard , just to even be considered equal also. So if you have not already voted , please consider what we havve been through as a nation , we have come so far , but yet we still have a very long hard road to travel . Whomever you vote for just get out on Tuesday , November 4, 2008 and vote ...God Bless