By: Ajia Caldwell (’19), Staff Writer
http://www.biography.com/people/barack-obama-12782369
The night of November 4th, 2008 will always be a cherished memory for me. I remember screaming “my president is Black” with my mom as we jumped for joy. For many Black Americans, that day will always be an unforgettable memory that evokes emotion and pride. When reflecting on his presidency, it is safe to say former president Barack Obama was not perfect. It is also important to point out that there has yet to be a perfect president. I do know that since Barack Obama took office, the economy has added more than 9 million jobs, the unemployment rate has dropped below the historical median, 15 million fewer people lack health insurance, and violent crime and homicides rates have dropped. But for some odd reason, ever since he has left office I have heard nothing but complaints about what he did not accomplish. Let’s be fair. When Obama initially took office, America’s economy was in shambles. Not only did he help pull us out of America’s great economic recession, he did it with dignity, wit, intelligence, and the whole Republican party against him.
Many Black Americans are disappointed in his failure to do more in regards to gun violence. As many of us know, the past few years have been horrific, as we have lost so many innocent Black lives. It is understandable to wonder how Obama could pass a stimulus and health care reform, but not something as simple as background checks for gun purchases. I believe Obama is the wrong focus for this blame. He invested energy in passing new gun policies but Republicans were uncooperative. In this American political system Black opinions, Black experiences, and Black lives simply do not matter. Could he have done more for the Black community? Yes. Can we expect him to come into office turn around an entire economy, fix unemployment, create equal opportunity, end mass incarceration, and reverse institutional racism? Absolutely not.
“For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back” stated former President Obama as he took in his last moment of presidency during his farewell address. As I watched Obama give his farewell address, I could not help but to feel an immense sense of pride and joy in the values he has instilled within America and more specifically, the Black community. It goes without saying that former President Obama instilled hope, unity, and pride within the Black community. He inspired many Black students to seek higher education. He gave hope to young Black boys and girls. He helped redefine society’s image of the Black man. He represented something much larger than just the first president of color. He represents hope and as of right now in America, that is what we need most.
