*Not* Post-racial America

Unfortunately, my "Post-Racial America" series seems to be taking over my blog.

This image was spotted in a Barnes and Noble in Coral Gables, Florida.

After researching the incident...

The good thing is the Barnes and Noble store nor it's employees were responsible for the switching of the window display.

The bad thing is someone was. Someone wanted to make their statement.

Here is more information on the incident, found in The Defenders Online.

Need I say again...we are NOT in post-racial America????

Getting to know the community is critical

I love this woman!



Just like with her husband, she is such a positive presence. They both set a tone of inclusion and valuing people. Monday she visited the Department of Education. Yesterday, they visited an elementary school together. Today she visited HUD. She is getting to know her community...ALL of her community. How cool is that?!

Here are some of her words that struck me the most:

So in addition to meeting you all here at these agencies, I’m taking time out, as well as Barack, to get to know the community that we’re in. We’re going to be visiting schools and neighborhoods throughout this area, because Barack and I always believe that investing in the community that you live in first and foremost is critical. And for the people here in this agency, we are now your neighbors.

So it’s important to remember — not that you need any reminding — but the issues that you’re working on every single day, in whatever way you are working on them, in whatever capacity, affect this community that we live in, as well. They affect you, your children, your grandchildren, your neighbors.

The Obamas: Setting a new standard of "values"

Who created the rulebook that says if you make more money or if you hold a high position, you have to act differently?

For some reason, I think we have been convinced that if we make more money, we should spend more money, be in a certain neighborhood, and have certain friends. Think about it. How many people who grew up in poverty, went to college, and became highly successful, moved back to live in the same community where they grew up? On the other hand, how many went of and became successful, got a big house in a nice area, began buying more expensive clothes, and spending more money in the unspoken name of "prestige"?

Why does having money or having a higher position dictate that we must remove ourselves or change our lifestyle?

So when I read about Michelle Obama spending her first few days in the White House meeting with the entire staff and getting to know them, I couldn't help but be further impressed. The article went on to talk about the Obamas' plan to keep their daughters as down-to-earth as possible--no nanny...the kids pick up after themselves...and President and Mrs. Obama still plan to attend parent meetings at the school.

I've read the critics who say the Obama's are "wooing" the press. But, in all of my adult life, I have never heard of a president or presidential family who was so intentional about being inclusive...about ensuring that the people who are traditionally at the bottom (...literally...they are in the basement of the White House) are valued. That's so refreshing.

It's refreshing to think that the message coming from the White House is inclusivity, valuing all people, and reprimanding those who spend our stimulus tax dollars on lavish jets and bonuses rather than, "Spend! Spend! Spend!" It's a message in values for our country.

My brush with greatness!

I text'd "OMG!" to my friends so many times last night that one finally text'd back and said, "You've got to calm down! It's only Day 1!"

Of course that's easy for her to say...she's in Texas!

After sitting in the Blogger Lounge for a while, my new-found friend came back from an interview he was doing for his blog and started showing me close up video of Joe Biden, Jimmy Carter, Bill Richardson, and Howard Dean! I had to get out of there!

That's when he informed me I could walk through the "do not enter--staff only" door in our Blogger Lounge, talk to the guy in the blue shirt, and get a pass to get on the floor for 30 minutes at a time.

I jumped at the chance and we hurried down to the "belly" of Pepsi.

On our way, we happened upon Dan Rather. Though he didn't seem too eager to take pictures with people, I snapped this shot and then had Brian snap a shot of me standing behind him. I'll have to get it from him later.

Once on the floor, the energy was amazing!

And then we ran into John Kerry! (Actually, it would be more accurate to say we were smashed beside him. The crowd in the small aisle around him was so packed...and I was sandwiched in the middle...trying to breathe. But I got some great shots of him!)


We took a break and went back to the Blogger Lounge so we could hopefully time our 30-minute passes just right so that we could see Michelle speak.
After some anxious waiting and getting our timing just right, we ended up on the floor right after the Michelle Obama video started. We saw her brother speak and then absorbed the energy as "Michelle" signs were passed out and the noise level rose. Absolutely amazing!!

And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, we packed up and left the Pepsi Center...and as we were walking outside, we ran into John Lewis!!!!! ...my absolutely FAVORITE Civil Rights hero! I was so awe-struck, I couldn't even remember his name! But, I did have enough sense about me to drop my stuff, run up to him, and ask for a picture. He was just as kind in person and very composed as I explained to him that he was my all-time hero.

Wow. What a night! Can it get any better??