Barack Obama's American Skin

"Oh what a morning
I feel so good
Oh what a morning
Of brotherhood...."

(—from "Brown Earth," by Laura Nyro, from my "People Get Ready" playlist)

So much to observe, to think about and to feel. I'm not ready to write very much new.

So, in my next few posts, let me quote some from what I wrote in American Skin, published in 2002.

The game has changed. For years I've been convinced that the future is not about black people leading black people, in the old mold that was first stamped for black preachers and teachers. The future is about black people leading all Americans, especially white Americans. That leadership will be accepted only if it comes from individuals who only happen to be black. Just ask Colin Powell....

Transracial popular culture has created a new mold for black leadership, one that is based on individual example rather than on group allegiance. Tiger Woods may have no politics that an old-school black nationalist would recognize, but he leads white people, and not just on the golf course.

And if you can imagine somebody like Tiger Woods selling you a car, how about somebody like Opra getting your vote for Congress or even president? You heard it here first.

Comments

[custom dissertation]

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[Leon Wynter]

Thanks, Drew-

And you know what I just fully realized? It's NOT about the "first black president" for me, as great and historic as it is.

It's about the definitive end of a political paradigm powered by racial resentment that has dominated America for 28 years.

I'd have been almost as glad if the same had been accomplished by a leader of any race or gender.

But it may also be true that only someone like Obama--the prototype "post black" African American, could do this.

[drew]

yesterday was such an incredible, monumental moment. I share your silent speechlessness.