As of this week Devin has decided to “retire” from the MTA and focus all his efforts on becoming president of the United States. With Dr. King’s birthday having passed last Tuesday (and his observed holiday being tomorrow), along with Barack Obama running for president, his declaration gave me pause. Could my son one day really be president? Does he still have a chance at being the first black president even with Obama hot on Hillary’s heels?
OK, Dev is four. I shouldn’t spend too much time fantasizing about the future. The reality is that I don’t care if he’s the first, second or third black president. I only want him to be the best leader he can be, even if he never steps foot in the Oval Office. I hope my little boy dreams the biggest dream that he possibly can and goes for it. No fear. No regrets. No giving up. If he wants to be the president then I want to be the First Daddy. That’s what Dr. King was about – going big and changing world. And if I can instill even the smallest piece of that great man’s character, courage, and conviction into my son then I’ve done my job.
One way or another, through Obama or one day Devin, like Mr. Sam Cook once said, “I know a change gonna come.” Part of that change will happen by tackling racism head on. Too many people say that racism can only be found in small southern towns, or has miraculously vanished entirely. Such thinking is ignorant, unfair, and untrue. Regardless of where it is, eradicating it starts with educating the children.
A few weeks ago myself and several other familiar folk were interviewed for an Associated Press article about discussing racism with your kids. It’s a great article and is very timely as we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and roll into Black History Month (we should start Black History Month on his birthday, just a suggestion). Click here to read the article. Enjoy the holiday. And thank you for reading this, my 200th post.
Senator Obama has already had a great impact, when your four year old can have that idea and no one could deny the possibility. A lot of the criticism I hear lately of the Senator is that he’s all is talk – what has he done? people say. Well, he’s run for President. That’s something. And he’s changed the game. I’ve been so proud of him – he keeps speaking the truth and saying things that need to be said, not just saying things he think will score him some points on any given day. The demographics aren’t in his favor (women and old people aren’t his strongest supporters, yet they are the majority of Democratic primary voters), but he should have no regrets.
Dev 2040 !! Go Dev Go !!
Yes Devin is only four, but it’s never to early to start preparing children (our future leaders)and making them aware of politics, racism and the need for change.
Devin is such a bright little boy with a very intelligent father, you never know what the future may hold for him. I’m sure Obama’s parent’s never imagined he’d grow up to be the man that he is. If if he doesn’t become President the impact he’s made is plenty to be proud of.
Great Post!!!
If you keep raising your son the way you do and keep making sacrifices the way you do – he has no choice but to become the best he could ever be. We need more Black fathers like you. You set the trail. You continue to inspire us all.
great post and congrats on #200.
I’ll vote for Dev…if I’m still around. If not, I’ll put in a good word for him with Clare.
Congrats on 200 posts.
Delurker coming out to congratulate you on the 200th post. I throughly enjoy your blog.
i agree w/ tom – Brother Obama has had a great impact! When folx say to me – he’s not the first Black man to run for prez…i say, but he’s the first to make some w-folx s&*t their pants at the thought that he may ACTUALLY win!! LOL!
Now, I’m trying to figure if u are on my Brothers are Blogging list & going to ensure that you’re added if you’re not there….hmmmmmm;-). Great Spot!!