Barack Obama Speaks: 2008 Democratic National Convention

Tonight, Barack Obama will take center stage speaking to the world, as he accepts the Democratic Party's Nomination for President of the United States of America.

Mr. Obama's uncertain and most unlikely journey has taken the country and world by storm. Conceived from the union of a Caucasian Mother and African Father, Barack Obama (based on various public reports and interviews) was nurtured and raised by his mother's parents in the very diverse State of Hawaii. Mr. Obama has consistently spoken of the support he received from his family -and community at large. He has also openly discussed his feelings of inadequacy, isolation and confusion in regard to his own racial identity growing up in America as an offspring of an interracial union. His candidacy has truly raised awareness and brought to surface that underlying issue of Race that has over time plagued our nation. Through the debates (thanks to the presence of Hillary Clinton), the issues of gender have also been brought to the surface.

The "unlikely" journeys, of Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain have caused many to explore their own lives, values and ultimately goals. As I explore these three political figures, the one message that rings clear is the idea of persistence and the fact that only in America could these three individuals rise from "ordinary" to "extraordinary" - by definition.

Watching Obama, Clinton and McCain fight for their stake - in the American dream has been inspiring to me and an entire generation. Never before have I witnessed such enthusiasm, passion and commitment to the American political process. It truly makes one proud of the fundamental tenets of what makes this democracy work, and why so many have risked so much for it.

No matter what your political affiliation, sexual orientation, religious, race and/or color association, the world has once again discovered that in America one can find a VOICE. In America, there are people who support YOU and are willing to help build a vision around shared hopes and dreams.

I don't know about you, but I am personally looking forward to hearing the speech that will be delivered by Mr. Obama tonight. Not only because of its historic nature - but because from "the mountaintops of Denver, Colorado" (borrowed from Jesse Jackson, Jr) - Barack Obama (tonight) will stand as a reminder to our country and the world that - with hard work, perseverance and the unconditional support of family and community - WE can all reach our fullest potential, giving birth to that seemingly "impossible dream."

So , as I sit in anticipation and with excitement to be part of history, I look forward to sharing this night with my children - and insuring that they too can one day tell their children that they were witnesses to a moment in time when the struggle of a nation, races, religions, genders - united to make the dreams of King, Lincoln, and countless others a reality. On this day in American History and in front of a world body we rallied around and chose a Presidential candidate - not by "the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Finally, to paraphrase the words of Michelle Obama (wife of Barack Obama), as our Nation "chooses to allow our HOPES and not our FEARS (of one another) to lead our decisions, we will restore and provide a beacon of light to the world. "Yes, my friends" (ala John McCain) "the pen is still mightier than the sword," and that is why the Bill of Rights and Our Constitution have transcended any wars - and yes guided us to this most democratic of rights - The political/voting process.

People, with The Democratic National Convention drawing to a close tonight and the Republican National Convention only days away, let's all celebrate America with by using our inalienable right to "ROCK Da VOTE," making sure our voices are heard from sea to shining sea.