"Now I Can Tell My Grandson that the Sky is the Limit... And There's Finally Living Proof."
What I Learned at Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech
The mile-long line to enter Mile High stadium provided me with two hours to admire in the mind-blowing coordination that went into the event. Thousands of paid folks and volunteers flawlessly managed a one-of-kind experience. The organizers had exactly (only) eight weeks to move the event from a secure, routine arena environment to a massive, unsecured football stadium. The result was an unbelievable performance on the part of thousands of workers with differing objectives. It restored my dwindling faith in cooperation. I've worked in soup kitchens where the same volunteer spaghetti delivery is practiced nightly by four volunteers with much, much more drama and confusion. The DNC volunteers and organizers worked as if the acceptance speech was a daily process managed by professionals who also happened to be best friends. Slick.
I was sure that while Barack's speech would be mind-blowing, nothing would jolt me as much as the beautiful, civic, cooperation that was on display.
Going in, I was well aware that yesterday was the 45th anniversary of the "I have a Dream" speech. I knew that. In fact, I watched MLK's speech on YouTube beforehand, so that I could identify the points at which Obama sampled themes and words. Even with this in mind, I felt as if I was there to cheer for Obama - like a self-respecting, professional Bronco fan.
But this plan was interrupted by an older black gentleman in my row who needed to exit often. "Sorry, my friend," he said on his third trip out. "Old guys like me have to go to the bathroom A LOT. But that's no bother at all on a day like this, because this is the greatest day!" Then, he dropped his head, looked over his dark glasses, adjusted his yellow tie, pointed to the vacant lectern and said, "Because now I can tell my grandson that the sky is the limit... and there's finally living proof. I'm about to see living proof, finally."
As I looked into the eyes of folks at the stadium, it was clear that this was what was really going on. So, I learned. So I soaked it in.
Until last evening, the "you can be anything you want, American Dream" mantra was without certainty - without a visible exemplar for 12% of the U.S. population.
This event was about marveling at coordinated volunteers or cheering on my political team. But much,much more than that, it was about bearing witness to one of the most significant events in American history. I was there when, in our country, Barack Obama proved to our country that skin color is not a caveat for the promise that the sky is the limit for every American.
Published by Y! Luke - Founder, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Luke is the Founder & President of Associated Content. Luke is an avid fly fisherman, youth lacrosse coach. A Colorado native, Luke lives in Denver with his family. View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentThank you for a touching, personal story! That was a day one of my black friends said he thought he would never see. In spite of all the negative spin that is going on, our voices are heard. The world does change. Your article captured that special moment expressed by a fellow citizen.
I wasn't expecting the turn your article took, very touching and hopeful. They sky is the limit and hearts are touched.
Excellent! I am not a guest!
Just now browsed through the staff bios and found this link - great article! Also, thanks for creating AC, you've changed my life!
Great article! I think that with the inspiration of a great leader, people can be stirred to mutual cooperation. I think America had voted wisely.
It was nice to hear of the inspiring words of the man sitting near you, really making the focus clear. To be there must have been amazing!
A beautiful article. Thanks for sharing this experience.
Great way to capture such an historic moment. This was memorable for you - now it's memorable for me & all of us at AC.
True words. Excellent article. :)
What a simple little story to demonstrate the significance of a monumental occasion. Excellent choice and keeping the article short and focused on that point really drove it home.