OJ Simpson Found Guilty: Let's All Sing Kumbaya...

Many people remember exactly where they were when they heard the above words. Those that were not, have heard about it in variations. The one sure thing is that ever since the controversial verdict over 13 years ago, the mention of the name OJ Simpson has evoked strong opinions. For many, OJ Simpson represented the stereotypical African-American Male who makes it to fame and fortune - complete with trophy blonde wife on hand. So, depending on who you query, that image associated with Mr. Simpson - has both positive and negative implications. Surprisingly still, the portrait of OJ as a success story cannot just be painted in black or white but has to include the many shades of gray - his very essence embodies.

For many years, the mere mention of the OJ Simpson trial could lead to bar fights or heated arguments between friends making it a taboo topic. For many minorities, African-Americans in particular, OJ Simpson's ability to "beat" a judicial (perceived as unjust ) was a concept too many had only dreamed of. For still others, the idea that money and status could in fact trump justice was something that could be fathomed -but not by someone that looked like Mr. Simpson and his self described Dream Team. I will even go out on a limb and point out that the Simpson's as a bi-racial couple - conjures emotions on both sides of the fence that has shaped opinions.

So, for years, the paparazzi and the law followed OJ looking for any possible slip up or admission that would point to his guilt - for having "killed" his estranged wife Nicole Brown Simpson. Now, I will say that it was a bone-headed on Mr. Simpson's part to try to put out a book "If I Did It" or anything along those lines, but any who - it is what it is. In the years, that have followed the trial, the nation seemed fixated with the events of that now - famous night when Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were murdered in her California home. There is no question that the case had dimensions of race, sexuality, domestic violence, conspiracy, divorce and more, that intrigued many and infuriated still others. As the years passed, the characters associated with the case moved on - but there always appeared to have been a cloud of "unsolved mystery" surrounding it. With that in mind, it was no surprise to many - that Mr. Simpson would one day be caught up in something of a "GOTCHA" moment.

The last 24 months, have been a tough time for America on many levels and peppered with a Presidential campaign that brought to surface some deep seeded opinions about race matters in this nation - it is not a time soon to be forgotten. The discussions that have surfaced should continue to go on - because without dialogue we cannot move forward and resolve issues. The very fact that there is a resurgence of supremacists organizations - and a rise in hate crimes shows that there will always be groups of people who will hold on to the past.

So, in 2008 when Americans have been forced to explore race, our concept of racial identity and ultimately the things that have polarized us as a nation - it is my sincere hope that with "The Juice" finally getting the squeeze, we can all move on and begin to sing kumbaya. I, for one am grateful that as OJ goes off to prison, there are other more influential men and thus stories to counter the handcuffs and prison suit all too closely associated with the image of the African-American male in America.

I think out loud of all the work we have to do with nation re-building and restoring of our image globally - remembering that a "divided house cannot stand." Finally, not knowing what your personal opinion is regarding OJ Simpson - and all that he might symbolize - I will conclude by saying that the only way we can achieve progress - and mend our broken systems is to ask the question (made famous by LA Riot victim, Rodney King) "Can We All Just Get Along?"

On the other hand, I am also curious if at this critical time when Americans have also proven that unification is possible, if the announcement that Mr. Simpson is "GUILTY," evokes the same meaning or has the same significance(to you) that it might have had - only 13 years ago?

Join in - and let's begin the conversations - what say you?