Inauguration 2013

Incredibly, fantastic...and UNforgettable...

This weekend was by far, an emotional rollercoaster.  Having the opportunity to take almost 40 Upward Bound students to President Obama's second inaguration was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  I couldn't help but think about the time we live. 

To me, I see the beginnings of a smoothing of power in society.  President Obama and many other key players are begining to question those in power and those who feel they have a right to disburse power.  I hear a discourse around the haves and have nots.  In the faces of my students (all future first generation college GRADUATES) I feel a growing opportunity and I SEE hope.  I know this hope is not a secured opportunity, but growing.  And that is all anyone can ask for. 

Even just 10 years ago, I didn't feel as hopefull as I do now.  The work I do, WE DO, is not in vain!

The voices once lost in a hiearchy driven by race, class, sex, and gender, are growing from a silent whisper to a rumbling roar!  I find challenging conversations on people's minds and on their tongues.  I hear and see a future that is changing with those who make America great.  It's impossible to put to words the incredible feeling I had as I looked around the almost million person crowd on the capital grounds, looking at a sea of diverse people, all proud and excited about a continued push forward in thinking and accpetance.  That feeling of pride and HOPE and personal acceptance has never seen so real to me.

No more should people be marginalized, no more should people accept their status based on a socially constructed system that separates and divides people.  I see a future where my kiddos, those once considered at the bottom of the barrel at the top breaking free and rolling that barrel..putting that damn barrel where THEY want it! Its a strength and a feeling that might not be easy for my students to articulate now, but hopefully in the they will feel the power of progression and acceptance in a changing society. 

I loved this weekend.  I loved the day.  I am in love with my future and the future possibilities to come.  Not only do I lift up natural leaders like President Obama and Martin Luther King Jr., I lift up my students and those people pushed out and left out, but are STILL standing and still fighting for justice.  Hope. Change. Foward...a future. :)  I can dig it!