I remember the impact President Barack Obama had on the world (specifically people of color) the day he was sworn in, in 2009 on that cold January day. As I watched from my warm Harlem apartment, tears rushed to my eyes’ surface and the pools lingered, as if they were afraid to leap over the cliff of my lids. I was proud of us. I was proud of him. And that pride sat on my heart, nagging me to be more of a part of this Obama movement than a simple vote placed on a ballot.
Must Read: NewsOne’s Inauguration 2013 Coverage
I promised myself that if I was given another chance, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And I was given that chance and I didn’t miss it. I had no idea my presence at the Inauguration would end up teaching me a lesson I didn’t even set out to learn.
The excitement is energizing when you’re neck-deep in Obama supporters, peeking through the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, while training your ears to listen. With my adrenaline pumping, I listened with intensity to President Obama’s speech, littered with references from the Declaration of Independence, he urged us to get over our political divide and focus more on economic inequality, gay rights, climate change and many other issues that mean more than Democrat or Republican labels.
“My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment and we will seize it, so long as we seize it together.”
There are not many things that are more emotionally fulfilling than living through and witnessing an actual moment in Black history and experiencing it with such a wide array of people. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring. Looking around at the sea of faces and seeing absolutely everyone represented, I felt proud of my country. There’s so much in America that’s just wrong, confusing and frustrating, but for those brief couple of hours, I was in the great melting pot I learned about in elementary school.
Screw New Year’s Resolutions. Even though 2013 just started, many of us may have already dropped off our promises to ourselves one by one. However, being in the presence of greatness has this motivating effect that will make you re-evaluate your life.
Follow Our Lifestyle Editor On Twitter!
Dr. Martin Luther King Day fell on the same day as President Obama’s second swearing-in and I learned from our sister site, NewsOne, in order to celebrate this day, we should serve.
I realized that no matter how much I want to diet, exercise, stop being late and start returning phone calls, I don’t focus enough on others. Personally, I don’t give back enough. Dr. King’s day of service taught me that and so did the Inauguration. It’s easy to focus on yourself and forget the world is bigger than we are. A simple helping hand can go a long way and many of us, myself included, tend to keep said hands busy with life’s trivial obstacles.
President Obama’s speech focused on equality and he and his family share their own busy lives to give back. I put two and two together and figured, why don’t we all–scratch that. Why don’t I try harder as someone who is blessed enough to not be in severe need, to help my fellow brothers and sisters. I’m inspired. I want to give back.
It’s amazing what happens when you understand that what you get is what you put out. Shortly after I declared my resolution, two women walked into my life to help me accomplish that goal. One of them a fellow writer and Domestic Violence Director and the other a Global Recruiter at Care.org. Both of these ladies live out their fabulous live, but also make time for what’s important–other people in need.
After chatting with the both of them and realizing that giving back is as easy as showing up, I’m fired up. I can’t wait to walk the walk because right now, I’m simply talking it. So here’s to the unexpected catalyst of service brought to you by President Obama’s Inauguration. I’m sure this is only a taste of what fulfillment feels like.
Do you give back? Let’s chat on Twitter @HB_DaniYoung.
More On The Inauguration:
Beyonce Sings National Anthem At Presidential Inauguration (VIDEO)
President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address (VIDEO)
Check Out This Gallery:
Latoya Hobbs’ Poignant Portraits Celebrate The Simple Beauty Of Black Women’s Lives
Women To Know: Lauren Halsey
Red Carpet Rundown: Black Style & Excellence Is The Moment At The 2025 Met Gala
Meagan Good And Jonathan Majors Look Good AF Out & About In LA
Women To Know: Christine Miller
Women To Know: Ebony Patterson
Women To Know: Lauren Younge
Get The Look: These Met Gala Beauty Moments Were Works Of Art
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
I remember the impact President Barack Obama had on the world (specifically people of color) the day he was sworn in, in 2009 on that cold January day. As I watched from my warm Harlem apartment, tears rushed to my eyes’ surface and the pools lingered, as if they were afraid to leap over the cliff of my lids. I was proud of us. I was proud of him. And that pride sat on my heart, nagging me to be more of a part of this Obama movement than a simple vote placed on a ballot.
Must Read: NewsOne’s Inauguration 2013 Coverage
I promised myself that if I was given another chance, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And I was given that chance and I didn’t miss it. I had no idea my presence at the Inauguration would end up teaching me a lesson I didn’t even set out to learn.
The excitement is energizing when you’re neck-deep in Obama supporters, peeking through the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, while training your ears to listen. With my adrenaline pumping, I listened with intensity to President Obama’s speech, littered with references from the Declaration of Independence, he urged us to get over our political divide and focus more on economic inequality, gay rights, climate change and many other issues that mean more than Democrat or Republican labels.
“My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment and we will seize it, so long as we seize it together.”
There are not many things that are more emotionally fulfilling than living through and witnessing an actual moment in Black history and experiencing it with such a wide array of people. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring. Looking around at the sea of faces and seeing absolutely everyone represented, I felt proud of my country. There’s so much in America that’s just wrong, confusing and frustrating, but for those brief couple of hours, I was in the great melting pot I learned about in elementary school.
Screw New Year’s Resolutions. Even though 2013 just started, many of us may have already dropped off our promises to ourselves one by one. However, being in the presence of greatness has this motivating effect that will make you re-evaluate your life.
Follow Our Lifestyle Editor On Twitter!
Dr. Martin Luther King Day fell on the same day as President Obama’s second swearing-in and I learned from our sister site, NewsOne, in order to celebrate this day, we should serve.
I realized that no matter how much I want to diet, exercise, stop being late and start returning phone calls, I don’t focus enough on others. Personally, I don’t give back enough. Dr. King’s day of service taught me that and so did the Inauguration. It’s easy to focus on yourself and forget the world is bigger than we are. A simple helping hand can go a long way and many of us, myself included, tend to keep said hands busy with life’s trivial obstacles.
President Obama’s speech focused on equality and he and his family share their own busy lives to give back. I put two and two together and figured, why don’t we all–scratch that. Why don’t I try harder as someone who is blessed enough to not be in severe need, to help my fellow brothers and sisters. I’m inspired. I want to give back.
It’s amazing what happens when you understand that what you get is what you put out. Shortly after I declared my resolution, two women walked into my life to help me accomplish that goal. One of them a fellow writer and Domestic Violence Director and the other a Global Recruiter at Care.org. Both of these ladies live out their fabulous live, but also make time for what’s important–other people in need.
After chatting with the both of them and realizing that giving back is as easy as showing up, I’m fired up. I can’t wait to walk the walk because right now, I’m simply talking it. So here’s to the unexpected catalyst of service brought to you by President Obama’s Inauguration. I’m sure this is only a taste of what fulfillment feels like.
Do you give back? Let’s chat on Twitter @HB_DaniYoung.
More On The Inauguration:
Beyonce Sings National Anthem At Presidential Inauguration (VIDEO)
President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address (VIDEO)
Check Out This Gallery: