Last night we watched the election returns and even though the results were rather clear going into the evening it didn't take away from the near feeling of shock that came over me.  A major American political party just nominated an African-American to serve as president (and his closest competitor was a woman).  I hoped it was would possible.  I could dream it might be possible.  But I'm not sure I ever really believed it was possible.  Thus shock has come. And I'm not alone.   

I grew up hearing stories of how members of my family owned slaves.  The scars of slavery and the Jim Crow legal system that came afterwords are still fresh in many places.  Racism still impacts the ability of people to get employment, racism means that many African-Americans don't get a fair shake in the criminal justice system.  Blacks receive less compensation for doing the same work their white colleagues do.  We have come so far.  But there is still work that needs to be done.

When I first entered public schools in South Carolina it was not long after integration had come to the state.  My own life starts at the end of the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s.  Like millions and millions of Americans, I've benefited from all the great things that came from the Civil Rights Movement.

Knowing what has come before (not so long ago) the news that Barack Obama might become president of the United States is really a shocker.  I feel like going out into the streets and dancing as Desmond Tutu did the night Apartheid collapsed.  Maybe I'll save that for Election Night.

For now, I can tell my children that Liz and I participated in a small way in a chapter of our national history - that while still unwritten - has the opportunity to change the face of the world.

In the end, however, it wasn't the idea of making history that caused me about a year ago to endorse Senator Obama.  I support him because he had the wisdom to see the war was wrong while others raced to follow President Bush's lead.  I support Senator Obama because he cares about the environment, because he cares about fighting poverty, and because he has the combination of experience and values that will make him a great president.

Mare sure you sign-up and join the campaign.  And for those with a faith background - any faith - I urge you to join People of Faith for Barack. 

Together we are going to change America forever.

(The photo with Senator Obama, Liz Smith Currie and myself was taken a short time before the Oregon primary).