The More Things Change

There aren’t enough words in the English dictionary to describe what took place yesterday. Even using the word ‘momentous’ would be an understatement. I’m sure yesterday meant something different for everyone. For my 78 year old grandmother, she witnessed something that she’d never think would ever happen in her lifetime. For my 9 year old son, he witnessed something that he’s fortunate to see in his lifetime and also realizes that although he can’t be the first, he can be the next. For myself, I can’t say that I never knew it wouldn’t happen, because I always knew the time would come, but it made me even more grateful that I was able to share it with my son.

These past several days were filled with pomp & circumstance. Truly the only thing I was interested in witnessing was the actual swearing in process (thanks Chief Justice Roberts for almost screwing that up). What truly frustrated me the most was the “We Gotta Party” attitude everyone seem to have.  Celebrities and millions of others infiltrated the city and high priced parties were thrown in honor of the inauguration.  I understand people being excited and wanting to celebrate, but can we say “OVERKILL”?  In this economy, I just don’t see a party that costs $150+ feasible.

I wonder if any of these people (locals especially), happened to take part in the “Day of Service” on Monday.

*record scratches*

Yeah, I’m reaching with that one. Also, I’d like to know if any of the owners of these establishments donated any of their proceeds (after they of course paid the celebrities off) to any charities in the area?

*record scratches again*

So needless to say, the pomp & circumstance perturbed me a bit.

On November 4th, millions of people chose to make a difference and to make history at the same time. Black, White, Asian and Latino. Rich & poor. Young & old. On January 20th, those same people witnessed the ‘end of an error’, as Bush flew off in his helicopter.  President Obama has a tough job ahead and even though a lot of people are perceptive to change, there are still millions of people who still practice racism and bigotry, either behind clothes doors or publicly. Just because we have a black president in office, doesn’t necessarily mean the social ills of the world will all of a sudden come to an end.  All one has to do is look at the various hate websites that are floating around the internet. Hate is something that I don’t see will ever die. As this administration will undoubtedly be scrutinized and placed under a microscope, some day I hope that the old saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same”, will one day actually ring false.

A question to the readers. How did you spend your Inauguration Day?

Below is a short film, “The Day of Change”, that will air on the Starz in Black network during Black History Month. It recaps what various black celebrities were doing on Nov. 4th and how that day will impacted their lives. I especially enjoyed Eddie Griffin’s commentary, because he  talked seriously about what he’d like to see happen next.

Tags: blak, change, chik, fungke, fungkeblakchik, inauguration, politics, president barack obama, the day of change, washington dc