Unforgettable!

The awe. I cannot think of another word to better describe the indescribable. So many others will have said it so much more poetically than I, but I can’t help but express my joy. I think I am still in shock. This morning the world saw one of the greatest expressions of humanity in recorded history. Watching from the continent where lie the origins of so much that has been wrong with human actions in modern history: discrimination, exploitation, slavery, and genocide, Barack Obama’s victory is nothing short of transformational. The scope and scale of which is still hard to fathom. My taximan said the day before the election, when we wage war, it costs the whole world. How wonderful it feels, with today’s election, to have returned hope to the whole world.

There’s a warmth and sincerity in the hand shaking and embrace from a Senegalese that has no equal back home. In it is a smile from the heart that profoundly touches you. Throughout the night, into the morning, and all throughout the day, I was embraced by so many Senegalese. From today’s taximan to my students running up to me to congratulate me. My colleagues, overjoyed, were talking about it when I arrived. On the radio and the television, coverage continued throughout the day. The president of Togo was on the line during the morning radio broadcast, and when asked for his reaction, he paused in mid-sentence, saying he couldn’t find the words to express the joy that surged inside him. My good friends, Abdoulaye and Zacheria, were each profoundly touched. So much so, that they couldn’t stop talking about how they stayed up all night to watch history unfold. There is a renewed or even a new spirit of hope in their lives. The belief that “tout est possible”--anything is possible--is resonating like never before in the consciousness of the African heart and mind. This is no show nor fleeting emotion. Obama’s election is a victory not just for the U.S., it is a testament to the potential of humanity, both individually and as a collective. What we can do when we treat each other with respect, put our faith in someone because of ideals and character instead of color, and when one can and does work towards one’s potential without any externally-imposed obstacles, the possibilities are endless. Overnight, the yearning and hunger for an America that stands again as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and equality has been fulfilled. There were rallies and marches in Dakar and capitals all over Africa expressing their gratitude for and hope to America: a country that stands for the defeat of discrimination and the embrace of justice; a country that has just told the world there can be a better way, and we will lead by example; a country that has just demonstrated, that although wrought with deficiencies, one has, deserves, and must exercise the right to change and to hope. There’s an elation here that is emanating from all. It feels so good to say again that I am proud to be American. Equally exhilirating, it feels great to be in solidarity with all, and say I am proud to be a citizen of our world. World history was made today, not only in America, but in the whole world.