March 6, 2007

"One Sunday 'Down South' that Changed America"

Washington, DC (PoliticalJones.com) - This past Sunday, in the heart of the “Black Bible Belt”, inside two prominent African American churches in Selma, Alabama, there were simultaneous speeches given by two major Democratic Party Presidential Candidates: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Barack Obama, Jr. Not surprisingly, the stirring speeches by Senators Clinton and Obama were broadcast around the world by global news networks and will be reported widely in the print media this week, and no doubt throughout the campaign.  The symbolism behind these historic speeches cannot be overemphasized for they reflect the power, will and vision of the people who tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge during their march from Selma to Montgomery on that hot day during March 1965. That day, now known as “Bloody Sunday,” was a major turning point in the modern Civil Rights Movement and the final blow needed to push through the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The importance of the Voting Rights Act can be summed up by the fact that in 1965 during the 89th Congress there was no such organization called the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and no African American members of Congress from the Deep South. In 2007, during the 110th Congress, the CBC with 43 members (42 House Members and one Senator—Presidential Candidate Sen. Barack Obama) is one of the most powerful and influential groups in the Congress.  Senators Clinton and Obama are direct beneficiaries of the Civil Rights Movement and both acknowledged this legacy in their speeches. They are changing the expectations and the playing field of American politics for Women and African Americans. Senators Clinton and Obama, along with the other Democratic Party candidates, are continuing their unprecedented courtship of the African American community as they run for President.

Like the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Gettysburg, and D-Day before it, the blood spilled on that Sunday in Selma was a turning point in our country’s history. After being beaten and bloodied on that day, Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga) rose up and remains today a living and breathing testament to how far we have come as a country and a people. Congressman Lewis was fighting for the right to vote on that day, but even now as a powerful and influential member of Congress, he continues to fight for both civil and human rights for all. To witness and live history is a remarkable experience, and Congressman Lewis’ commitment and humility are as inspiring as they are legendary.

The courage and sacrifice of not only Congressman Lewis, but all of those men, women and children of all colors who were beaten as they tried to cross that Bridge, and all of those who have crossed bridges and roads across the South during those brutal days of the 60's, fighting for civil rights for all Americans is mind blowing even today. Not just the famous in attendance, but also the everyday people who put their lives on the line to make sure this country would face its contradictions in the mirror, put aside bigotry and realize its potential as the great Melting Pot of the World.

These “Heroes” and “Sheroes” made things happen with little or no resources back in the day, and at a great personal sacrifice, simply because it was the right thing to do and the right time to do it. There would have been no Movement without them, but there will be no forward progress without us stepping up to the plate to finish the good work they started. So, as we reflect on the America that was and the America that is unfolding right before our very eyes today, please remember to take some time to thank those from the “Old School” who were on the front lines of the Movement fighting for the rights that many of us now us now take for granted. The cause was noble, the fight was just, and we cannot never say thank you too many times for all they have done and continue to do in pursuit of Equal Justice for All - - not just people of color.

Truly there has been much great progress in race and gender relations in our Nation.

Truly there is so much more to do to make America as great as its promise of hope and opportunity.

But, there is only one way to make that promise a reality: We must sacrifice for a worthy cause and endeavor to make a difference in the lives of those most in need. To do otherwise would be yet “another” indignity to those who labored so mightily before us.