The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Yesterday we celebrated the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and today president-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the first African-American president in the history of the United States.
Many have compared the two famous men in their speech style and messages of hope. January is a month typically linked to hope for the future not only because of politically historical events but also because it is the start of a new year.
Everyone has just made resolutions for the new year and is hoping for a fresh start, whether it is in their exercise regimen, love life or beyond.
If you’re like me, then maybe you haven’t made a new year’s resolution yet. Or, if you have one that hasn’t been put into action, maybe this is the perfect time to draw inspiration.
As Obama begins leading our nation, he will have plenty of his own resolutions to solve and maybe this man’s greatness will instigate a feeling of motivation in even the most unmotivated, including me.
Although I don’t have terrorism, unemployment and a falling economy to worry about, there’s already room for improvement even on a much smaller scale.
Last year, I was in the crowd sitting in Magness Arena listening to Obama speak. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the old black-and-white videos of King’s “I have a dream” speech.
Obama’s diction, intonations and preacher-like quality all seemed reminiscent of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.
Both of these men have and continue to inspire hope in my life and, just like election night, the day of inauguration is another day of beginnings.
Even if I don’t make the impact that these two men have, setting realistic goals and having hope for the future are a good start.
Some have called our generation apathetic. I, too, have fallen victim to this charge. Yet, after a year of campaigning change and hope, when I see Obama entering the White House, I can’t imagine our leader being so proactive and the population not following in his footsteps.
Just as we may be following in our current leaders’ footsteps, Obama will have to live up to the man we celebrate the day before his inaguration, Martin Luther King, Jr.
