January 20th, 2009.A momentous, and historic day for all of us that make up this great nation, and for those that honor and stand for freedom and democracy. It has been said by so many, from political experts to young adults, of the importance of President Obama's inauguration, its meaning to each individual, and its place in history. President Obama's inauguration has touched us all deeply in many ways, and has created a sense of hope, dignity, and pride in the United States, as well as in the true essence of humanity.
Through it all, the thoughts and reflections we share, feel, and hear cannot compare to those that have lived this journey. For many of us, we are reaping the rewards of struggles and battles fought before our time. History books, written documents, personal testimonies and vivid footage create much of what we are seeing the result of today. Historical, and still meaningful, one must wonder the raw emotion of those that stood at the Lincoln Memorial just 40 years earlier to view the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. And their response today, watching from that same area that President Barack Obama took an oath to occupy the highest office in our nation.
Can you imagine their joy? Their thoughts? Their feelings?
Maybe, hope? Joy? Progress?
In viewing today's inauguration, and reflecting on the thoughts and emotions of those that lived the life, and were part of the journey leading to this historical moment, yours truly remembered the great song by Sam Cooke, written in 1963. A song which I thought I understood.
For today, it turns Sam Cooke from a mere believer into a prophet.
From skepticism, to realism.
From hope, to expectation.
Following January 20th, 2009, I will forever see and hear Sam Cooke's lyrics in a different way.
A Change is Gonna Come
By: Sam Cooke
I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I've been running ever since
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will
It's been too hard living but I'm afraid to die
Cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will
I go to the movie and I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me don't hang around
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will
Then I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knocking me
Back down on my knees
There been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will