Today is a historic day for many reasons. Not only because Barack Obama has claimed his place in history by becoming the first black President of the United States of America, but because society has finally realized that skin color does not define a human being. After all, like gender, race is predetermined; not a learned behavior like racism. Americans have decided that being different is not a curse; all along it was a blessing. Think about it. If everyone were the same, the world would be a truly boring place. If people did not have different thought processes, more than likely we would not be on the Internet since it never would have been invented.

Life is about taking chances, embracing change, and moving forward. The world moved forward today when people stood in lines at poll booths in record numbers. I waited three hours and it was worth it to see the smiles on the faces of the people in line with me. The way they laughed, hugged and engaged in conversation, never once uttering a bitter word about the wait. There was an excitement in the air that I have not seen in a very long time—if ever. We have come to a crossroads where hopefully a person’s ability to obtain lifelong goals will not be determined by the amount of melanin in their skin. Where race will not determine whether or not they get a job, attend college, or get invited to certain social engagements.

But Barack Obama stands for much more than his skin color. He stands for the hope that this country so desperately needs in the face of today’s weak economy. It is time for the Democratic way of life once again, and we need a person in command who thinks twenty years into the future and understands that drastic measures must be taken to ensure the quality of life for our future generations. My only regret is that I did not take the trip to Illinois to celebrate with many of my friends who ventured there to celebrate history with the masses. However, the smile on my five-year-old’s face was good enough for me.

Now that people are ready to embrace people of all colors, with the understanding that we are all in this life together, what a powerful world this will be.