The eyes of the world are on Denver, CO. this week as Barack Obama prepares to make history on Thursday–the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s, “I Have a Dream Speech”–when he becomes the first Black man to be nominated by a major American political party as president of the United States.
But, even as America anticipates it’s most dramatic political sea change, some in Denver’s Black community witness the tide of history through somewhat cynical eyes.
“I like the hooplah and the hooray, but at the end of the day it’s results,” said Denver native Joy Walker, director of the non-profit organization, “Sista’ Love Mentoring,” Inc. Walker was hanging out Sunday (August 24) at the Denver Jazz and Blues Festival, which takes place in East Denver’s historic Black neighborhood Five Points.
“If this brotha’ (Obama) can move our position forward some than we’d be good. Because right now we’re lagging in everything–education, unemployment–so, why would brothers and sisters be so elated about coming to a convention where we feel like we’re not a part of it–a lot of people in the community don’t feel like they’re a part of the convention,” added Walker who is the daughter of Denver civil rights activist Alvertis Simmons. “Change–we need to see the change–we can’t hope for it anymore.”
AFRO Staff Writer Sean Yoes
August 24, 2008 at 2:42 am
Go represent son. Looking forward to your reports.
August 25, 2008 at 1:29 am
Sean i heard you on WEAA. Your and Bobby Murphy’s observation on Barack as coming off a litle weak I think is accurate. I think that his subdueness is strategy that has, so far worked like a charm. He and his staff probably believe if he comes off too rough, he’ll be cast with Jesse and may lose or offend a good chunk of his non-black supporters. I think its an unfar balance he has to manage, but I can understand it.
Friday, I was talking to a co-worker who is one of those Hillary Supporters. I asked her point blank if there was something that Barack can do to get her vote. Her reply, ” he could run with Hillary as VP”. I wanted to break neck from the inside, but that’s a sidebar from another time.
What that tells me is even with all his concessions and olive branches, there are still those that won’t vote for him. So there may not be anything to lose with coming out the box on the attack a little more often.
August 25, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I love this articule sir. You are a WONDERFUL journalist!
August 26, 2008 at 9:59 pm
thanks to you and Ms. Prince for during the radio interview Sarurday morning in the mist of trying to get ready to get to the airport for the flight to Denver. Some of of our listening audience called the office on Monday to commend the Afro on sending a team to capture our story. Enloy your time in the mile high city…HOOAH!