Eyes On The Prize

It is 12:50 am on January 18, 2009. I am packing for my trip to DC. Charlie King, Chairman of the Lowndes County Commission, has already arrived and called to tell me to prepare for the cold weather. Despite the plunging temperatures and the anticipated crowds, persons from all along the Selma to Montgomery March Trail are making the historic trek to Washington, DC to witness one of the many prizes of the Voting Rights Movement. For many people, this will be the ultimate life experience. For others, it is just another milestone in the struggle for equality. For my 15 year old daughter "Taylor" and me, it is an opportunity to see America at one of its greatest moments. Taylor was a student at St. Jude, which was the final campsite for marchers during the historic Voting Rights March. I am a native of Lowndes County, Alabama which challenged the Democratic Party by forming the original Black Panther Party and running a slate of candidates in 1966. The Inauguration of Barack Obama brings history full circle. We will be there to witness this moment, as well as document the thoughts of those local persons from Selma, Lowndes, and Montgomery whose sacrificed to foster this great achievement. Barack Obama will be the 44rd President of the United States of America.