My Inauguration Experience: "Embrace Your Greatness"

Dear Constituents:

On January 20, 2009, an historic moment took place in our country that has ushered in a new era of change.

Barack H. Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and the country's first African-American Commander-in-Chief.

I witness this with my family. We first arrived in Philadelphia, a city in which I learned a lot of history. It is a city that acknowledges slavery and so it served as an opportunity for me to teach my children. We visited the home of one of the former Presidents and also Constitutional Hall.

While in D.C., it was just amazing to see so many people from so many different backgrounds on the Washington Mall. People had a look of rejuvenation in their eyes. Seeing Obama sworn in made me reflect on how much we have to do in our communities.

I was reading in the USA Today and hip-hop artist David Banner was quoted saying "Just seeing Barack (Obama) inaugurated made me want to be a better father and man". If we all could take on that attitude we would do even greater things.

Let's start talking and promoting the greatness of our culture. Embrace your greatness. I know there are negative things that surround us but we won't make progress if we just keep talking about the problems. We have to be solution-oriented. Embrace the positive things of life that we may show our children something of substance to counter the negative images that they are being bombarded with everyday. What role will you play?

What a wonderful and glorious day it was. God is good and has shown us that when we put Him first and differences aside, the glory we can experience. Let us relish in the dawn of a new day but also be mindful that much work is still needed to be done.

Take time to talk with your children or a student and let them know of the sacrifices of those that came before us to make Jan. 20th possible. And it is now their responsibility to charge forward and carry the torch. Let us take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that are before us to teach and learn.

Let's enjoy this historic moment and accept our responsibilities.

Jarvis Johnson
Council Member