January 20, 2009
Dear Babies,
I don’t know your names, and we are yet to meet, but I just want you to know this one thing-your daddy was there. I was there at the exact moment that the world changed forever.
By the time you read this, it may be hard for you to imagine me as anything but your “old man,” but as I write to you I am a 22-year-old recent college graduate who lives in New York City, and is currently in Washington , D.C. I may be young right now, but I’ve already seen a lot in my lifetime. I have witnessed the horror of the World Trade Center attacks, the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, and the dawn of a new millennium. I remember the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the funeral of Pope John Paul II, and what the internet was like before YouTube and Facebook . In my personal life I’ve experienced many triumphs and joys, and have also had my share of failures and sadness. But I never expected to see what I saw on Tuesday, January 20, 2009-the day that the world changed forever.
You see, that was the day that President-elect Barack Obama became President Barack Obama. That was the day that he and his beautiful wife Michelle and their lovely daughters Sasha and Malia walked onto that platform on the United States Capitol to accept their victory, the world’s victory. On this day at 12 noon, the world stood still in amazement, and then erupted in cheers of hope and elation.
Growing up in my small hometown of Quitman, Texas, people would always say, “Travers, you’re going to be President one day.” Now, don’t get your hopes up, because I have no desire to hold that position. But it wasn’t until today, the day that the world changed forever, that I truly believed-without any doubts, without any reservations-that I could.
So as I reflect on this exciting day, the image that is the most vivid to me is not that of President Obama with his hand on the Bible, or even the new First Lady standing by his side. I am thinking of those two beautiful little black girls proudly looking at their father.
And I am visualizing that one day that could be you.
With love, your daddy,
Travers
22 years old
Travers, I can relate on so many levels. I hope that this day is the pivotal moment we all hope it is, and I hope that the world and our posterity find that we have done our part to contribute to humanity. NOW THE WORK BEGINS!
That was awesome, Travers. Just beautiful.
This is possibly one of the sweetest messages that I’ve heard in a while. Thanks for posting this…
Amen
Travers, I remember you “running” for president in second grade….campaigning for votes by singing Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”- any way I for one am so thrilled for the next four years and am smiling while giving a sigh of relief right along with you, the difference though is that you already had my vote in second grade and I knew you were destined to be a force! Much love
Beautifully and eloquently said, man. Pay no attention to naysayers on other sites; some peoples’ minds will never open.
The wonderful thing is that not only do children of color have hope–we all do, every hue and shade, as evidenced by the true mix of humanity supporting this man and his ideals.
I hope our kids will grow up together. Peace to you.
Marcus: What’s up, brother! You’re right, Obama’s assuming of the presidency is a call to action for all people, not a time to sit back and think that “we’ve mad it.” I feel like the baton has officially been passed to our generation to make the world a better place. Thanks for commenting!
Anthony: Thanks man! That really means a lot coming from you.
Elizabeth: Thanks for everything you did to help me get to Washington, D.C. I’ve said it before, but again, I really appreciate it!
Alexander, C: Thanks for commenting!
Jessie: You always make me smile. Thanks for always being such a great friend. Your friendship means so much.
Dave DC: Thank you so much for visiting the blog! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Of course some people won’t appreciate it, but I’ve got an overwhelmingly positive response from the vast majority of people who have commented on the letter. I didn’t really expect for it to get so much attention. You’re right, we as a human race have a new hope and I am so optimistic about our ability to all come together to make a better world. Although I don’t plan on having kids anytime soon (lol), I’m excited for the world that they’ll inherit.
Everyone: Thanks for visiting the blog and for commenting. Please come back!
—Travers
Very Awesome! Someone posted your vid on youtube and I think this is great!
I appreciate that, 1gerlaine! Until you told me, I had no idea it was on YouTube. Thanks for sharing and for checking out my blog. I hope you come back. Take care!
–Travers