OOOWEE, PRESIDENT OBAMA…LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Flo S. Jenkins

“Uh-uh! Nooo way!“

“America, you’ve gone too far!”

“A Niggah in our White House?!!”

“How’d this happen?!”

These are comments—or similar ones—so many of us have heard about—and some that listeners have actually heard from the lips of those who smiled in their face, yet who hated a Black man being voted America’s President. Some whispered behind closed doors. Or on coffee breaks at corporate offices. Other times, spoken out loud amongst very angry white people.

Running for any leadership position in this country is an act of courage, so one can only imagine the audacity—along with extreme self-confidence and courage—it takes for ANY Black person to run for the President of America. Just the idea alone was laughable to not just white folks—but to Black Americans as well. Despite the progress that was fought for and won, there was the accompanying pain, struggle, and tragedy. The history of the struggles and victories are well known. Those foundational struggles are well-known by generations—and unforgettable by Black citizens, despite the advances and racist cover-ups in all facets of life here in the good ole USA.

Soooo, for Barack Hussein Obama to have the NERVE to announce his U.S.A. presidential candidacy in 2006 was appalling. Ridiculous. Laughable. Especially since not many people had even heard his name—his very unique name, in fact. A name that would cause one man in particular to try to rally the entire country against him—stating he was not even an American-born citizen. Strange how that same man—10 years later—is still trying to dismiss Barack Obama as a great man along with the good work he did for the American people as their two-term very first Black President. “Jealousy is a bitch!” one Obama supporter said.

The bottom line is that Barack Obama has stirred the ire of not just this current President Trump, but it pulled the covers from the face of many hidden racists, some white-hooded, others with smiling faces in expensive suits. Out of the blue, tall, handsome, smiling, Barack Obama allied the country behind him. And for good reason. There was need of change and he promised a hungry population to stand with him for much-needed change—including in the health arena. Young people related to him, older people were eager to help him implement the changes he promised. His supportive crowds saw hope. Check any crowd photos and you saw smiles—big smiles from folks with hopeful hearts. And Barack came through with the promises despite the many times intentional blocks were put in his way.

With all the love he was shown came hate and disgust from opponents. Despite the many great things he did as President, those who fought him, despised him and decided such a person should never again hold the powerful position as America’s leader! Their plans were underway – with Trump leading the force. Leading and psychologically bending minds of weak people who cared nothing about truth. They preferred the words of one whose spirit obviously matched theirs. Truth and honor was thrown out the window in favor of bold-faced lies—and a jealousy that paved the way to dishonor anyone who seemed to stand for truth.

A Black man stood for truth and honesty and doing good for the people as America’s FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT. An all-out war of truth vs. jealousy and lies was enforced. And people who were dormant racists came out of hiding and were now determined NOT to let another Black person lead and be in charge of THEM… and “their” country. Anyone associated with the Obama presidency was—and still is up for attack. That included Obama’s former Vice President, Joe Biden.

The dismantling and destruction of anything that shines the light on the truth of Black History and progress made by Black America was/is on top of the list for Mr. Trump and his followers. If Barack Obama’s presidency could be erased from America History, it would likely be done—based on all the other historical truths and advances that are being wiped out.

Barack and Donald – certainly a study in contrasts. A Black American President – certainly a study in contrast for America’s known past. Some want to return to the past—but clearly, American Black citizens are saying, “We ain’t going back.” At least we’re not going back as far as it seems too many in power—and those who mindlessly follow—would like us to go.

We lay this crazy anti-Black success-dilemma squarely on the lap of smart, cool, hip, successful President Barack Obama who obviously surprised so many because he won—he ruled honestly and respectfully over a country where soooo many secretly did not want—nor expect a Black person to ever hold that office.

Yet, Barack, Ooowee! LOOK WHAT YOU DID! High Five from all who feel proud you were America’s FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT! You made some mad—but you made so many others proud and glad!