Millions of Americans of all races, colors and ethnic groups are celebrating Barack Obama's presidential victory. But for many African Americans who grew up experiencing discrimination and prejudice, the election of the first African American president is an overwhelming event they never thought they would see in their lifetimes. VOA Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from Washington.
After hearing the news of Mr. Obama's victory, many African Americans across the country danced in the streets, bringing traffic to a standstill in some places. In Washington, D.C., hundreds of residents gathered outside the White House, banging on drums and chanting "Bush is gone!" There were similar scenes in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York City.
President-elect Barack Obama gave his victory speech to a jubilant crowd of more than a 100,000 people in his home town of Chicago, acknowledging the history-making nature of the moment.
"It has been a long time coming," said President-elect Barack Obama. "[crowd yells 'Yeah!'] But tonight, because of what we did on this day, change is coming to America."
Speaking to MSNBC, civil rights hero and Representative John Lewis of Georgia summed up the gamut of emotions many African Americans are feeling.
"When I heard last evening that Pennsylvania had gone for Barack Obama, I think I had an out-of-body experience," said John Lewis. "I jumped, and I shouted for joy. And my feet left the floor, and I just kept jumping. Something lifted me up, and I shed some tears. And I tell you, I have cried so much during the past few hours, I don't think I have any tears left."
Lewis said he could hardly believe the news, which came 40 years after he was beaten and left bloody on a bridge in Selma, Alabama as he took part in a protest march held to push for Black voting rights in the United States. Lewis was also a close associate of the slain civil rights leader Reverend Martin Luther King.
Many older African Americans grew up under repressive laws that were in force from 1876 to 1965 in parts of the United States, especially the south. Those laws mandated segregation of the races in public schools, public places and public transportation. The civil rights legislation in the 1960's ended legalized racial segregation and gave African Americans voting rights.
Internationally acclaimed African American poet and author Maya Angelou spoke to CBS News on the morning after the election.
" I am so proud," said Maya Angelou. "I am filled, I can hardly talk without weeping. I am so filled with pride for my country. What do you say? We are growing up!"
Washington Post columnist and MSNBC News analyst Eugene Robinson is African American, and he told viewers Tuesday night he would never forget this defining moment.
"I think the world will never forget this moment because it is a moment of demarcation," said Eugene Robinson. "There was a before and an after. We don't know what happens in the after, but we know it is different than the before. And it feels different to me to be an American tonight."
VOA Correspondents fanned out across the country to record voters' impressions. Celebrating at a street party in Miami's "Little Haiti" neighborhood, restaurant owner and Haitian American Lucy Coma said her vote was not about race.
"We don't vote for Obama because he is black, we vote because we want change," said Lucy Coma. "That's everybody, white Hispanic, Asian. All the things he promised, that is why we vote for him. We are so happy."
Haitian American Julian Louis was also at the street party.
"This is a big deal for African Americans," said Julian Louis. "It is about time we had some changes in life. Everybody is happy, everybody is proud. They are happy to make it, the first black president out there.
Thomas, 36, is a graphic designer who talked to VOA outside a polling place in New York City's Harlem neighborhood.
"Now when your grandmother tells you that, baby you can be the president of the United States, hey, you don't have to look at her doubtful now," said Thomas. "You can say it is the truth."
Barack Obama will move into the White House with his wife Michelle and their two young daughters Malia and Sasha. The first African American "First Family" will likely be a powerful and hopeful symbol for many.
Recorded (4pm EST): November 2, 2008. Topic: We will have a special guest David Mahan. David Mahan, CEO of Frontline Youth Communications, and Founder of Frontline Youth Development Corps, is a man on a mission, equipped with the tools and resources necessary to impact today's youth culture. David's diverse range of life experiences, charismatic personality, theological background, as well as his talent for design and creative thought, converge to make him a highly effective communicator. However, it is the fact that he is a successful business owner, a devoted husband and a loving father that makes him a fitting role model for today's young people.
We will discuss relationships. Make sure you tune in for an engaging dialog with Bishop Couzens and our listening audience.
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David's passion for reaching his generation has led him into the very front lines of the war over the hearts and minds of today's youth. In addition to his keen insights on topics such as sexual health, manhood, leadership, love and relationships and media influence, David benefits from the practical wisdom of over a decade of effectively communicating them to some of society’s most disadvantaged youth, both in the United States and abroad. For years, David has been a popular assembly and workshop speaker for organizations such as the National Abstinence Clearinghouse (Board member), Maryland Dept. of Health, Pal-Tech (CBAE Conference), Ohio Department of Youth Services, Nigerian Abstinence Education Network, and the Georgia Governor's Office of Children and Families.
David's bold approach to speaking pierces the hearts of young people like a two edged sword — "It cuts going in but heals coming out". His years of experience working with some of our society's most disadvantaged youth have compelled David to become skillful in delivering just the right mix of humor, in-your-face toughness and compassion. His unique style forces his audiences to take a realistic look at their lifestyles and the consequences that those lifestyles will inevitably produce in the future. David's philosophy is that the last thing teens need is another miracle drug, device or detention center. He feels strongly that if we as a nation are to successfully lower the epidemic rates of teen pregnancy, STD's, substance abuse, violence and the shattered dreams of our children, we must once again raise the standards by which we teach them to live. His objective is always to leave young people enriched with a renewed self-concept, empowered with accurate information and motivated to either start or continue to make positive life choices. He stresses that each new day brings with it new opportunities, new choices and new hope.
Cross Movement Records Artists Recognized for Musical Achievements in Gospel Hip-Hop
Nashville, TN(October 29, 2008) - Cross Movement Records is pleased to announce that Cross Movement Records recording artists Da' T.R.U.T.H. and FLAME have been nominated for 2009 Stellar Awards in the "Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year" category, alongside fellow nominees Sho Baraka, Trip Lee and Frontlynaz. In addition, Da' T.R.U.T.H. has been invited to perform on the 24th Annual Stellar Awards, which will be taped for broadcast at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday, January 17, 2009. The show will be hosted by comedian Sinbad and acclaimed gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams.
Don Jackson, CEO of Chicago-based Central City Productions, said the awards show will continue to have first-run broadcast television syndication on more than 100 affiliates around the country in the first quarter of 2009 and will also be shown on cable through a new partnership with the Gospel Music Channel.
Upon learning of his Stellar Award nomination, Da' T.R.U.T.H., nominated for his Open Book project, said, "Congratulations to my fellow co-laborers in this movement to proclaim Christ in the urban mission field who share this nomination with me. When I look at the company I am counted in, it is truly an honor, and yet an even greater responsibility we carry on our shoulders. As God elevates us, we must epitomize His heart and character in every sphere of our ministries."
Da' T.R.U.T.H., winner of the 2007 Stellar Award for "Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year," was named one of the top "Movers and Shakers Under 40" in 2007 by Trumpet Magazine. He scored a 2008 GRAMMY Award nomination for Open Book in the "Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album" category, a 2008 GMA Dove Award nomination in the "Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song" category for Open Book's first radio single, "Who Am I?" (featuring Tye Tribbett) and won a 2008 Gospel Music Channel Video Award in the "Best Hip-Hop Video" category for Open Book's video single "Who Am I?" (featuring Tye Tribbett and Kirk Franklin). The CD set a new record by securing the highest Soundscan/Billboard Chart debut ever for a gospel hip-hop artist when Open Book captured the #2 position on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart. Open Book also debuted at #1 on Soundscan's Christian Hip-Hop Chart, #3 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel Chart and #5 on Billboard's Contemporary Christian Chart.
"It has been awesome to see the response since the release of Our World Redeemed," commented FLAME, nominated for Our World Redeemed. "I am encouraged by the additional support of the Stellar Award nomination and I am excited to hear that my co-laborers who share the same passion for the Lord as I do were also nominated within the same category."
Dove Award nominee FLAME has garnered rave reviews for his two-album series, Our World Fallen (released April 2007) and Our World Redeemed (released March 2008), which together tell the story of a non-believer's journey to faith in Christ, capturing dialogue between FLAME and the non-believer about mankind's spiritual poverty and the grave consequences of a sinful lifestyle. The first Christian hip-hop artist from the Midwest to gain national attention, FLAME released his self-titled debut album on Cross Movement Records in 2004, followed by his sophomore album, Rewind, in 2005. Involved in ministry for more than 10 years, FLAME is currently completing his degree in Biblical Studies at Boyce College in Louisville, and in addition to his role as a national recording artist, he is preaching across the country at churches, events and conferences.
Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s Open Book is available on Cross Movement Records and distributed in the CBA market by Provident-Integrity Distribution and by Sony RED in the general market. For more information on Da' T.R.U.T.H. and his album Open Book, visit www.datruth.net, www.myspace.com/truthonduty or www.crossmovementrecords.com.
FLAME's Our World Redeemed is available on Cross Movement Records and distributed in the CBA market by Provident-Integrity Distribution and by Sony BMG in the general market. For more information on FLAME and his album Our World Redeemed, visit www.crossmovementrecords.com or www.flame314.com.
(Taylor Media Services) The nominees for the 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards were announced last week at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Leading the list of nominees with nine nominations is chart-topping gospel star, Marvin Sapp, whose nominations include 'Song of the Year' for his smash hit "Never Would Have Made It".
Beverly Crawford Sapp is followed by 'Artist of the Year' nominee Beverly Crawford, Kirk Franklin, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Ricky Dillard, all of whom received four or more nominations. The awards show will take place at the historic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Show will take place on January 17, 2009. Additional information about the event is available on line at www.thestellarawards.com
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