OBAMA Wins: Letter to my son and daughter

Collin and Danae.,

This morning of history I wake up as a proud Father and African American man to have lived to see this day that my children would witness a historic moment. Never in history has this nation accepted a Black Man to sit in the highest office as President of these United States. Your father's struggle like many other black's in america has been to accomplish things in this life that would set an example for not only others, but my children. I took the course of education and hard work for the hopes of one day my kids could live in a world that they would have a chance to be perceived by those who were in power as; worthy, intelligent, significant and strong. The atrocities in America for 400 years have made it very difficult for African American families, homes, relationships, and marriages to succeed. We all have a way that we see the world. But today is a dawning of a new day. Barrack and Michele Obama have restored my faith in the African American family and will to succeed. They represent what our culture is all about. Daddy does not care what race you fall in love with and spend the rest of your lives. What daddy has always cared about is that you as a young black man and young black woman work hard and never let this world make you feel like you are less than significant. In order to do that, you can't talk about it, you got to be about it. There were many days in my life that I had to push through the debris of being viewed in that way, whether it was in business, work, college...etc. I know what it is like to not get the promotion because I am black. I know what it is like to be disregarded in the classroom because I am black. I know what it like to not get the business because I am black. But I never let those things stop me and keep me down. I always had you guys in mind in my work, even before you were born, I had you in mind. Daddy started pushing himself to do better and be better at 14 years old. I refused to accept less than what this nation was willing to give me. I saw blacks in Central Florida at 14 picking oranges and tomatoes in order to pay their bills. It was a day of change for me. Without knowing any of my children, your mom, grandmother or what the future may hold, I made a decision for myself, my wife and kids that day that I would be a man of intelligence, of education, effort, respectability, and hard work. I never let anybody take that committment away from me. I made that decision at 14 while walking down the street in Tampa, FL. No one was there but me and God. Daddy has always pushed you in the classroom because I know that's where you have your best chance. Barrack and Michelle has worked hard in the classroom and society and now it is paying off. Never confuse Dad's sentiments for you to work hard and be respectible citizens as I don't care. Let me speak for myself. I care through my refusal to watch you fail. I care through my refusal to watch you not TRY. I care through my refusal to watch you do things that I know is not good for you. I care through my refusal to watch you not be honorable. We as black people are not thuggs, ghetto, and gangsters. We are very intelligent people who need to focus our stregnths in the right direction. This is my love for all my children. I have found that when you start out all ready behind the eight ball that you don't have time to play games. It's the way I Father, Pastor, Coach and do Business. I will never change from that because there is too much at stake. I love you guys, your brother and Davion. I want you to do well in life and I will still be there to coach you, push you, father you and pastor you. You are my children and I am committed to you in doing right, but not in doing wrong. Take life serious because you owe a whole lot more to the world and those who struggled before any of us then you can imagine. I expect the classroom, books and hardwork to become your friend and not your foe. Love life and opportunity. Do your best and don't settle to always find a short cut. There are no short cuts in life ... only long hard fought roads. I love you and this is my letter to you on this great American Historical Day...November 5, 2008.

Love Always and Forever,

Daddy.