When I arrived at the mall and was surrounded by so many people, I immediately embraced several strangers. Though we were strangers, we stood together as a family for this historic moment in time. My emotions were so overwhelming that tears were endlessly falling down my face. I wanted so deeply to have shared this historic moment physically with my mother, Ola Rogers. I even thought about my ancestors, who didn’t get to experience this opportunity. Then all of sudden, I can vividly hear the voices of my mother and many of my former teachers, who care so much about me, saying, “You can be what ever you want to be. The sky is the limit.”

Right here and right now, their words rang so true. President Obama is a prime example of what a true believer of these words of wisdom. His character speaks for itself.

My five-year-old daughter Jada constantly asks questions: “Why is “Uncle Obama” (this is what Jada calls him) the first African-American president? Why do you keep saying that you can’t believe that he is the President of the United States of America?”

My answer to her is, “This is something I hoped and prayed for, but I never believed that it would happen in my life time. Now that it has happened, there are no words that could explain the joy in my soul. President Obama is an amazing man!”

In time, my daughter will understand the impact of this day. This historic event reminds me of myself when I was a child, though I wasn’t old enough to understand, the impact Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made during the civil rights era. As a child in southern Alabama, I have grown to understand and appreciate the sacrifice of those before me. President Barack Obama is truly a role model for every African-American male. First Lady Michelle Obama is certainly a woman that every African-American female can strive to become. Just like me, my daughter Jada has the opportunity to grow up during a time when African-Americans are changing the course of history in the United States of America. And for this I am eternally grateful.

President Obama’s inauguration has inspired people from all over the world. I hope that his term in office will heal our country and bring peace among the nations. I believe this “historic moment” offers hope, motivation, encouragement and inspiration to all of us.

President Obama speaks to my soul. So, to all my family, friends, former teachers and those who have crossed my path, I hope and pray that we continue to strive to make a change in our lives and our children’s.

Let’s continue to be positive and keep the faith. This is a new year, new changes, and a new President of the United States of America.

May God Bless America!

Mohandas Gandhi once said, “Be the change that you want to see in the world.”