NYLC YAC Advisor Attends Inauguration

By: Julia Sewell

Close your eyes. Imagine being surrounded by millions of some of the most energetic and inspiring people that you will ever meet. Imagine being a part of history.

This “dream” became a reality to me when I attended the swearing-in of our nation's first African-American president, Barack Hussein Obama. Reflecting on my experience, I still get chills. The history that was made on January 20th, 2009 was monumental. This inauguration was more than the election of our countries’ first African-American president. It represented a materialization of a hope that visualized some 200 years ago — that change is here, and that we are this change.

“I never thought I would live to see this day” said an elderly woman in the crowd. Thinking back on the history of America and my history as an African-American woman, I too felt the pride in my nation, pride that the worth of a man or woman was no longer to be judged by his color but rather by his or her abilities. It is, in the end, our abilities, our personalities, and our ethics that make us great. The color of our skin stands merely as an added bonus! I felt such pride because the words of Martin Luther King not only rang in my ears but were being made into a reality before my very eyes.

As Obama said that day: “We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”

This is one of his many remarks that motivates me to continue with the work that I do; I am motivated to help spread this energy. I have no doubt that more people will get involved in service-learning. The President has given each American a call to action and a calling to serve.

As I left Washington, D.C., I did not feel sad, but rather moved and excited to get back to my Minneapolis community. I serve on the Youth Partnership Team for America’s Promise Alliance and am also on the Youth Board for Youth Noise. Recently, I was selected to be a fellow in the Young People for organization. Through these opportunities, I plan programs, implement service-learning projects, and interact with and motivate young people. I use spoken word to educate people about the achievement gap, and offer ways that people can then get involved.

Obama has paved a way for all Americans to abandon the excuses about why we can’t get involved and be the change. It is my hope that we take the challenge raised by our new president and truly become the hope that our ancestors have long dreamed of.  

Because of Obama’s words and dreams, I am motivated to continue to dream.