I ran his campaign as the first Black Assemblyman of the Bronx. Three weeks ago he was laid to rest after a bout with cancer, but three decades of former and political leaders came back and spoke about how he had been the "Obama" for Black politicians in the Bronx. It was then that it hit me hard, how his introduction to politics became MY intorduction as well. Most of the local, state and national leadership, both past and current, I had met through him.
So it is no accident that as a faiith leader, I am also a faith advisor to many of the leading candidates including our current ones. I was able to do the opening invocation (prayer) at three of the last four Democratic conventions, and sat with awe through his last one in Denver, as history unfolded in front of my eyes.
As a New Yorker and a former White House Domestic Policy analyst, I had stood with our Senator and did many TV commentaries for her and served as a political analyst for many stations. When we came to the convention, we became ONE team and I was able to participate in an historic moment as Senator Obama accepted the nomination for President of the United States of America.
I never thought I'd see that moment, and have been part of the team ever since. What joy is welled up in my soul as we see the dawning of a new day in America and in the world. Truly the world is watching to see if we can be one nation, indivisible with justice for all. I was on Pres. Clinton's Race intitiative where he forced America to put race on the table. Today, we realize the dreams and we can celebrate not only the God our of our weary years and silent tears but also the God who brought us this far by faith.
I addressed the students at Rankin Chapel at Howard University this past Sunday, November 9th. What a time to have something to say. What a God that allowed us to see this moment.
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Rev. Dr Suzan Johnson Cook (Dr. Sujay) is the author of MOVING UP (Doubleday) and a faith advisor to elected officails and celebrities and one of America's pastors. She can be reached at
www.DrSujay.com.
