Two years ago, I stood in line at a local library to cast my vote for Barack Obama. I considered the six-hour wait a privilege that I was blessed to experience. The atmosphere was indescribable -- people praying, singing and having conversations about what that day could mean.

I remember thinking how much I wished my grandmother Cora were alive to see it. Everyone I knew, both family and friends, were texting across the states about the length of their lines. Like me, no one seemed to mind. We all simply wanted to hear what we ultimately heard: “Barack Obama, president of the United States of America.”

Those memories surfaced this week while attending a friend’s gathering. Two years ago we were all staunch Obama supporters. Now it appeared things have changed, with my friend’s support either diminished or nonexistent. Some of the comments I heard were hard to believe.

Unable to sit there silently, I asked: “What happened to the support we once shared?”

The response: “Girl, please!”

I am disappointed to hear one-time Obama supporters wavering on whether or not they will vote in this mid-term election. Comments like, “nothing is changing, so what is the benefit?” is disheartening. When I think of conditions left by the prior administration, how could I expect two years to be enough time?

There are so many opinions circulating in the communities, as well as on the airwaves. It is emotional for me because I have been blessed to live through many conditions in this country -- conditions good and bad.

Even though I was just a young child, watching a black-and-white television, I remember: When I think that the right to vote has not always been available to me, I cannot stay home. When I think about the struggle of my ancestors to pave a better day, I cannot stay home.

It is in the memory of my grandmother Cora, a seamstress in the White House, forced to enter through the back door, that I will once again cast my vote.
***
Tanya Wilson is an inspirational speaker in Charlotte. Friend her on Facebook or email her at tw360you@aol.com.
 

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