I was at home with my husband and two of my three children when we found out that Barack Obama was our next president. I cried, for the renewal of the American dream. I cried for my three adopted children, all children of colour. I cried for my Italian immigrant mother who was not here to see her dream fulfilled.

My mother always believed we are all equal. She use to lie to her mother so she could go to Harlem and dance at the Apollo while she was growing up… My tears were tears of joy, my tears stood for all the things I believe in, that every child has a right to a safe place to live, to put their head at night, to know love, and to pursue their dream no matter what that dream is, and yes to become president of the United States of America. ————-

Where was I when Barack Obama was elected? I went into the kitchen with Obama having a lead but with McCain moving up. When I came out, Obama had won! We did it! Black, White, brown, yellow, red , young, old. We elected Barack Obama by a decisive margin.

Then I saw Jesse Jackson with his finger to his mouth, tears in his eyes and look on his face that spoke volumes and I wept. We really did it. God bless Barack Obama. God bless America —- Santa Rosa.

I am one American who did’nt vote for Obama, so I was curious about what he’d say. I watched and noted a great speech, a wonderful new first family and an awesomely huge and emotional crowd. Their joy was palpable. I, too, was proud that an African-American had achieved a remarkable goal… another ‘glass ceiling’ was shattered… I am so happy that there is a new basis of hope in the dreams of so many minority young people.

“Today I am still proud that this America is one that now is coming together, peaceably, to recognize that this is truly a president that reflects the dreams of so many of us.