Many black children have not pursued their dreams because of myths society has tied to skin color. History books and educational curricula that did not record and teach the history of Black Americans did a disservice to both black and white Americans. Knowledge is the key to understanding. As African Americans celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation which freed the slaves in 1863 (Texas 2 years later, June 19th 1865) some, one hundred forty-five years later there has not been a dialog on race and racism between black and white America. Barack Obama talks openly about his personal life, his parents and his grandmother.  He tells the fact that his father was black and his mother white. Somewhere along the way he was confused about his identify and where he fitted into American Society, yet he found his place.

  Forty long years after the assassination of  Dr. Martin Luther, King Jr. Barack Obama who was just 6 years old at the time, has made history. Somebody in his life took the time to help develop his values and to develop positive self-esteem in him. Somebody in his life understood that our children are our future.
  America is judging Obama by the contents of his character and not the color of his skin.  The history he is making will crack the face of racism and cause some black child to see him or herself in a different light...one that lifts the contents of character above race and racism.