So today I was part of history. Today I stood in line from 6:30am until 9:50am to cast my vote for America's first president of color. No matter whom you vote for or how you vote, you will be making history. For the first time in the history of the United States a man of color or a woman will be in the white house. I was a little discouraged the day prior about standing in line to vote. The line spanned for at least a mile and the wait was 8-10 hours. After two hours I got out of line yesterday but not today.
I think it was fate that encouraged me to get up, get dressed and face the 36 degree weather. Since I live in Atlanta now, I have not had a need to wear my "triple fat goose down jacket", but today I had to pull it out of the back of the closet. I even grabbed my rabbit fur "Kangol" skull cap. Don't laugh because I was ready to face the elements. I even had a thermo glass filled with hot chocolate. Not too much because I didn't to have to go to the bathroom.
When I arrive to the poll station, I see the line is already in the parking lot. The local news crew was on point, taking interviews and scanning the crowd with the camera. I got my place in line and exchanged greetings with fellow voters. After a brief conversation with the lady behind me, the magic happened.
I took out my MP3 player and turned it on. My ears were filled with the sounds of Kurt Carr and Kurt Carr Singers, For Every Mountain. As the words began to echo in my head:
For every mountain, You brought me over, for every trial You seen me through, for every blessing Hallelujah, For this I give You praise!
I started looking at the faces of the people and beginning to see the people that came before me. The marchers in Selma, Dr. King, Rosa Parks and those who were beaten by the police and bitten by the dogs. See they climbed the mountain before me so I may exercise my freedom to vote. I dare not use a chair; I stand like my grandmother did with my charge ahead of me. Thanks to them I do not have to face the dogs. The police are now there to assist me not to brutalize me. I stand and walk step by step and inch by inch to make a difference and advocate for change.
It was about a hundred people before me and I wonder if the two lone white faces felt the feeling that my forefathers felt. I don't know who or care who they were voting for. It was just the irony of it all that now we all stand together. The sun begins to rise and I march on to the door.
I must admit I was a little disappointed that the state was not equipped to handle the charge. When it was finally my turn I was flabbergasted to find there only five regular booths available and one booth for handicap voters. I would think this day would have more importance to the government so that they may equip themselves to handle the responders answering the call to change.
I work everyday and I vote in most elections, however, TODAY I made a difference and I made a change. I am so thankful for this opportunity and I am glad to see my community step up to call. So if you haven't voted I encourage you to do so. If you have, help someone else along the way.
Maybe tomorrow I will write about the comedy I saw in lines! 