I want to say first how proud I am to be an American today. I feel my country has put its best foot forward after many years of exclusionary politics. Regardless of who you supported in this race, and how much you disagree with the outcome of this election, you wake to a better America today, and you should be happy about that.

I'm afraid many people will mistakenly assume that having elected an American of African decent, the road to better race relations has been paved. We cannot yet know how deep the positive effect of this election will be for the state of race relations in our country, but make no mistake about it, there are still many rough patches up ahead. And a lot of work to be done to repair all that is awry between the races in America, but this election is the biggest step we've ever taken to soothing that which ails us.

Congratulations America! Hope is alive and kicking.