Pledging is Over... Here comes the hard part

Okay. I was talking with one of my educated and conscious friends earlier today. A please take offense when I say "educated and conscious." Just because you have a high school diploma or college degree does not qualify you as educated and conscious- master's degrees or Ph.D's either. Now that I've clarified that, I'll move on (are you offended)?

My homie's perspective on Obama's victory was different from every other Black person that I had encountered on November 5, 2008. He like many other people didn' vote for Obama, and before you fly off the handle, he didn't vote for McCain either. But all off that is irrelevant to the point I'm trying to make, but it's still entertaining information. My homie's POV (and I paraphrase) is that "Black people are caught up in an euphoric moment- we are on an extreme high. And that my friends is very dangerous."

He feels as if "there's more bad that could come out of Obama's Presidency than good." I know at this point you're frowning (I was too). But he explained that "people, especially Black people, are expecting miracles from this man... and when he's not able to deliver, then what?"

Some of us Black folk and our friends from others races and ethnicities are running around like we've arrived- like because Obama is the President-elect, racism no longer exists. A L-I-E! Racism will not be abated in a day. Obama ran a campaign for 21 months. 24 months ago, we were marching Jena, LA trying to ensure justice would be available to 6 Black boys. Racism is still alive.

Don't get me or my homie wrong. Obama has accomplished something great with the help of the folks who voted for him. That's good. Here's where me and my homie's thoughts converge... Black people have never been this involved in the political process. We have never cared this much about the President of the United States. Barack Obama will be the President of the USA. Now what?

Some people feel like there's a new day ahead. There will only be a new day if we continue to be informed and involved in the happenings of our community and country. I like Obama's slogan- "Yes We Can." But we must switch modes from celebration to re-motivation and mobilization- YES WE WORK! It's time to work y'all! I like McCain's slogan too- "Country First." But I'll make a change to it also. COMMUNITY FIRST!

WE MUST WORK! If not me, then who?

If you voted for Obama and you don't feel responsible for this country, you've officially been put in the stupid friend category. I feel as if I'm responsible for the whole world now. Obama said "we can change the world." I voted for him, now I have to help my Black President Change the World, and I'll do that by working on my COMMUNITY.

Pause and Consider. When pledging a fraternity or sorority, the pledge's focus is pledging and school. Once you crossed, you're responsible for the members of that organization, your chapter. It's not about you anymore.

The campaign is over. Pledging is over. Now the real work begins. You're responsible. Will you just wear the shirt or will you put COMMUNITY FIRST and WORK?

Pledging is over... Here comes the hard part.