Cautious joy as blacks imagine Obama win

[ailsagirl]

By JESSE WASHINGTON AP National Writer
Article Launched: 11/01/2008 09:35:26 AM PDT

Lula Cooper expects the tears to flow if Barack Obama becomes the first black president. But she's not breaking out the tissues just yet. "I cried when I marked my ballot for him. We've had such an incredible journey to this point," said the former civil rights activist, her voice quavering. "I think he's going to win, but I really am very, very cautious."

Like a Hollywood blockbuster whose conclusion feels assured but still sets the heart racing, the endgame of this election has gripped black America with a powerful mixture of emotions.

Obama's potential victory represents a previously unimaginable triumph over centuries of racism. But beneath the hope and pride lies fear: of polling inaccuracy, voting chicanery, or the type of injustice and violence that have historically stymied African-American progress.

Cooper, 75, experienced the oppression of the 1950s and '60s as she was dragged off to jail for protesting segregation in Wilmington, Del., where her husband was DuPont's first black chemist. Now living in the Southwest, she said she experienced modern politics when her husband lost a recent bid to become their city's first black mayor after the election was switched to mail-in ballots rather that polling-place voting.

So when it comes to Obama, Cooper is "optimistic and hopeful—but experience plays a big part."

"With my generation, in the '60s every leader that we had was killed," she said. "Then it's almost like a plate over your heart. Once you've been hurt—King, Kennedy, Medgar Evers—you dare not put that much emotion out there again."

http://www.marinij.com/election2008/ci_10874666

[SuperTrouper]

1. I have several friends that are African Americans and there is

so much pride in their eyes, like eyeing a precious prize but still not believing that it could be possible. I, as a Hispanic man, always dream when one day a Hispanic man or woman makes it to the Presidency of the greatest country in the world.

[ailsagirl]

2. Now I feel that anything is possible-- Obama broke down the

barriers and really has united us. And he's not even President yet!!!! :kick:

[Howardx]

4. a Hispanic man or woman makes it to the Presidency

it wont be long my friend.

[skooooo]

5. As long as they're smart, ethical and Democratic..

...I don't care if they're green. I'll vote for them.

[SuperTrouper]

6. Oh God, I hope. But I am so happy and overjoyed for Obama's historic quest

[jwirr]

3. The emotion is very evident on the faces in the photos - especially

the children. I am white and worked for civil rights in the 60s-70s and I am going to be crying so I can just imagine what it means for others. We shall overcome keeps running through my mind - however there is still much to overcome - his election will give those still waiting more hope.

[codjh9]

7. Blacks?!? Hey, a lot of us anglos/whites are pretty damned excited about an Obama victory too!!

Hell, maybe it'll even bring the country closer together - well, except for the dumb-ass racist portion of it.

[calimary]

8. Man, I know that feeling well.

"With my generation, in the '60s every leader that we had was killed," she said. "Then it's almost like a plate over your heart. Once you've been hurt—King, Kennedy, Medgar Evers—you dare not put that much emotion out there again."

When you're almost afraid to get your hopes up, because of all the times in the past when you got burned. I'm white as Wonderbread, but I've known this feeling intimately, and too often to want to count.