Harlem anticipates Obama presidency

[Cali_Democrat]

http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/uselections2008/2008/11/2008113231752742928.html

Harlem anticipates Obama presidency
By Adla Massoud


Traditionally the backyard of Hillary and Bill Clinton, Harlem is now abuzz with Obama fever.

The United States' epicentre of black culture is bracing itself for the prospect of the nation's first black presidential candidate, more than six decades after Harlem elected New York's first African-American to congress.

The fight between Barack Obama and John McCain is creating history and residents of the New York neighbourhood are filled with pride and excitement, but also fear.

Arleen Hatcher, the 47-year-old owner of Fisher's of Men restaurant on 125th Street, never thought she would live to see this election day and confesses to frazzled nerves.

"I think it is wonderful thing that, even if he doesn't win, the opportunity has presented itself that an African- American can actually run and be nominated today.

"It is one thing that we have fought very hard for, what my ancestors died for - that cause - and to finally see it done is overwhelming," she says.

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Emma Clark, a retired teacher who was looking to purchase an Obama T-shirt with her 93-year-old mother on Malcolm X Boulevard, agrees.

"What we love most of all about him is that he is a Black American who is for all people, representing all of America.

"The key thing is that he is everyone - not for blacks alone, for Hispanics alone, Asians alone, whites alone, he is for everyone," Clark says.

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http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/uselections2008/2008/11/2008113231752742928.html

[Cali_Democrat]

1. Thoughts?

[MANative]

2. My husband works in the South Bronx at a

large drug store chain. He says that for the last week or so, all anybody is talking about is how good it will feel to have Obama as president. His top assistant is originally from Bangladesh, another assistant is a native of Mexico, 2 or 3 employees(I forget which) are originally from India and one is from Pakistan. 3 more are born and bred NYers. Every last one of them is a passionate Obama supporter. All the regular customers are wearing their Obama hats and t-shirts. In that neighborhood - it will be an Obama blowout and one hell of a party tonight and into tomorrow!

[Cali_Democrat]

3. Same story here in SoCal......

I know a lot of Iranian-Americans here and they are so passionate about an Obama Presidency.

Many of them used to be Republicans in 2000, but they have seen the light. They can't stand the Republicans now. It's great to see.