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Obama Raises Black Hopes

Across the nation, his win brings pride, joy, and hope

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 5, 2008 1:35 PM CST

(Newser) – African-Americans across the country are largely proud, amazed, and thrilled after Barack Obama's Iowa win, writes the New York Times. Interviews across the country found that while Obama's support among black people is not universal, his triumph in a white state is nonetheless worthy of celebration. “I think he’s already made a significant change in the mindset of people,” said one Maryland man.

Others cautioned against buying into a "fairy tale" of a nation ridding itself of racism. But, in general, most expressed both hope and pride. "It was like, ‘Oh, my God, we’re on the cusp of something big about to happen,’ ” said a Harlem man.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., waves to supporters with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia, left, and Sasha, center, at an after caucus rally at the Hy-Vee Center after... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., makes remarks to his supporters after his victory in the Democratic Iowa caucus Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets the crowd after delivering remarks to the Congressional Black Caucus during their Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, Friday,... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets the crowd after delivering remarks to the Congressional Black Caucus at their Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, Friday, Sept.... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., shakes hands after a rally, Saturday Jan. 5, 2008, in Nashua, N.H. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

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Obama Raises Black Hopes

Across the nation, his win brings pride, joy, and hope

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Barack Obama • African Americans • race relations • black community • Election 2008 • Iowa caucuses

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Obama to Meet With Black Church Leaders

White House meeting comes amid criticism from African Americans

Race? Only Thing Obama Transcends Is Logic

Instead of putting conflict behind us, Dem's crowd perceives insult just about everywhere

Obama Victory a Post-Partisan Vindication

Refusing to play ugly, Obama wins big in mostly white Iowa

Slavery Reparations Should Be Obama's Next Stimulus

Time for the president to break his long silence on America's racial divide

Dems Leave the South Behind

Once-pivotal region misses the boat

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Obama Raises Black Hopes

Across the nation, his win brings pride, joy, and hope

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • African Americans • race relations • black community • Election 2008 • Iowa caucuses

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama to Meet With Black Church Leaders

White House meeting comes amid criticism from African Americans

Race? Only Thing Obama Transcends Is Logic

Instead of putting conflict behind us, Dem's crowd perceives insult just about everywhere

Obama Victory a Post-Partisan Vindication

Refusing to play ugly, Obama wins big in mostly white Iowa

Slavery Reparations Should Be Obama's Next Stimulus

Time for the president to break his long silence on America's racial divide

Dems Leave the South Behind

Once-pivotal region misses the boat

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?