Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

For African Americans, Pride in a Breakthrough

Blacks nationwide express hope, optimism in victory

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 5, 2008 6:33 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – In his St. Paul victory speech, Barack Obama made no mention of the fact that he is effectively the first black presidential nominee of a major party. But in interviews with African Americans across the country, the New York Times discovered overwhelming pride in the Illinois senator's candidacy and optimism that race relations are improving. "Never in a million years would I have thought this was possible," said one woman in Harlem.

A Ghanaian bus driver in Minnesota says Obama's victory gives him "new goals for my little girl," while a conservative black activist admitted that he "choked up" as he watched the senator clinch the nomination. Many African Americans interviewed worry that race, a notorious wedge issue, might still keep Obama from the White House. But most agreed with the man on 125th Street who called Obama's victory "a monumental step."

In this Nov. 2, 2004 file photo Senator-elect Barack Obama, holding daughter Malia, 6, and his wife Michelle, holding their daughter Sasha, 3, are covered in confetti after Obama's acceptance speech.
In this Nov. 2, 2004 file photo Senator-elect Barack Obama, holding daughter Malia, 6, and his wife Michelle, holding their daughter Sasha, 3, are covered in confetti after Obama's acceptance speech.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Barack Obama, second row center, is seen with is junior varsity basketball team in this 1977 yearbook class photo in Honolulu.
Barack Obama, second row center, is seen with is junior varsity basketball team in this 1977 yearbook class photo in Honolulu.   (AP Photo/Punahoe Schools, File)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. talks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 4, 2008, after voting.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. talks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 4, 2008, after voting.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama waves upon finishing his speech at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference 2008, Wednesday, June 4, 2008, in Washington.
Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama waves upon finishing his speech at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference 2008, Wednesday, June 4, 2008, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Barack Obama poses with a youth group from Covenant House in Washington, Wednesday, July 18, 2007, prior to delivering a speech on the struggles of the nation's poor.
Barack Obama poses with a youth group from Covenant House in Washington, Wednesday, July 18, 2007, prior to delivering a speech on the struggles of the nation's poor.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Obama, the giant-slayer
Time

"I just kept thinking, â??What would Dr. King think?â?? "
Politico

Politics • US

 
Barack Obama • race • African Americans • race relations • Democratic nomination • African-Americans

More Newser Stories

Falling From Favor: The Term 'African American'

Gingrich: Obama So Terrible Blacks Will Vote for Us

Obama Only Marked Black on Census—Unfortunately

Tea Party's Whip-Wielding Obama Float Stirs Anger

Obama Blew It With 'Black' Census Pick
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne