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Race Hovers on Edges of Obama's Speech

President alludes to slavery, points to diversity as a strength

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 20, 2009 3:09 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama made only subtle reference to his race in today’s inaugural address, but it came up again and again throughout the 18-minute address. He said that America owed its prosperity to “the makers of things,” who “endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth,” and that the election of a black man was a sign of the country’s bedrock values.

“We know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness,” he said. “Because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself.”

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Columbia University students and faculty watch the inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama on television Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at Columbia University in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

Marilyn Berry of Hill City, Kan. watches the inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation's 44th president Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 at the township hall in Nicodemus, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Michaelann Logan clasps her hands together while observing the inauguration of Barack Obama as president Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)

The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, delivers his inaugural address Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Jim Bourg, Pool)

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Race Hovers on Edges of Obama's Speech