Celebrating a real American - and his family

Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th president of the United States. His father was not a former president. His last name does not denote the wealth that a name like Rockefeller or Forbes does. At first glance, the name doesn't even seem American! But no one who was paying attention to his presidential campaign, the passion with which he speaks about our country, and the enthusiasm with which he recited the presidential oath of office on Tuesday can deny that he as red-blooded an American as George Washington himself.
I still have a hard time believing that the first African-American president has been elected. I did believe that it would happen, one day. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would see it happen so soon. I feel so blessed to have been a part of such an historic event. As an African-American, I am inspired by Barack Obama. He inspires me to believe that anything is possible - anything.
Seeing the First Family, a black first family, shows another, less-often seen representation of the black American family. The last time such a family was seen on television -- two highly educated parents with smart, well-rounded, respectful kids -- was when The Cosby Show was on air. It is so refreshing to see such an image.
But apart from being an inspiration to African-Americans, I have to believe that Barack Obama is an inspiration to the entire country, if not the world. His presidency shows us all that we are capable of change, great change. And with this change, I believe, comes a new era of prosperity and peace.

- Alicia Laventure