February is Black History Month and, with Barack Obama’s inauguration as the U.S.’s first Black President, it’s time to ponder what that means for Canada.

We Canadians like to think we’re a tolerant people – even though we have a checkered history with Aboriginals, Jews, and Japanese-Canadians. Still, we can be smug about our history when we compare it to the southern U.S.’s slavery and segregation because much of our history is different.

 
January 25, 2009
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Jonah 3;1-10
Mark 1:14-20                              Decisions

I just heard on CBC that Obama is closing Gauntanimo bay!!! (sp?)

I can't wait to see the Canadian Government's reaction when Omar Kadr gets back to Canada under his own steam....should be one hell of an interesting confrontation.  Methink Harper is going to take some serious PR damage.

Any thoughts?  Comments?  Info?

I had my doubts about Obama but this is definately a step in the right direction!

As-Salaamu Alaikum!

-Omni

How can you not love a President who brings a poet to the Inauguration!  It was my favourite part, particularly the last line....

Elizabeth Alexander's Praise for the Day

Praise song for the day.

A lot of people of very excited about the new President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama. Me, too. 

Some are excited because he is a welcome change from an unpopular administration.

Some are excited about his being the first African-American President.

Some are excited about his anticipated Environmental policies, Foreign policies, Domestic policies... that he actually has policies!

One of our bloggers (and others) is excited by Mr. Obama's preaching style - he's brought back into the public forum, real old school, rhetorical style preaching.

I've never been much of bandwagon kind of guy. I've never cheered for the Dallas Cowboys or the New York Yankees; I haven't read any of the Twilight books, I shop for Trans Fats and I still think that the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to win the Stanley Cup. I don't go with the flow.

But I am secretly a little bit excited.

It's no secret that Barack Obama has a lot on his plate. He's expected to reinvigorate the US economy, pull American troops out of two drastically unpopular war zones, and make good on countless other promises regarding the environment, education, and health-care he made during his campaign for presidency. As if that's not enough, he has unequivocally captured the attention of the entire world, quickly becoming a symbol of hope, change, equality, and optimism.

I am posting this thread so that people will be able to leave comments until after the inauguration on Tuesday. There will be lots to watch and listen to on TV starting with the train leaving tomorrow morning.

If you hear or see anything interesting, please post it here so that we are all in the know.

It is an exciting time.

Is this the worst time for an African-American to be president. Can Obama see it through? Expectations are so high especially for the black community. Can he fulfill the dreams of all Americans? If he fails for what ever reason, will it put having other cultures as President of the United States back 100 years.

I hope not. I hope his vision is clear and that the people around him help him achieve his vision.