AN IRONIC CIVIL MOMENT

So... let's talk about irony. The African American Community has been the "poster child" for the civil rights movement in this nation. They have experience the worst of human nature and sacrafice with slavery being a deep scar on the fabric of American History. They stood united together through the 1960's as they marched through the streets led by Dr. King's idealogy. They hold tight to the lessons of Rosa Parks. They didn't forget the race riot that took place right here in Springfield, Illinois that led to the formation of the NAACP. They have fought long and hard for equality and an enormous step was taken on November 4, 2008 when Barack Obama, the first African American became President-Elect. It was a moment that the world would never forget. The pride of this achievement was a direct result from the work of Dr. King more than 40 years ago.Something else happened on November 4, 2008 as well. A resolution, simply named Proposition 8, passed by just a few percentage points in the state of California. Prop. 8 banned gay marriage. Why did Proposition 8 pass after the state Supreme Court legalized Gay Marriage earlier in the year? Because African Americans came out in strong numbers for Barack Obama. Traditional Black Churches came out in huge numbers and many feel that this group of voters made the difference for Proposition 8. The irony here is how the Black Community, in a hour of triumph in their civil rights movement, striked down an achievement by another minority group that has also experience it's own journey in the civil rights movement. These Black Churches cry out for understanding and acceptance in society when they themselves also cast the stones of judgement. So what can I say to this group? All I can say is that I respect and honor your history. I feel heartache and pain for the journey you have taken on this long road of equality. Above all else... I forgive you for not understanding my own. Sometimes we fight so hard for ourselves that we simply forget that their are others that do suffer. I am different from you but I also realize that you are my brothers in humanity. Yes, we have our differences but when we meet in the middle, we might find that we have alot more in common. Education about each other is the key... sometimes it's a different perspective that allows us to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our day is coming... and I hope that after some new perspectives and understanding about each other that when that day comes... these Black Churches will stand with me in triumph as I stood with them when Barack Obama became our President.