Black First, American Second?

"For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback." - Michelle Obama, First Lady Elect

"i want u to understand one thing im a black (woman) before im a American." - LAW313

"God Damn America" - Obama's Pastor, Rev Jerimiah Wright

"White Folks, You Owe Us the Whole Country!"

The quotes above seems to epitomize the mindset of many Hyphenated-Americans. Considering the history of Caucasian America, and African blacks in America, the expression "You wouldn't understand, it's a black thing", might be better understood. But, until that mindset changes, Americans de-hyphenated, and integrated into true Americanism, we will always be separated.

"If you're white, you're right" a black folk saying declared; "if you're brown stick around; if you're black, stay back."

"We're through with tokenism and gradualism and see-how-far-you've-comeism. We're through with we've-done-more-for-your-people-than-anyone-elseism. We can't wait any longer. Now is the time." Source ...

Whereas a genuine apology is an important and necessary first step in the process of racial reconciliation;

The Nation Apologizes to Descendants of African-American Slaves
Nation Elects African-American as 44th President

Maybe Barack Obama, being of mixed lineage, and a long-standing member in a Black Theology church pastored by Reverend Jerimiah Wright, will contribute to a change in that mindset - especially since many white Americans provided the majority to elect him.

"Groups of people from anywhere in the world, mixed together in any numbers and proportions whatsoever, will eventually settle down as a harmonious society, appreciating-nay, celebrating!-their differences... which will of course soon disappear entirely." - John Derbyshire Link ...

"... they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay."
- Daniel 2:43 (KJV) | "They will not hold together" (RSV)

Black Theology refers to a variety of Christian theologies which has as its base in the liberation of the marginalized, especially the injustice done towards blacks in American and South African contexts. Black theology mixes liberation theology and the work of Paulo Freire with the civil rights and black power movements.

[Remember the past, but live in the present, and look forward to better tomorrows.]