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     I got a call from one of the local newspapers that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition had selected a local family for renovations and they wanted me to photograph it to go with an article they were planning to run. I thought that was an exciting assignment. I had watched the program dozens of times with my family, being moved my the stories and the people in them. I was anxious to meet the family, hear their story and meet the cast of the show.

     The Slaughter family and their story were amazing. The couple and five children lived in a two bedroom house that had water and wind damage among other problems. I watched as hundred of volunteers and neighbors pulled together to build them a beautiful house. Neighbors talked about how the couple loved to help others and it was easy to help them.

     I was also intrigued about photographing Ty Pennington, who had more of a cult following than I thought. So I wanted to make sure I got a few good shots of him for my portfolio as well. The other members of the cast were also fun to shoot.

     Today I celebrate the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America for several reasons. I’d like to share a few of those reasons with you.

     First, from a historic perspective, America turned out in record numbers to elect the first minority - the first African American - to be the chief executive of the most powerful country in the world. For a country that has been marred in racial division for hundreds of years that is a monumental achievement in and of itself. At one point this country would not have even recognized President-elect Obama as a man or give him the opportunity to vote. Now he is the commander in chief. This victory was one for everyone who was ever discriminated against, oppressed, disenfranchised, abused, slighted, overlooked, devalued or wronged in any way. Your vindication - our vindication - began with the election of our next president.

     Secondly, I see my late grandmother in Obama. I wish that she were alive to witness it. I kissed her picture the other day because I missed her. I missed what she stood for, how she stood up for those without a voice big enough to be heard. She was a community organizer and a fighter for labor rights and a campaign manager for many politicians on the local and state levels in Baltimore. Granny not only believed in what she could do, but she believed in what other people could do even when they didn’t believe in themselves. She reminded anyone who listened that God did not leave us or forsake us and that a brighter day was coming. When Barack Obama was elected president, he stood there as my grandmother.

     Thirdly, Barack Obama represents hope for every Black male (particularly African American males). Racial problems have not disappeared because of a historic day of voting. But what it did was gave a broader view of who the African American male you walk past could be. At one point you might have thought stereotypically that he was a rapper, a gang banger, or a thug. But now, just maybe, that man could be the future president of the United States of America. Being able to tell my children and one day my grandchildren that you can be whatever you want, even if they want to be the President, will have greater meaning. Now they have an example they can look at say, “Yes we can” because Barack Obama changed the course of history. A young black man can no longer look at himself and say it can’t happen. Obama raised the bar for everybody, especially black males, and has created greater hope and touchable dreams.

     Although the reasons are extensive, I’ll leave you with this final reason why I celebrate Obama’s election. I attended rallies for John McCain and Barack Obama during the campaign. At McCain’s rallies I saw crowds that didn’t resemble the America I live in. But at Obama’s rallies I saw supporters of all races, ethnic backgrounds, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It showed me a state of united Americans. I witnessed the coming together that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about 45 years ago. I felt the spirit of unity that Obama had been speaking about. Standing in the midst of those crowds, I believed that we could work together, live together and build a better United States of America.  So I celebrate.

     I know that the road ahead is not an easy one. But if we all come together and do our parts, anything is possible. I will continue to pray for the United States, Barack Obama and his family and all of us who want to see a better and stronger United States of America.

     I have always been intrigued by politics. It must be something about the historic nature of it. Many people become tired and irritated by the campaign ads which become bitter, especially during the last days leading up to the election. But it’s something about the analysts and political “experts crunching numbers and projecting winners that marvels me. Plus, you add the comedy that comes along with it, and you have me glued to all of the channels - CNN, MSNBC, BET, Comedy Central, and of course NBC (Saturday NIght Live).

     When all is said and done, what matters most to me is that everyone gets out and votes. It doesn’t matter if you support Sen. John McCain (Rebulican from Arizona) or Sen. Barack Obama (Democrat from Illinois) or any of the other candidates that we never hear about after the Republican and Democratic conventions. But the price paid for us to have this privilege, this right, was enormous. We owe it to those who fought and died that every person’s voice is heard. Your vote does count!

     I had the honor and privilege of photographing both McCain and Obama during their campaigns. It’s my pleasure to share a couple of these pictures with you. Maybe you seeing one of these pictures will encourage you to get out in vote. Whatever your motivation, use it to get to the polls and encourage others to exercise their right to make a difference.