I figured I’d go out and capture a few pictures in the snow today. Didn’t feel like going far so I just walked down the street and snapped a few. This old guy was the only model I could find. Maybe during the next snowfall I’ll find more.
I didn’t know what to expect when my wife and I decided to go to Washington, D.C., to be a part of the historic inauguration of America’s first African-American president. Despite the cold weather and the millions of people squeezed together like the images I’d seen of slave ships bringing Africans to the Eastern Coast of what’s now the United States of America, there is no other place I would rather be.
I saw the T-shirt that read, “I was here,” with a picture of Barack Obama. I saw the hats and scarves with Obama’s name, signature or picture. I saw the tears from blacks, whites, asians, latinos and people of all economic and ethnic backgrounds. They estimate that there was more than 2 million people who became a part of history with President Obama. I was counted during election and I was counted again January 20, 2009.
I wrote another blog about the significance of President Obama’s election and what it means to my month-old grandson and his generation. I’m sure I’ll write more about the significance as time goes on. But my grandson will never have to wonder if a black man can become president in America. By the time he is old enough to understand what happened, maybe they’ll be many more significant events that we can point to. Then one day, he’ll be making other inroads because of the foundations that generations before him laid.
That leads me to my next and final statement for this blog. I desire to do God’s will and maybe somewhere down the line, someone will say it was because of something I did or something I said that allowed for future generations to make further advancements. I never thought there was anything that I couldn’t be or couldn’t do. But seeing Barack Obama sworn in as president of the most powerful country on the planet raised my desire to be a part of history by helping uplift this nation and its people. I’ve also looked at my grandson and determined that I will make a greater impact on the future and future generations, one life at a time.
2008 left with promise and 2009 entered with inspiration and motivation to improve life for myself, my family, those around me and those coming behind me. I welcome anyone who shares that mission. Together, we can make it happen. Again!
On December 14, 2008, my daughter , Brittnie Monique Stewart, gave birth to a beautiful son, Kyan Jerod Hogue. My grandson came into the world at 8 pounds, 11 ounces and 22 inches long. He had a full head of hair and was such a precious gift for my family and me as we were preparing to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In no way did I forget the reason for the season, but Kyan gave me an added joy and reason to give God thanks.
After holding Kyan, kissing him on the forehead and speaking the blessings of God over his life, I began to think about the significance of his birth and its timing in history. A month earlier, America elected the first African-America as president when Barack Obama defeated John McCain. A month later, Obama was sworn in as America’s Commander in Chief. My grandson’s future is brighter.
Kyan is more than my grandson. He is the next generation of my seed. He represent the future of my bloodline. There is a special bond/connection with my grandson that is inexplicable. I know it is deeper than my emotional attachment. God promised me the same thing that He promised Abraham in the bible. He said that my seed would be blessed for generations and generations.
As a result, I look forward to playing ball with Kyan, watching him grow into a strong young man and one day deciding for himself whether he wants to be president of the United States one day. In the mean time, I bought him his first Nikon camera and his first bible. He’s off to a great start. And I’ll just keep photographing him.