READ THE OPEN LETTER WRITTEN TO CNN BY BEST SELLING AUTHOR AND POET, TERRY A O'NEAL.

FROM THE DESK OF
Best Selling Author
TERRY A O’NEAL

November 5, 2008

Re: Barack Obama, Our President, Our Hero

Dear CNN,

We as American’s, we as African Americans have crawled a long, long way to get to where we are today. Obama’s Presidency was a dream deferred that finally came true . My hopes are that young people around the world will utilize this triumph to grow to their greatest potential and give back to all who have fought, shedding blood and tears to pave the way to provide them with a better life than the unforgotten struggles endured by our ancestors. My wish is that they will have the confidence and know that there is absolutely no limitation to what they can achieve; that the journey will not be easy but they mustn’t give up, they must stand and ride the lofty road ahead.

My dream is that the older people in America will work that much harder to create greater change, leading by example through lending their hearts, hands, and time in the schools, youth organizations, and in their communities. As cliché as it may sound to some, children are our future; and like the ancient African proverb quotes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Today, it’s going to take the entire Nation to nurture the younger generation.

Over our lifetime, we have heard the dreams of many great African American voices such as Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, and many more. On the evening of November 4, 2008, I fell to my knees in tears and gave thanks to all those who have revealed to us a vision of what it means to overcome and achieve the American dream. Now we are left with this question, what have I done to make a difference?

Congratulations to Obama, his family and all of America for making history.

Terry a O’Neal,
Best Selling Author and Poet
Northern California
Terryo.poetic.com