Now the Work Begins

As our collective euphoria over Obama's victory settles down, the reality of the daunting tasks facing Obama's administration and America has settled in. We have a broken financial system, recession, high level of foreclosing homes, rising unemployment, bankrupting auto industry and engagement in two wars - to name a few of the major issues confronting us.

The conventional wisdom is, hard times makes great leaders; hence, if Barack Obama can successfully resolve the above mentioned issues, he would become one of our greatest presidents.

However, the truth is much more stark. Obama can not solve our problems overnight or by himself. Our politicians can not solve our problems by themselves. Americans across the country need to roll up our sleeves and toil, sacrifice and participate as never before in our lives - other than the Great Depression and WWII generation.

For example, Obama nor the police alone can make our neighborhoods safe. Teachers and politicians alone can not make our students learn better. Government can not nor should not raise a child. Parents, communities and neighbors must collectively organize and work together to address these issues.

Barack Obama often tells the story of how his single parent mother on welfare used to wake him up early to review and study his lesson. I also remember the childhood story of Dr. Benjamin Carson, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital, he recalls how his mother, with only a third grade education, consistently turned of the TV and encouraged he and his brother to frequent the neighborhood library.

To wrap things up, let us continue to celebrate Obama's historical and redemptive victory. But let us also use his success as a call for renewed pursuit of excellence in our communities. Let his victory serve as a template on how racism and poverty can be overcome with education and perseverance.