Change

There are few words I could add that would capture the significance of this day. Everywhere I went and everyone I talked to today was full of anticipation and hope. In class this morning, one young African American woman shared her thoughts. She expressed the excitement and privilege she felt to be able to walk onto the Yale campus on this day, when the first African American man was on the ballot as president of the United States. Although early this morning the outcome of the election was still quite unsure, she was grateful that the community, and the country felt more like her own than any other day in her life. She said, "I have hope for today, if nothing else." The good news is, her hope can extend far beyond the end of this day.

At the end of this historic day, there is much to be joyful for. Watching Oprah and Jesse Jackson weeping in the crowd in Chicago was moving. Getting a glimpse of the Obama family and what they may do to change this family is inspiring. There is a great deal of transformation that is yet to take place. Each of us will have to be a part of that change. In the words of our 44th President elect, "Let us summon a new spirit."