Lola Jaye

When I think back to where I was when President Obama was inaugurated into office, I will say; “At home, cooking a huge soul food feast, utterly transfixed during his speech (rewinding bits)  and waiting for my three friends and two beautiful children to arrive. The rest of the evening discussing the amazing implications of this appointment, playing with the kids, watching the re-runs of his speech, a prayer, they left and then the remainder of the night speaking to another friend on the phone who happens to be African American. Perfect.”

 I witnessed history today.I will never forget it.The inauguration of America’s first African American President. Breathtaking. 

…  And to say I am excited is an UNDERSTATEMENT!!!!   I just wish I was in DC soaking up the atmosphere or even just anywhere in America!  I can still remember what it felt like being there during the run up to the election- the atmosphere was absolutely ELECTRIC!!!! I did do a thirty minute piece in my church today, to mark this up coming occasion.  And it went really well. The man is such a great speaker, I ended up quoting him more than once!  I also talked about Rosa Parks, Dr Martin Luther King and what Barack Obama’s appointment will mean for our children.  It was lovely and so energetic and I am soooo excited!!! (I know, I said that already).   I even got to thinking afterwards… I didn’t get to put a quote from Barack Obama in my Quick Reads book - ‘Reaching for the Stars’ - as I finished writing it a few months before the election result and at that time, didn’t feel sure that he would be elected.  What he has said about following your dreams (and just what he represents) is so relevant to the book, but it is now too late to make additions.  BOO HOO!!!!   However, my acknowledgements page for the American edition of ‘By The Time You Read This…’ is yet to be written…  so I think I’m going to add something to ‘all the other great fathers out there’ (remember the book is about a great father, Kevin Bates, after all!) and I think I might just add Barack’s name to that list…