Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th president of the United States broke down the biggest barrier that many thought would never come to pass. He was the first African American president. Obama gave us hope, he gave us change. He gave us a legacy that will forever live on.
Many doubted his talents his first four years into office, and some of those doubters are literally counting down the days until he's out of the oval office. However, I'm not here to discuss what any hater has to say. I'm here to thank him from the bottom of my heart for all that he's done.
I remember that fateful day, January 20th, 2009. I was a freshman in high school, sitting in my Spanish class watching him swear into the presidency that would ultimately change my life forever.
I was only 15 years old, and had dreams bigger than my head. Obama gave me the light, and hope of knowing that my skin color would never stop me from achieving a goal that was 'too large'. He brought a beautiful family into office with him. Michelle a loving wife, and an excellent role model for not only black women, but women and young girls in general.
He shared with us Malia and Sasha, the two most gorgeous young women that continuously give us Black Girl Magic. Although Malia was given so much unnecessary rap for going to music festivals and wearing "A tribe called quest" t-shirt, she was just like any normal young eighteen year old. While yes, she's going to Harvard and snatching all of our edges with literally anything she puts on, she's still a normal teen.
When he won his second term in 2012, I felt proud in knowing that not only did I exercise my right to vote, it ultimately helped him win. I took a huge sigh of relief knowing that this term was just going to be a breeze, and we would have him for quite sometime.
Aside from his beautiful family, Obama has given us such great policies such as Healthcare reform, giving us better Environmental policies, and last but not least...gun control.
As his last 100 days are rapidly dwindling down, we have to take a look back at all the things he's done for us as a whole. He gave our people a voice that we never had before. He stood by us through the best and the worst of times. He gave us hope. Not once, at least for me - did he let me down as a President.
The saddest part about all good stories, is that they come to an end. Never did I expect for his term to come to a close so quickly.
So it brings me to this somber moment...
Dear President Obama,
Thank you for giving 15 year old Nikeita a chance to see change. Thank you for giving her a chance to see a real live role-model to look up to. Thank you for growing with her over the years, and showing her that there is progression being made in the Black community. Thank you for never forgetting the lives of Sandra Bland, Emitt Till, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner. Thank you for allowing us into your home, and for letting us be apart of your family. Thank you for sharing your wonderful daughters with us, and letting us know that THIS is what a black family looks like. Not the stereotype. Thank you for allowing us to make endless memes of your mom jeans, and for letting us know your preference in music choice.
Lastly, thank you for your service, your hard work, dedication and your undeniable love for this country through the good and bad times.
I will truly miss you,
Nikeita
