What Barack Obama Taught Me As An African American Woman

After a very memorable, exciting, and successful two terms, Barack Obama's presidency come to an end. As we reflect back on his success, and trials as a president, we must also reflect and note the tremendous mark he has left in history for the African American community and American history.

Barack Obama gaining the presidency made him an icon. Not just for African Americans in terms of political success, but for children everywhere. He symbolizes hope for the African American society to penetrate any field of work, life, or hold in society. He taught us that anything can be accomplished.

Throughout his campaigns, as well as his career as president, he was attacked with racist remarks, and comments. Yet, our former president stood with poise and elegance and continued to do his job despite the negativity that came his way. He showed us that not everything deserves a response, and that although trials may come, you must push past the ignorance of society.

He taught us that racism still exist. In a society where we were told to be past skin color and beliefs, we saw racism more prevalent than ever before. People were calling our president a monkey or telling him to go back to Africa. None of which were acceptable nor mature to say to anyone, especially not our president. But, if a white man was president (again), people would have never said things such as these. Yet, Barack Obama smiled and pushed through as our brothers and sisters did historically through slavery, which is why he got himself to two terms.

As a young, African American woman. I believe Barack Obama is the symbol and icon for our race. Not only did he push past a political norm by gaining the presidency, but he showed us that we can achieve any place in society we so want regardless of our race or background. A historically oppressed race has risen to the top and has achieved the highest political platform that the United States of America has to offer. For that, I thank you, Barack Obama for showing society that we can achieve, and will achieve everything that the world has to offer us.