A few of you may have read previous posts I have made regarding my two young sons. I am a 41 year old white man who 15 years ago married a beautiful, intelligent black woman who changed my life. Before our wedding my father in his characteristically twisted way asked a horrid but at the same time profound question. "If you have kids, will I need to show our relatives the negatives?" I'll never forget that question. My father asked it without malice, but he wanted my wife and I to be prepared for the possible animosity we may experience being a mixed couple in America.
While we have experienced some isolated acts of aggression, rudeness, or just plain ignorance, our overall experience has been positive. So much so, that a litle over 5 years ago we decided to have kids. Once again, my dad expressed his concern with what my kids may have to deal with, but he was also observant enough to notice that he has seen changes in the last 10 to 20 years that gives him some hope for his future grandkids.
Interestingly enough, while my wife were packing our home in San Francisco and preparing to move to the suburbs to raise our soon to be born son, we witnessed Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. We were both struck by the eloquence on display from this bright, young leader who we both agreed had a bright future. Neither of us even mentioned the possibility of him becoming President.
In November of 2004, shortly after Bush was re-elected, our son was born. He has grown into a handsome, intelligent, curious and compassionate young boy with a passion for life that never ceases to fill me with wonder. He also took an early shine to Barack Obama. I think at some basic level, he has felt a connection with this bright, inspiring young leader who looks so much like him.
Today culminated that connection for me. We got up early to make sure we had breakfast, chores, reading time and play time so that we could watch the inauguration of America's first Black President as a family. As the excitement built, my son turned to me and said, "Maybe I should be the first Black President, Dad." I told Jimmy that he wasn't old enough yet, but was able to add honestly, "But someday you will be, and if you want to be President then, you can." Trying to explain the power of that moment as a parent is futile. I was filled with such hope for the future that I began to cry. My son responded, "It's okay Dad, I can be the first Kid President instead." I smiled and said "Yes, you can".
After that, we looked up the oath of office on the internet and I had Jimmy repeat after me. His first act as Kid President was to sign some important stuff and to have a snack. It's a wonderful time to be a dad.