It was 2008 . I was just a freshman in high school when I witnessed the election of the first black president of the United States . At that time , the moment offered so much hope and promise . Black America had a new champion . You gave America , specifically young black students like myself , the chance to observe an influential black man as the leader of the free world .
Later in 2012 , you were re-elected and it was business as usual as . I was a freshman in college watching with pride as you won over America once again . During this time , my own journey began as I was made aware of my role as a young black man in America . I learned more about the systemic struggles of our people , the horrors we endured , and the battles we still face today . The more I admired you the more critical I became of America ’ s diplomacy . I started to realize the powerful position you held so well was not the catalyst of change I ’ d hoped for at age 14 . I learned you were an operator of one of the most oppressive systems in the world and you did it well .
“ I started to realize the powerful position you held so well was not the catalyst of change I ’ d hoped for ”