The extensive list of African American firsts continues to grow, and documenting the accomplishments of minority groups in general is something that should be closely observed. April 4th, 1968 is the date on which Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated as a result of the civil rights movement he helped to lead. Fast-forward 50 years, and the first Black (mixed president) has been elected. The thought of having a president that was anything but white, relatively wealthy, and Christian would have been considered unlikely, or even crazy at any point in time before November 4, 2008.
Not only blacks were singled out when it came to being taken seriously in the race for presidency. Women were also a group of people that seemed to lack the legitimate backing and strength to run a serious campaign. Although a female president has yet to be elected, the chance of this happening is much higher than it would have been decades ago. Hilary Clinton ultimately lost in the democratic election, but she still cemented a higher place in the government by becoming the secretary of state.
In todays world it is difficult to believe that basic rights like the ability to vote or obtain a fair and equal education were openly refused to an entire group of people based on the color of their skin, gender, or cultural/religious beliefs. The truth is, rights are something that people of many backgrounds have fought and still continue to fight for, not only in America but also in many other parts of the world. Without the determination of the few that decided they wanted change, the progress towards a more diversified government would not have been obtained.
There is much talk of Mrs. Clinton running again for office again in 2016. While this may never actually happen, the possibility of her winning would just prove the progression that minority groups have made since the founding of this country. Nothing happens over night. In fact, the majority of these changes were the result of decades of hard labor and ambition. With cases like these to follow, there’s no telling what the future holds in terms of diversity and equality. It all depends on what people are willing to do to make the world a different place.
By Taahir Henry
Society
Photo by Terry Richardson