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Barack Obama's historic victory met by jubilation
An African-American in the White House is cause for celebration, but as Philip Sherwell reports from Harlem, it is also a challenge to black America, which must now live up to the example set by Obama.
- The Telegraph Group Limited
- Published: 23:02 November 9, 2008
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New York: "This truly is Luther Martin King's dream".
An African-American in the White House is cause for celebration, but as Philip Sherwell reports from Harlem, it is also a challenge to black America, which must now live up to the example set by Obama.
The patrons of Sylvia's, a legendary soul food restaurant in the overwhelming black heart of Harlem, were still celebrating Barack Obama's victory days after he became the country's first African-American president.
But as they tucked into the eponymous cook's famously juicy ribs, sweet yams and collard greens, the jubilation at this historic milestone was tempered by realism about the demands ahead for America and for its black population.
"This truly is Martin Luther King's dream - a black man being judged not for the colour of his skin but for his qualities and talents," said William Diggs, a 53-year-old computer consultant.
"My wife and I took our daughters into the polling booth so that they could press the button for Barack Obama. They are 12 and nine and I want them to be able to say in 50 years that they voted for America's first black president."
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"But now there can be no more excuses for our community, no more complaints that we don't have the same chances in this society. What better role model can we want than a successful, happy, functioning black family in the White House? Now we need to live up to that."
The same sentiments were on offer by those ready to enjoy boiled ham and crab cakes at a neighbouring table, where five friends and colleagues had come out to extend the celebrations.
The women are all parole officers at the infamous New York Riker's Island Prison, and they are all very enthusiastic supporters of Mr Obama's call for parents to take greater responsibility for the actions of their children - a stance viewed by some veteran black activists as blaming African-American families for what they claim are the failings of society.
"We're here to honour our new president," said a beaming 41-year-old Renee Dumas-Smith, fashioning two large Obama badges pinned to her jacket.
"This is the week that our children learned that when we say anything in America is possible, we mean it. I did not vote for Barack Obama because he's a black man, I voted for him because he is the best man for the job."
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