The Power of Being Part of Something Magnificent

I am back home in New York City after spending 30 days on the Campaign trail in Philadelphia.

My story began following reading the Audacity of Hope in the early summer of 2007. It was my first time being introduced to Barack Obama. Somehow I missed his 2004 keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, although I had heard much talk about it.

The book greatly inspired me learning President elect Obama’s vision for all he saw possible in the world was closely aligned with my thoughts as expressed in an initiative I started four years ago at Creating A World Community. Soon after completing the book, I was approached in Harlem at the Annual African-American Week Celebration by a young man who asked whether I would like to volunteer for the Campaign. Having recently quit (formerly retired) my job to pursue several entrepreneurial ventures, I saw volunteering as a way to give back to my community; so I accepted.

The last time I was involved in a political campaign was in high school when I ran for vice president of student council, which I happened to win. The incriminating fact I have shamelessly been willing to admit is although I was a product of the civil rights movement in the sixties, I largely missed and ignored much of what was occurring as I was partying and drinking much of time while completing college. I think it was that which made the whole notion of Change At this Moment speak loudly to me and At This Time; wanting to be a part of the Movement.

For a year and a half I participated with members of the Harlem 4 Obama grassroots group and became someone the group seemed to look to as an elder and more experienced leader. All of them were in their early to mid-20’s and I was 61. I never felt out of touch, however, and found myself working very effectively with them. In September, I completed Camp Obama and accepted a deputy field organizer assignment in southwest Philadelphia. I find interesting to note again that all the paid staff on the Campaign were in their 20's and Mario, who I enjoyed referring to as my 21 old boss was magnificent.

My experience in southwest Philly became my most enjoyable and rewarding time working on behalf of the Campaign. I found most rewarding being able to attract and “cause” many people in the community who have felt disenfranchised and apathetic towards politics and government to volunteer and become excited and feel empowered in participating in the various tasks of registering people and getting the vote out. I saw many of these people literally transform in front my eyes in becoming more alive, excited and enthusiastic about being part of this phenomenal movement. It was a magnificent feeling to be able to make that contribution; one that I will cherish forever.


At this time, I am moved to continue to work on behalf of our President-elect and his administration in some capacity and look forward to identifying the right opportunity as early as possible.

A young lady who could not have been more than 19 years old or so with the black scarf on her head came in to the campaign office donating food that she went out and purchased at a local grocery store.