It was 2008 when we came together for a common purpose to help in the campaign to get Senator Barack Obama to become President of the United States of America.We had strong beliefs, fervid determination and a sincere commitment.We, each, in our own way worked in the campaign whether it was at home on the phone, on the computer, passing out campaign literature and canvassing, traveling to nearby states to assist, contributing financially or just saying a prayer.Like most of you, we were unknown to the campaign; but, that it didn't matter, our hearts were in it.I used to refer to myself as an unknown, unpaid, full time volunteer for Senator Barack Obama.Our efforts paid off, because, we, like millions of other Americans saw in him the qualities and characteristics of one we wanted to lead our nation out of the chaos and calamities that the previous administration had gotten us into.We were angry with some of the decisions and appointments he made; but, through it all, we stuck with him and assisted in his reelection.
I have come to think of you as extended family because of the constant communications, the phone calls and two of our Beloved Conductors even came to visit me.Robert Hollis, Ph.D. came from CA and Tyrone Berry of FL, formerly a Chicago resident came to visit over the Labor Day weekend and brought his adult son to attend a White Sox game.We have lost two of our valued members, Eugene Young, Ph.D., a professor at Bradley University and most recently at Jackson State University, where, when he was a student, he was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.Most recently, we lost Cassandra Cullers, M. D. of Detroit and St. Lucia who worked in the campaign up to the end.Shortly before her death, I was planning to visit her in St. Lucia.
Frankie calls me frequently from VA, Ray calls from AL, Vernon calls from CA, Joe Madison, the Black Eagle, a progressive radio host and Rich Love, the editor of the Long Beach Times send me valuable information.We had a soldier in Alaska who wanted to interview me on his base radio program; but, I was out of town when the call came.I was invited to address the law school students at the U of I Champaign by the daughter of one of our Beloved Conductors, Larry.I used to blog in the Denver Urban Spectrum because one of our Beloved Conductors, Bea Harris asked me to.
Now that we've achieved our goal of helping to get a second term for Our President, we must keep watch to make certain that he lives up to the promises that he made and not cave in to the pressures of the crazies in Congress.
I don't write as often because I'm busy with my two little angels who have now turned 7 and 9.Additionally, I usually have around 4-5,000 letters and I try to read as many as I can.You will notice that I usually try to respond.There are also a number of videos that you send me.
I love hearing from you and hope we will always keep in touch and share knowledge with each other and motivate each other to remain activists because we are the doers and the movers and the shakers.
Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Chanukkah, and Happy New Year.
Helen Burleson
