The reason I chose this photo is because this is the future of America. While there are still many things we need to work on as a nation, there’s no other place like it on earth. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to see an African-American become President of the United States. I figured my sons would get to see it, but not me (and I tend to be an optimist about things). Last night changed my perspective on a lot of things.

As kids, I think we unknowingly take on some of what our parents and grandparents experienced during the civil rights era. While I may not have lived through it myself, there was always that feeling deep in the back of my mind that the playing field wasn’t always as level as everyone thought. While I tried not to let it get to me, there were times when it did. And it became even more evident when I attended college. You can teach the value of hard work all you want, but frustration can easily set in when ideals of equality is overshadowed by reality.

While Obama’s win may have broken the glass ceiling to the Presidency, there’s still work to be done. My boys get the opportunity to grow up under the leadership of a black president. Perceptions of the black family will be changed over the next four years. People are emotional and filled with hope because this is a big step for America as a country. Slavery may have been abolished under Lincoln, but the mindset of those freed slaves was still in bondage. There are a lot of things we need to work out amongst ourselves and Obama’s win is the first step in showing others (and us) that America’s past is just that.

The real work starts now with a renewing of our minds. The impossible is now possible and let us not forget that Obama’s win only happened because everyone worked together to get it done. If we begin teaching this to our youth, who knows what they’ll be able to accomplish. That’s what I want to pass on to my boys. As their father, it’s my job to equip them as best I can with the tools they need to achieve their dreams. The only limitations are those we dream up and those we allow others to place in our way. I want them to believe that anything is possible and no goal is beyond their reach. Not even the presidency.

What is Photo Phinish?

This is a blurry photo (they won’t let you use a flash) of the United States Constitution. On my trip to Washington DC I made this visit a priority because the last time I’d seen it, I was about five years old. This document and is its amendments are what governs our country and as an American citizen, it’s up to us to make sure it’s properly followed. But how many of us have taken the time to read what it says?

Sure, when it was written, we (black people) weren’t included in “We the People”. We had no input on what it said and we had to fight so these same laws would also apply to us. But today, the wording in the Constitution does apply to us and it’s up to us to have at least a general understanding of what’s in it. So when you get a chance, browse through it. Those before us sacrificed a lot and we owe it to them to make sure we know our rights.

And yes, I will be reading through it also.

What is Photo Phinish?

Sometimes life can get pretty busy. Between family, work, church and managing a business it’s important to take time off for yourself. You don’t need a fancy vacation (unless you can afford it). All you need is a place where you can be alone with your thoughts. Even if it’s for a couple of minutes, put yourself in time out. You’ll be glad you did.

What is Photo Phinish?

This is the first of many pictures I wanted to share with you in the Photo Phinish. Have you ever felt like the duck in the background? This photo makes me think how I felt on my first day at college. I’d gone to majority black schools all my life, so attending Texas A&M was definitely a culture shock. But as I’ve stated in many posts before, attending A&M was good for me. I met a lot of great friends (including my wife) and learned a lot about myself and the world around me in the process. Sometimes you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone to make things happen. That’s the only way change can happen.

What is Photo Phinish?

As a Father’s Day gift to myself, I finally went out and purchased me a decent camera. It’s been something I’ve been wanting to do and I’d saved up the money over the last couple of months so I afford it. I made the decision after returning from an East Coast Mancation (vacation for guys only) with my brother-in-law.

During the trip, I got to visit my dad’s side of the family, who I hadn’t seen in a long time. I hadn’t seen them since 2001 when my dad passed away, so it was good hang out with them and hear stories about my dad as a kid. He was very big into photography and he shared that love for photography with his brother. My uncle told me stories of how meticulous he was when it came to organizing and taking photos. I knew this to be true because as a kid I got in trouble a couple of times for messing them up. But I also remember how he let me use his camera and taught me the basics of taking a good picture. He gave me the photo bug.

I’ve always known it was there, but I never took the time to do something about it. Photography allows you to take a moment in time and freeze it forever (or until your hard drive crashes). it’s a great way to see God’s beauty in the surroundings He’s given us. It forces you to stop and notice the little things we take for granted in this fast-paced, microwaving, instantly gratified world of ours. Best of all, it’s a stress reliever.

Every now and then, I’ll post a picture that I’ve taken in Photo Phinish with a description of why I like it. I’d like to hear what you think.