An African-American Female Perspective on the Clinton/Obama Primaries; Obama's & Clinton's Impact on Belize, and the World

This is a passage from my hand-written journal while in Belize shortly after Hillary Clinton gave her exit speech on Saturday, June 7, 2008.

DEAR JOURNAL:

This is a historic day in American history and quite frankly, I don’t think it has all sunk in just yet. Maybe its because I'm sitting here in Belize right now and just feel a bit removed from the process. I sat glued by the T.V. Tuesday night as McCain, Clinton and Obama, sequentially, gave their June 3^rd primary election night speeches. I was so proud of the dignity and grace in which Obama stood tall in “his moment” (NO, “our moment”!) as being the first African American to have the democratic nomination in hand, as indicated by the clinching of more than the required delegates. I was equally proud today, as I sat and listened to Hillary Clinton’s endorsement of Obama and the generosity shown in the ultimate effort of unifying the Democratic Party to the road to the White House. But it just still has not sunk in quite yet. I know it’s real. But can it really be that in the first decade of the 21^st Century that a white woman and a black man have, TOGETHER, totally changed the landscape of politics as we once knew it. Something has definitely occurred that will be talked about and written about for many, many years to come. And to think, we had the fortunate opportunity in this generation of witnessing it all unfold!

I admit, up front, that I have been a strong Obama supporter all along. So needless to say, I certainly was, am and will always be very proud of Senator Barack Obama’s accomplishment of gaining the Democratic nomination for President of the United States of America. (that felt so good just saying it all long like that!) However, in all honesty, I really believed Hillary would win based on a number of reasons; more experience, possibly better connected, and the old stand by - "it's time for a woman in the White House!!" But, there is still a tremendous sense of loss as I come to terms with the fact that Hillary will not be the nominee. However, I don’t think I’m alone.

Many African American women, in particular, during this primary election campaign were placed in an extremely peculiar position. Having a strong allegiance and connection to both immutable characteristics; a possibility of Clinton becoming the first female president and Obama as the first African American president in the greatest country on earth, all in the same party and primary election, and being asked to choose between the two was an extremely difficult assignment. On one hand, black women understand and connect strongly with all the many struggles that women as a whole had to, have to and will continue to have to fight for as it relates to voting rights, equal pay, glass ceilings and more as we strive to reach our fullest potentials in all areas of life. On the other hand, there is an unfathomably long history and heritage of slavery, Jim Crow laws (Plessy v. Ferguson), educational/political/social discrimination, and the fight for civil rights in which black women throughout the country unite so deeply with Obama. To be asked to choose between the two was just an overwhelming request and experience. Many African American females, including myself, made the decision to “do no harm” to Hillary Clinton while supporting Barack Obama.

Hillary’s speech today, should have lifted every woman’s spirit, drive and dedication (even those who supported Obama) to become what ever they want to be in life, no matter what age, race, nationality or cultural background. The dignity and grace in which she bowed out of the race will remain with me. I could feel the hurt and the pain of a long and hard fought battle lost. But I could also hear the hopes and the dreams of the future for a country in which it will no longer be “an occasion” for a woman to head up a majority of major corporations, become governor of states country-wide, and yes, even one day become the President of the United States of America.

In speaking with Dangrigan women about what they think about Clinton’s race and Obama’s democratic nominee win, there is no doubt in my mind that what happens in the U.S. many times sets the stage for what can happen in other countries. Hillary's accomplishment (although falling a bit short) and Obama's win certainly have impacted and seemingly empowered women and citizens of Dangriga. People are talking about it all over town, every where you go. A man that I see quite frequently yelled to me while walking to the internet cafe in downtown Dangriga after hearing Hillary's speech, "Hey Man, whata' bout Obama!" with great enthusiasm.

One woman in high position in Belize explained to me that the U.S. does not realize that what it does, impacts people in Belize (and for that matter, the world). For example, she mentioned that as all the raids on illegal immigrants in the U.S. escalates and are televised, she has also seen an increased lack of regard and discretion for immigrants here. Although immigrants (legal or illegal) are afforded due process in any deportation matters in the states, here in Belize, she explained, they do not have the same “American justice”. In Belize, if a person can not readily demonstrate status because of language barriers or for whatever reason, they can automatically be deported to their country of origin the same day. Just in case you were wondering, migrants to Belize come predominantly from Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico for work in the citrus and banana fields.

So, just as Hillary Clinton has inspired American women to fight for, strive for and conquer their dreams, she has also had an inspirational effect on Belizean women of all ages. I honestly can’t believe that I am (we are) so privileged in this generation to experience such historic times that will have long lasting affects both nationally and internationally.