Black history was a progressive rise from the lowest strata of society during slavery to the highest. When you think of black history, we often think of the civil rights movement, the violent protests of John Brown, the Underground Railroad. But black history does not end with a single event. It is produced continuously every day.
Even in the last ten years, huge strides have been made in the highest government positions thanks to remarkable and highly skilled black Americans who make us all proud of how they contribute to America. Colin Powell was the consummate general who demonstrated with quiet dignity and authority that he could lead many men into battle. He was rewarded for his valiant efforts when he finally reached the highest level of government, serving as President Bush's Secretary of State in his first administration. In all the halls of government and wherever Secretary Powell served, he was treated with the respect and honor he deserved for serving his country so well.
After the honorable service of Colin Powell, an equally distinguished civil servant, a black woman named Condoleezza Rice. It was a proud day when she walked into that office and showed how far America has come since the days when blacks couldn't eat in the same restaurants as whites or drink from the same drinking fountains. And her service has been equally distinguished, meeting heads of state from Africa to Europe to the Middle East to South America and achieving great things throughout her career.
These two black Americans are true examples of Dr. King's vision of a people who were not recognized for the color of their skin, but for the content of their character. Their excellence as leaders and the amazing resumes they bring to their jobs provide tremendous inspiration to the black boys and girls at school that they too can rise in this society and go as far as they want if they let their natural talents and skills . to the surface. They don't need a government program or special help to succeed. America still has a long way to go, but Dr. Rice and General Powell are examples that the system can reward black people for excellence and not overlook how they can contribute to America's future.
And now we come to the part of black history yet to be. The future is a part of black history that has yet to be written. And we are witnessing another black leader of excellence preparing to be considered for the very highest position of power in the land, perhaps the world, the President of the United States. And as with General Powell and Dr. Rice, Barack Obama will not be judged as a black man or in the context of the racial struggle in this country. He is already admired and praised for his leadership, eloquence and ability to bring a new vision to this country. It is a day of pride for all of black America that Barrack Obama is considered for this position. He will have to work hard and be judged on his talent, skills, experience and ability to lead. But it's a testament to how far the country has come that he has as good a chance of winning this election as any other candidate. And if he wins, he'll knock down one more barrier for black people, and kids all over the African-American community will be able to say there's nothing I can't do if I try hard. And that is the vision that every civil rights leader since the Civil War has wanted for black people in America.
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