Never before had Latinos played such a significant role in the inauguration of a President of the United States as they did during President Obama's inauguration on Monday.
First, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor administered the Oath of Office to Vice President Joe Biden.
There is no mistake that Hon. Sotomayor’s presence had an immense impact on viewers as myself who for the first time saw a Latina take center state during an event of this magnitude -seen throughout the world.
It was estimated millions of people saw the inauguration “live” on television.
President Obama too put Latinos at the forefront when making a reference to the "Dream Act" which will benefit Latinos as well as all immigrant children. The President said...
"Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity; until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country."
Moments later Senator Chuck Schumer introduced Richard Blanco, a Cuban poet, designated the Inaugural Poet.
As Blanco made his way to the podium, I was thinking, “this is unbelievable!”
"Another Latino taking center stage?"
Blanco’s poem “One Today” called upon us to see each other as one. One sky, one ground etc… and then he uttered two little words in Spanish.
Hear: the doors we open
For each other all day, saying: hello| shalom,
buon giorno |howdy |namaste |or buenos días
in the language my mother taught me—in every language
spoken into one wind carrying our lives
without prejudice, as these words break from my lips.
Imagine, Spanish making a presence here too.
Then before I could collect myself, to close the ceremony, pastor Luis Leon was called to deliver the benediction.
I had no idea the pastor was Latino until I heard him say the words, “Señor Presidente y Vicepresidente que Dios os Bendiga todos los dias.” (Mr. President and Vicepresident may God bless you every day).
I was stunned.
A sign of the times for sure that Latinos are gaining acceptance more and more in everyday life in the United States. And we are the better for it, because tolerance and acceptance will show all of our children love.
Today was certainly a day to be proud of.
