In 2008, I witnessed the inauguration of Barak Obama, President of the United States of America, live on television. I also witnessed its impact on my own country, the beautiful twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. I saw the way that St. James, a small city which usually buzzes with an almost indefatigable energy, wind down, with empty streets, as people were home watching, listening, observing his inauguration, and this inaugural address.
I have watched how the beautiful people of my twin island nation have quickly adopted new heroes, including Nobel laureates, Olympic champions, differently abled athletes and academic achievers. Indeed people all over the world constantly adopt these heroes, admiring one aspect of their lives or their achievement or another, and in some cases, admiring the entire package.
In a trip to Jamaica, I saw the images of national heroes painted on the walls of High Schools, and in the United States, one cannot help but to identify the many images they project from their currency, to status erected in public spaces.
In my own life, I have found people who have inspired me in amazing ways. My late friend and early mentor while employed at the Unit Trust Corporation, Henry Fermin, constantly reminded me that my potential was a concept of my imagination. As a teen in the Cadet Force I met countless men and women who, with their stern manner, pushed me to improve, but counselled me when I failed.
My own mother Allison Burke, my greatest inspiration, would speak with my siblings and I, and ask us to believe that we could achieve. She stood in the midst of significant challenge and exemplified strength, showing me that I could indeed, overcome whatever came my way.
Millions around the world likely watched the final address President Obama shared live, in which he spoke to his political achievements and challenges, and asked his people to rise above the negatives that pervade our global society. He told them to be wary of the dangers of the modern world, but not to give in to fear.
He encouraged them to get involved in their democracy in whichever way they could, and to stand with the man, woman, boy or girl next to them, and build the reality they want for the world.
As I looked on in awe at the flood of positive sentiments being expressed on social media while he spoke, I knew that Obama became for many, the inspiration that we all seek in life. He remains, for many watching all over the world, a person to believe in. While his presidency may have brought countless highs and lows, the man himself has become somewhat ‘larger than life’, while still pointing to the normal persons like you and me, who have a significant role to play in the lives of others.
The people need someone to believe in, and as I write these words I am reminded that the person next to me can be that inspiration, and I can be theirs. Yet still I look toward my national leaders, those in my place of work and the other organisations to which I belong in various capacities. What should we do to inspire that young person looking on at our lives, or the disenfranchised co-worker wanting to find a reason to go on?
I can’t say that I know, but I will continue to lean on the lesson my mother once shared me, when she encouraged me not to be shaken by my frustrations with my academic failures at school. Obama said the same thing, and put it succinctly. I think it is the best end to this letter.
“I have one final ask of you… that is to believe…”