I'm sure many of you know the song "For Once in My Life," a tune, perhaps, made popular by Stevie Wonder in 1968. Wonder's upbeat version of the Motown ballad is one of several versions recorded over the course of a two year period. A year ago, I ran across this version of the song by the Temptations. Rather than Wonder's innocent proclamation of a new found self confidence, the Temptations' edition brings an added layer of depth and perspective to a song meant to showcase hope that the dawn of a new day had begun-- a hope long silenced by pain, unspoken emotions, and centuries of second class citizenship.

I invite you to take a look at the song lyrics while you view the video linked to this post.

For once in my life I have someone who needs me
Someone I've needed so long
For once, unafraid, I can go where life leads me
Somehow I know I'll be strong

For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew
Oooh Someone warm like you
Would make my dream come true

For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it hurt me before
For once, I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore

For once, I can say, this is mine, you can't take it
As long as I know I have love, I can make it
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me

For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it hurt me before
For once, I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore

For once, I can say, this is mine, you can't take it
Long as I know I have love, I can make it
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me

Okay. By now I'm sure you're confused as to why I've included lyrics to a song made popular by Stevie Wonder. Well, the poetic prose of For Once in My Life provides a better understanding of how rich life can be, once the constricting chains of mental subjugation are lifted. On Tuesday night of this week, this song became ever more relevant to me. It signals a new chapter in American history-- a moment where, for once in our lives, skin color took a back seat and change offered a glimmer of hope that a new day had begun in America.

I'll never forget where I was on that historic night-- an evening where, as the song puts it, for once in my life I was unafraid, I could go where life led me, and somehow I knew I was strong.

Barack Obama's victory as President-elect still makes my hair stand on end. While anchoring and producing KRLX's live election coverage Tuesday night, I couldn't help but think long and hard about the implications associated with his victorious win. Like many of us, I, too, had childhood aspirations of becoming President of the United States. And, like many of us, I, too, knew that my dream was just that-- a dream. Upon declaring Mr. Obama President-elect, however, for a second I thought if he can do it, so can I.

Truth is, for many who share my narrative, Barack Obama's ascension to the American presidency IS a sign that we too can become President of the United States. As an African American male from the deep south, I grew up understanding the racial divide. There are still many places I wouldn't dream of going in the Crescent City. Neighborhoods continue to be racially segregated, and, subsequently, failing schools are traditionally those among which poor African Americans are in the majority.

Although I don't consider myself among the number of Americans who see Barack Obama's victory as a sign of racism's end, I do cherish the many possibilities I can now profess as my own. Through him I see myself. Through his journey I have hope in my future. Through his accomplishments, I now know that my many dreams can and will become a reality.

Thanks for reading a page from my notebook.

Until next time, you be good.