“I thought I would never live to get in the White House. And I tell you, I am so happy. A black president! A black wife! And I’m here to celebrate black history. Yeah, that’s what I’m here for.” — 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin
Mangaluru: When I come upon something special and interesting about US President Barack Obama I can’t resist watching it on TV or Internet or newspaper-only for the reason is that, Obama is my President, whom as a US citizen had voted for him twice in the US Presidential elections- and both the times my votes got useful, as Obama won twice as Commander-In-Chief/President of United States of America. And if he had contested again for presidency, I would have surely voted for him- but sadly his term ends this November/December. Although twice I had close encounters with Obama when he had attended town meetings as a Senator then (before he became US President) in Chicago suburbs, I had attended the session as free-lance reporter for a local daily, I should have clicked couple pictures with him or selfies- but who knew that this senator would someday be the President of World’s Powerful Country. Also at the big celebration that was organized at the Grant Park in Chicago on 4 November 2008, when Obama became the First black President of US (Chicago is Obama’s hometown), I was in the front row with other journos to have close glimpse of this great US President. I still have sweet memories of this occasion, which I will cherish forever.
Yes, Obama became the First Black President in the history of America. During his first presidential election campaign, Obama’s slogan was “Yes, We Can”-meaning to say he wanted to bring a change in America, and he did change America through some of his unique plans and ideas. I was simply overjoyed and overwhelmed that finally a change had come to America, since I was looking forward for a better America under the leadership of Barack Obama. Having succeeded in his ventures during his first president tenure, that Americans, including me, voted him back as the US president for the second term. The first time I voted for Obama was for his determination and courage to change America, and when I decided to vote him again online from here (Mangaluru), it was mainly for his fight to introduce “The Affordable Care Act’ (Obamacare)- and I am so happy that he won the “Obamacare” case in the Supreme Court- a health care plan that benefited millions of Americans who couldn’t afford paying high health insurance premiums, and also those who didn’t had health insurance.
To speak about Obama, he is an extraordinary charismatic man whose talents and intellect, complement an amazing life story that appeals to people of all races. His ability to organize people of different races, ethnicity and backgrounds to shake up that status quo has renewed a spirit that had been too long dormant. Obama’s victory also gave Whites an opportunity to renew their covenant with the part of the Declaration of Independence that proclaims ” all men are created equal”. Understandably, none of this could have happened without White support. No, Obama is not a Black Messiah some have been looking for-he is a leader who has reminded Americans that they are America: The Land of the Brave. The Home of the Free! May God bless Obama and his family, while he retires from his office in few months.
Now coming to the story that this article is related to, about the telecast news on CNN-IBN- how 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin got to fulfill her dream of visiting the White House and meeting President Obama. Virginia McLaurin, 106 years old and a longtime Washington, D.C. resident, had always dreamed of visiting the White House. Last week, her dream came true in a big way. Virginia had waited all her life to see an African-American in the White House. So, when she finally got a chance to meet President Obama, the 106-year-old woman couldn’t contain her excitement. She squealed with delight. She waved her cane in the air. And she danced — busting moves that have made her the newest Internet darling.
According to sources, this is how Virginia got a chance to meet the First Black US President- A friend of Mrs. McLaurin’s reached out to the White House and shared that Mrs. McLaurin has been doing stellar work as a volunteer throughout the D.C. area for decades and would like to visit the White House. So the White House made sure that she not only got to visit — but also had the chance, before the Black History Month reception, to meet privately with the President and First Lady backstage. It was her dream to meet President Obama, given his passion for investing in early childhood education and his significance as the first African American President.
In a video posted by the White House , McLaurin opens her arms wide, greets Obama with an excited “Hi!” and begins swaying. “It’s an honor, it’s an honor,” she tells the President. McLaurin was at the White House to celebrate Black History Month. Obama asks if McLaurin wants to meet the first lady and the answer is an obvious one. As she rushes over, Obama, who appears amused, says, “Slow down now. Don’t go too quick.” Michelle Obama is in disbelief when her husband mentions McLaurin is 106. “I wanna be like you when I grow up,” Michelle Obama tells her. “You can,” McLaurin replies.
Virginia McLaurin is a Senior Corps volunteer at Roots Public Charter School as part of the United Planning Organization’s Foster Grandparent Program, serving as a foster grandparent and mentor to special-needs students. As a mentor, she helps children with their reading and social skills. She has volunteered at C. Melvin Sharpe Health School for over 20 years, serving 40 hours a week. She was introduced to the program by a friend from her church who knew Virginia was interested in finding ways to make life better for those in her community.
In conclusion, looking at how active and energetic 106 year-old Virginia I can say that Old is Gold!-that’s right.We don’t believe age is any more than a mere number. Not with these smooth party “young” ladies like Virginia on the White House floor, making some dance moves. Look at her go! Even in the glorious age of white hair and senior citizen discounts, her inner child is not only alive and well, it’s shaking things up too… literally. She is getting with the groove, boogey-ing, dancing, and having some best time of her life with the US President and the First Lady.. As they say that “Ageing is not ‘lost youth’, but a new stage of opportunity and strength”- there is no age limit when you are capable of having some fun and want to party- even senior citizens know how to party hard and have fun and frolic. Long live Virginia McLaurin , and rest of the Seniors around her age!
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