Congratulations and may God bless you and your lovely family as you and our nation begin this long journey!


In 2002 my family and I were given the opportunity to visit Chicago for ten days. Included in our souvenirs we brought back with us was a full body infatuation with Chicago and it’s history, culture and citizens. During our stay I gained an appreciation for the work of Langston Hughes. And today as I watched all of the inaugural festivities and listened to our 44th President’s speech one of his poems came to mind.

I, Too, Sing America
by Langston Hughes

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.

More of Langston Hughes work can be seen on PoetryFoundation.org. The foundation works to raise poetry to a more visible and influential position in American culture.

The photo above of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama waving to the cheering crowd while walking part of the inaugural parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue was taken by Rob Carr for AP.