I stood in the crowd with a feeling of pride: I played my part. The radio interviews, voter turnout and house events were worth it. Earlier in the night I was interviewed on Chicago Public Radio. Throughout the night, I fielded calls from Cliff Hughes, Nationwide News Network. My excitement could not be contained, and I was glad to be able to share it with the world.

By 9PM CST, it was clear that we had won the election. The promise of a president for the people, by the people had been fulfilled. The underdog – the common man – had won. Our collective $5, $10 and $20, defeated the unlimited spending power of Washington lobbyists and PACs.

When our president graced the stage at 10PM, the atmosphere had the feel of a rock concert; except, the crowd was a few hundred thousand strong, and the headline act was the president elect of the United States of America. His speech did not disappoint. We left challenged, and motivated that although our movement had just started, impossible is nothing if we act together. Yes we can!

At 12PM I decided to walk down Michigan Avenue. The mood was festive. People danced, sang, cheered, screamed – it was like carnival on steroids.

If you are categorized an underdog, because of race, religion, gender, financial situation or any other label or situation, this victory is for you. When you tell your kids that they can be whatever they desire, you have no reason to be cynical – you can take comfort in the fact that you witnessed history; you lived in a time when common Americans joined forces and pooled resources to take back their government! Yes we can! Yes we did!

Now, how do we replicate this in Jamaica?

What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization; what if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?

What if Obama were a member of the ‘Keating 5′ (google it); what if McCain was a charismatic eloquent speaker?

What if Obama voted for Bush 90% of the time; and McCain offered a genuine hope for change?

If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be close?

What is it about this election that rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate, and emphasizes negative qualities in another?

Having dinner with my fellow Asians

I know you’re tired of hearing how much work Northwestern Law is, so I think it’s high time I tell you some of the fun things we do. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday went by with the usual hectic pace. Wednesday evening, I had dinner with fellow members of the Asia Pacific American Law Student’s Association (APALSA). I know, you’re obviously wondering what Asian heritage I claim, and I promise to let you know as soon as I discover. I was admitted into the organization because they had difficulty disproving my claim that I am 0.01% Blackanese. Hehe. On a more serious note, most clubs on campus allow any student interested in knowing more about there group to join. Since one of my best law schools buddies is part Chinese, I decided to imerse myself in the Asian culture. Also, the more organizations I join, the less I have to cook.

Thursday after my Criminal Law class, I received a second note from my professor commending me on my “stellar thinking and contribution to the classroom discussions.” Though a note seems like nothing, such feedback means a great deal, since we wont receive any concrete feedbac until after finals in December. Law School is so structured that the only exam of real worth is the final exam for each course. Some classes give “practice” midterm exams, and I try to approach those as if my grades depend on them. There I go talking about Northwestern Law again.

On Saturday, I went to an event at the Jamaican Consulate in Chicago. Earlier in the week I had recieved an invitation to a diaspora conference. I RSVP’d when I was informed that I would get Jamaican food for lunch. The meeting was somewhat useful, and the food was wonderful. Also, I had the opportunity to meet with the daughter of one of Jamaica’s founding fathers (B.B. Cooke – I think Jamaica’s second education minister). Midway true the conversation, she tried to convince me that I should consider entering politics; ofcourse, I informed her that politics was not the only medium through which I could make a meaningful (positive) contribution to the country. Not sure who I’m kidding – the thought of entering politics still lingers. Maybe I will grow it out. Maybe a family will remove it entirely. Maybe I will enter politcs.

By Saturday night, I wanted nothing to do with any conversation involving anything of substance. Three classmates and I decided to attend a Halloween party hosted by a friend and his girlfriend. The party was good. Us N Law student’s know how to throw a good jam. I went dressed up as… uhm… well, I didn’t really go dressed up. I wore an African hat. That was either a costume, or just me getting intouch with my inner “Africanness.” Either way, we had a blast. Of note: just so you get a glimpse of the diversity at Northwestern Law – I am from Jamaica (went to college in NY), Rishard is from the Bahamas (went to Princeton), Frank is Chinese and Ayo is from Nigeria. That was the party crew; and it was beautiful.

The coming week should be very hectic. I have research to conduct for a case, and a midterm on Friday. I have three Haloween party invitations for this Friday, so hopefully, this weekend will be fun.

Will keep you posted!