"I know the one thing we did right,
Was the day we started to fight.
Keep your Eyes on the Prize
Oh Lord, oh Lord."
—African-American Spiritual
Theme from the PBS Documentary "Eyes on the Prize" (0:23)
JENNIFER T. LACEY writes:
I tend to feel history blinds people from making informed decisions. History can create a collective bond that can serve a higher purpose or continue to hand down outdated behaviors.
At 19, I discovered the PBS documentary "Eyes on the Prize" when it first aired, by accident. Profoundly moved, disturbed, grateful, and astounded are simple words I can use to express my feelings about this show. What a collective group of people did with courage and fortitude more than 50 years ago, to make it possible for me to have the freedom to make an informed choice, makes my decision to go to the Iowa caucus one that's not taken lightly.
I must admit I am going into this experience jaded about the electoral process, and look forward to talking with Iowans who are engaged and bearers of the responsibility of making a decision that has an impact on our nation. From them, I hope to gain a sense of understanding of politics. I want to glimpse the essence and hearts of people who are working for a higher purpose, and listen to stories of those who have seen the past and have promise for the future.
I want to know there is still possibility for leaders who inspire and who remember their service is for a greater good. The same possibility Martin Luther King and others envisioned when they endured opposition, so I might have the right to vote.
The last election I witnessed was in 2004 in Taiwan. That process was manipulative and lacking in freedom. December 27 marks a year back in the States for me. Preparing for and going to the caucuses, I am looking forward to appreciating what it really means to have freedom. Freedom to choose different from what history has dictated in the past, and freedom to make history.
I am filled with gratitude toward those who are making this experience possible, so that I can keep my own "eyes on the prize."
Jennifer T. Lacey is a graduate student in journalism from Chicago, Illinois.
Posted by awiens at December 20, 2007 4:47 PM
Hey Jennifer,
I enjoyed reading your initial thoughts about the trip and the connection you made to the civil rights movement. There are more thoughts about the impact of this election—specifically the Obama factor—on a sight called http://blackagendareport.com. Check out the latest posting by Glen Ford, the site's editor. Another good piece on the post civil rights era ran recently on The Nation website. The piece by Gary Younge, http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071231/younge, along with Ford's piece, take a look at Obama and his impact on the campaign, race relations, and black empowerment that you won't find on the major network coverage.
I'm not sure who is covering Obama, but you should pass this along to them.
I glad you and the rest of the team are in Iowa. This is a great time to be a journalist. It's also important to be a cynical and well-read journalist—constantly interjecting new viewpoints into the conversation.
I think it's unfortunate that many voters are relying on what they get from the major networks and cable stations. I listened to the Democratic debate on NPR. Afterwards the commentators told me who the winners and losers were. It was totally different from my take.
So, I'm really looking forward to reports from you and the rest of the team.
Tell everyone I said hello and good luck.
Curtis
Posted by: Curtis Lawrence at January 3, 2008 4:28 AM
