OUR PROMISE IS OURS TO MAKE TRUE

Who cares what I have to say? Is it people who are looking for someone who already thinks the way they do? Probably. And does is matter that I write my thoughts and feelings for the sake of the reader? Sometimes, probably.

Writing for me is a way to express myself which always makes me more enriched. And it helps me gain clarity.

Since this is a monumental day in our history, and we have had RACE as an issue simply because some or many of us still can't see the person for the essence of his or her spirit and gifts without looking at the visual, we have RACE as an issue that affects our judgments and decisions about what is acceptable in our own prejudices overt or covert.

As blatantly wrong as the KKK is, I would weigh more damaging to our society are racists who don't understand that subtleties and undercurrents of racist thoughts, comments and judgments cut into our country's integrity far more than the blatant hatred borne out in groups like the KKK. And where the we would benefit most to figure out. It is the ignored racist comments, jokes or withholding of rights that go on unchecked that hold us back more from being really free as a nation.

The power plays that we don't even acknowledge in conversations, the putting down of someone because we need to feel more powerful ~ it is this kind of behavior that needs acknowledged, admitted, owned and given our conscious awareness to evolve out of our racist personal states. Some racism is given a pass by people who claim they are not bigots. Certain bigoted behavior is more acceptable because it is hidden by those in the group who feel empowered. But it is not hidden from the receiver of the behavior. This type of racism is buried beneath the light of consciousness. It is more insidious and odious than those who claim their bigotry as a crown of being right.

We are not free until we are all free.

The following text is shared.

Today is the 40th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I want to share a video that reveals how far we've come and how much this campaign owes to Dr. King's legacy.

Students at a high school in the Bronx, who had no real interest in their government, have found new hope. They were surprised by their own excitement and engagement, but to me, they embody so many reasons why Barack and I decided to get into this campaign.

It's truly moving to see young people inspired by a political leader -- someone who gives them hope and reminds them that they can be anything they want to be if they work hard.

Watch what these kids have to say about politics and race in this country:

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Our Promise is Ours to Keep

Much has changed in this country since Dr. King's death, and thanks to his life and work we have taken critical strides towards racial equality.

The simple fact that Barack is running a competitive campaign for President is a direct result of Dr. King's legacy -- and this movement for change would be impossible without the support of people of all races, ages, and backgrounds.

I remember back in December of 2006, a group of us were discussing the possibility of Barack running for President. And as you might have read, I was hesitant about the idea.

But then Barack started talking about why he really wanted to do this -- to bring people together and to change the tone of the way we talk to each other in this country. He talked about the need for people to be inspired by their leaders, and the importance of leadership to chart a different course. He talked about Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy, and their passion to challenge a new generation and provide them with role models.

Barack promised that as a candidate and as President he would do everything he could to bring new people to the table. He shared his desire to reach out to our neglected inner cities, to strive to be a role model for young people, and to connect with people who are not involved in politics -- those who feel their voices haven't been heard, those who have been left behind, and those who have been turned off by all the petty bickering in recent years.

We can change that, by standing on the shoulders of folks like Dr. King who came before us.

Watching these students who are excited about their own role in politics for the first time, and watching Barack as he strives to live up to the challenges Dr. King made possible, I am truly touched.

Thank you,

Michelle Obama