By Jean Jones
Many members of the predominately African-American community of Lawnside, N.J., young and old, have taken a huge interest in this year’s presidential election for many different reasons, more than in previous years.
There is a major difference in the current 2008 presidential election than in previous years. The difference surfaced in the primaries when a woman, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and a black man, Sen. Barack Obama, joined the race for president of the United States. The victory of either of the two would make history; there has never been a woman or a black man as the president of the U.S.
In the Borough of Lawnside, according to statistics, 62.36% are registered Democrats, 38.86% are registered Republicans, and 0.79% are independent. With the majority of the community Democratic, it would be safe to say whoever was the Democratic candidate, whether it be Clinton or Obama, would have won the majority of the town’s votes either way.
However, this election has grabbed the attention of more than just the normal voters, who religiously go out and vote every year, and those who pay close attention to the race each term; it has grabbed the attention of the youth and young adults more than usual.
“I would never usually even care about the election if Obama wasn’t running,” said Ryan Kersey, 22 year-old Lawnside resident.
Kersey isn’t the only young adult who feels the same way on the issue of whether or not the only reasons many of the community’s young people are paying attention to the election just because there is a black man running for president.
“I come from a large family of politics; I have always paid attention to the election, although never as much as this year. I actually have Obama memorabilia,” says Janine Bryant, 19-year-old Lawnside resident.
While Bryant represents some of the younger residents and their newfound interests in the election, there are also many older members of the community who have taken interest solely on the fact that a black man is a presidential candidate.
“I am not one to really care about politics, I am a registered Democrat, therefore I would have voted for whoever was the Democratic candidate, just because I feel it is my civil duty. But now I watch the debates and listen to the news updates and a lot of my interest has to do with the chances that a black man might be our president,” said Wilma Parker, 47-year-old Lawnside resident.
Parker’s biggest reason for voting for Obama may be because he is black, but for many it would take more than just the color of his skin to get them to vote for Obama.
The historically African-American borough has a history of being firm about their politics, but that doesn’t mean that everyone in the town has intentions on voting for the same political party, however the fact that a black man is running has changed the opinion of one man. Levi Combs III, 22-year-old well-known black Republican, has decided he will vote for Obama, a Democrat.
According to Combs’ Facebook page, he has joined groups such as Republicans for Obama, a group that is “a grassroots organization of proud party members who all share one important trait— we are Americans first and Republicans second. (Even if it is a close second.) Founded in late 2006 as part of the nationwide effort to encourage Senator Obama to run for the Presidency, our volunteer-run, grassroots group now includes over 2000 registered members from across the nation,” according to the group’s home page on www.facebook.com.
The decision of citizens like Combs and the rest of the Republicans who are deciding to vote for Barack Obama shines a different light on the reasons many may have assumed African Americans are voting for Obama; on the sole basis that he is of African-American decent opposed to political views.
The reasoning behind the new change of interest in politics, after conducting various interviews, seems to be because many believe Obama brings something new to the table, and that is what many believe this country needs at this time.
“I have been registered to vote for as long as the law allowed. I have been active in my community’s political advising for many years. I would vote Democrat no matter who was running, but with Obama running I feel more confident and excited about my choice. He is a new face and different breath of air,” said Valerie Wallace, Lawnside resident.
It is hard for many to grasp the concept that in just 15 days they will step into a voting booth and see the name of a black man on the ballot.
“I am 70 years old, and I could have never imagined this day would ever come. Even if Barack Obama doesn’t win, just seeing him make it this far before I die is satisfying,” said Margaret Reeves, neighboring town resident.
According to recent polls, Obama is leading the race. Reeves as well as other African-American citizens who want Obama to win may just see history being made on Nov. 4.
The new interest in the current election is important for this country. The slogan for Obama’s campaign is based upon the word “change”, and that is exactly what many voters are hoping for.
“White, black, it doesn’t matter. I just want to see change in the office. I am sick of the Bush administration. I do believe Obama is the answer,” said Fanta Rosado, Lawnside resident.
The times are changing. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced on “Meet the Press” he will be crossing party lines and endorsing Obama, according to the official Web site of Obama, www.barackobama.com.
The change in Powell reiterates the facts that Americans as a whole, more than just the citizens of Lawnside, N.J., are ready for change, and have taken a huge interest in seeing that change comes.
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