Dear Barack,
I hope you don’t mind if I address you as Barack. After everything we’ve shared over the past eight years, calling you Mr. President feels a bit distant. It’s hard to believe that our journey together is coming to an end, and I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss. If I could, I’d wrap my arms around you and plead for you to stay, but I know it’s time for you to move on. You’ve earned your peace.
I graduated from college in May 2008, burdened with debt and a sense of hopelessness. The recession hit just as I was finishing my studies, making the job hunt a daunting task. I was desperate for a leader to guide us through the chaos. When you secured the Democratic nomination, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Your rallying cry of “Yes, we can,” resonated deeply within me. You became the beacon of hope I so desperately needed.
Casting my vote for you was a moment of immense pride. Standing there in the school gym with my mother, I felt my heart swell as I marked my ballot for a man who would soon become the first black president of the United States. If I’m honest, I thought I would be sharing that experience with my grandkids someday. Watching you step onto the stage in Chicago with Michelle, Sasha, and Malia brought tears to my eyes. I was overwhelmed again on that chilly January day as you took the oath of office, and I wept even more while watching you and Michelle share that beautiful dance to “At Last.”
You stood strong against a tide of opposition that sought to undermine you. When a group led by our now president-elect questioned your American identity based on your heritage and middle name, you remained dignified, like a regal swan gliding through adversity. In those moments when negativity surrounds me, I often ask myself, WWOD (What Would Obama Do)? It helps me let go of the negativity.
You faced immense challenges, working tirelessly to rejuvenate the economy. I still wish you had prioritized student debt relief, but I understand the political hurdles you faced. Gradually, things improved. I found a job, though it meant sacrificing my dreams of being an actor to focus on paying off my debts. I vividly remember the night the Navy SEALs took down Bin Laden—an especially poignant moment for me as a New Yorker. That event marked a turning point for you, and we all felt the momentum shift.
As the 2012 election approached, I was confident you would triumph. The opposition tried to play up “family values” and other divisive issues, but we stood united. I watched the results come in while at work, feeling a wave of relief when my new home state of California secured your victory. I even popped open a nice bottle of wine to celebrate.
The last four years have been a rollercoaster of emotions. We’ve mourned together—over school shootings, the tragic deaths of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and Michael Brown. Your attempts to address racial injustice often felt like a heavy burden you carried. But we also shared moments of joy. I was elated when you announced the Affordable Care Act; it may not have been perfect, but it was a significant step forward. And I couldn’t hold back tears when marriage equality was achieved, allowing my friends to share in the joys of love and commitment.
You have always been a champion of the arts, bringing culture and music into the White House. Thank you for supporting Lin Manuel Miranda and giving him a platform to share Hamilton. It was a much-needed breath of fresh air. Your acknowledgment of black artists and cultural figures has provided a sense of belonging and recognition.
Perhaps most importantly, I admire you as a devoted husband and father. The way you openly love Michelle has set a standard for relationships. Seeing you talk about your daughters with such pride has inspired me to strive for the same in my parenting.
I now have a son who shares some similarities with you. Like you, he is mixed-race, with a white father and a black mother. Raised by a single mom, he too enjoys a close relationship with his grandmother. While he won’t remember your presidency, I look forward to telling him that if you could overcome challenges, so can he. So, from the depths of my heart, thank you.
With all my love and admiration,
Nia Carter
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In summary, President Obama’s legacy will forever be etched in our hearts. His leadership has inspired many, and the lessons of resilience and hope will continue to guide us.