Newswise — For African-Americans, the election of a black president is not only a historic milestone but may represent a psychological catharsis akin to South Africa's election of Nelson Mandela in 1994, says Anthony Parent, professor of history at Wake Forest University.
"African-Americans went to the polls in record numbers to demonstrate their support for Obama," Parent notes. "They see within him the embodiment of hope for a brighter future that has eluded generations of their ancestors who had to endure enslavement, second-class citizenship and institutional racism. Obama promises a transformative presidency. At the very least, one that would begin to break down the great racial divide. His personal story — raised by his white grandparents and mother — offers him a unique perspective to address this most pressing American problem."
Parent, an expert on African-American history, world civilizations, colonial America and the civil rights movement, is available to talk about the historical significance of the Obama presidency.
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