Injustices, prejudices of past recalled after historic vote of Barack Obama
Black church’s members see hopes realized with Obama’s selection

BY CARLA HINTON

Published: November 8, 2008

Memories of past racial prejudice and injustice sprang to his mind as the Rev. Major Jemison cast his vote for Barack Obama this week.

Rev. Major Jemison minister of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. By Doug Hoke

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Jemison, senior pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, said he remembered when his aunt was beaten and hosed by law authorities in Birmingham, Ala., where the family lived when he was growing up.

Jemison, 54, said he remembered the clergy leaders who led the Birmingham civil rights movement. He also recalled the racially motivated bombing of Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which killed four little girls and "perpetrated fear on not only the kids but the adults.”

But along with those sad memories were some good ones, too — memories of hope that were realized when Obama became the first black man elected as United States president.

"I remembered when my mother and father voted for the first time,” Jemison said Wednesday.

Such was the talk at the midweek service at St. John, 5700 N Kelley, one of Oklahoma City’s prominent churches.

As members of the predominantly black congregation gathered for a meal and Bible study, talk turned to Tuesday’s presidential election.

"I’ve been waiting for change, and it finally happened,” said Margaret Richardson, 51, of Oklahoma City.

Magnolia Friday, 83, said she was stunned by Obama’s victory.

"I had never thought that would happen, that they would even have an opportunity to do that,” she said.

James Nichols, 65, of Oklahoma City, said he thinks Obama’s election as president is "great for all people.”

His brother, Enoch E. Nichols Jr., 67, of Forest Park, said he thinks Obama’s successful bid for the presidency was divine.

"I think when the kid drew his first breath, he was destined for this,” he said.

"I’m amazed and I never thought I would see this day, but I’m so happy that my great granddaughter will grow up under a different system.”

Meanwhile, Jemison said Obama’s win has historical significance that all Americans can rejoice in.

"I believe Barack Obama stands on the shoulders of those who have paid the price for him. Certainly it behooves us as a nation not to judge him as a black president, but the president,” Jemison said.

"The democratic process worked to perfection on Nov. 4, and to God be the glory.”

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