Unfinished business

Donna Brazile, the woman behind many presidential campaigns from 1976 to 2000, beamed from behind the podium at UB's Center for the Arts on Thursday night. Brazile, a long-time democratic political strategist, used lyrical metaphors in her lecture that echoed those made by President Barack Obama, to remind the audience of America's unfinished business, while making a speech as a part of the Distinguished Speakers Series event held in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Without being overtly critical of America's accomplishments, Brazile reminded citizens that their work is not done after the inauguration of Obama. She dispelled the idea of a "post-racial" America, the notion that the U.S. has cleared racial problems of the past.

Throughout the event, Brazile honored the heroes of the abolition movement and those who fought for freedom in the dark times of segregation. The inauguration of the first black president brings the nation closer to the realization of the dreams of King, Jr., she stated; however, the work is not over until everyone is accepted.

Getting past gender discrimination, restoring freedom to those who have been limited because of their sexual orientation and old stereotypes are things the nation needs to work on, according to Brazile.

"So if a black man can become president of the United States of America, perhaps we're all free now to believe we can achieve any goal that we set for ourselves because we can move beyond the racial stereotypes, the marginalization of so many," Brazile said. "This is a mountain-top moment, but we must resolve to try and get our nation to keep fighting until those barriers are finally removed."

Brazile, who described herself early in the lecture as talkative and active since her childhood, stated that she started her political career at 9 years old.

Since her early start in politics, she has written novels, was the first African-American to direct a major presidential campaign and was chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute, among other achievements.

Throughout Thursday's lecture, she kept the mood light by telling humorous stories, which audience members related to, about her God-fearing and strong-willed family who grew up together in the segregated Deep South of New Orleans.

Brazile reminisced about how her hardworking parents, who raised her and her siblings to be docile under her mother's rule.

Brazile explained that growing up, her parents told them that they were able to achieve anything they set their hearts on. However, she and her sisters would nod in agreement, but would giggle behind their mom's back knowing that certain doors were closed for them, being women and minorities.

America has restored hope in her.

"I never thought I would see this day. I never thought this moment would arrive, at least in my lifetime," Brazile said. "Parents will no longer have to lie to us," Brazile said, citing a new era of change.

Brazile continually acknowledged the youth of the United States for their part in this year's election that, for once, reflected a colorblind society.

"I have waited for this moment for a long time," Brazile said. "The young people-they created a dynamic out there. They didn't take 'no' for an answer. They became leaders of this movement and I am proud to say they led us to this moment. It is because of their determination, their willingness to go out there despite all of the odds, to register people."

The presenter changed the ambiance of the theatre full of stern-faced audience members by stating her difficulties with YouTube, Facebook and "all the great inventions of Al Gore," referring to Gore, who was quoted as saying "I took the initiative in creating the Internet," during an interview with Wolf Blitzer.

"Yeah, I'm still learning about Twitter," Brazile joked, after acknowledging the online influence the youth of America created to Obama's benefit.

The presenter also paid homage to the 14th president of the U.S., Abraham Lincoln, throughout the commemorative event as well as to Martin Luther King, Jr. Brazile stated that Obama himself was currently in Springfield, Ill., to pay tribute to Lincoln, who is his inspiration.

"Although at times, he was not quite sure which way the wind was blowing... he had faith. President Lincoln belongs to all of us," Brazile said.

Brazile encourages individuals to participate and hone in on Lincoln's wish for "one America," without any sort of segregation or separation amongst the entire population of the nation.

"I hope that we not only look back but, we look forward to how we can use this moment of hope and change. And the energy that clearly came from the 2008 election to begin to build one America," Brazile said.