Speech undermined celebration of unity

The Obama inauguration was a momentous occasion for all Americans. We have elected our first black president, who all of us hope can bring us through these troubled economic times. The speeches at the inauguration were eloquent and thoughtful.

However, one speech in particular was sorely out of place. Rev. Joseph Lowery's speech included a poem, reported to be taught in black churches, which included the phrase, "and when white will embrace what is right." At a time when we have elected our first black president, all communities must move forward for the betterment of our country and not poke a finger in the eye of one community or another like this phrase so obviously does.

With that one phrase, the message being sent to the nonblack population of the United States is not one of unity, but one of further racial separation. For there to be unity, the black community must learn to work with all communities to improve our nation - not against them.

Maybe it's time for these old civil rights dinosaurs to step aside and allow President Obama to take over in bringing us all together.

Penny Novy

Buffalo Grove