By Michelle

For those of you that know me, I’m a cynic, a skeptic and a shrew so on the eve’s eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration, I feel the need to reflect.

I (as much as the other 70 million people who voted for him) am ecstatic that on Tuesday our country will formally introduce new leadership, new optimism and new policies. I’m excited that I will be able to recall to my kids (or maybe just god kids) not just the day the twin towers fell or New Orleans flooded, but the day that we elected a black man as president and started an era of change.

But I would be remiss to forget that on the same day Florida voted blue (largely due to wins in Tampa Bay), we also voted for a constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriage…reminding me that not everything (or everyone) is equal and things don’t change overnight.

Mark Twain once said that “whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect).” We can’t become complacent. Obama is not the messiah. Revolution will never “start” in the White House.

We must still question authority, think and act independently, and resist boredom and apathy. Do things to make a difference. Make a contribution to your community. Be bold.

Nevertheless, we should enjoy this moment of history! Cheers to a new America!

BTW…Check out Manifest Hope: DC.

There are some amazing artists showcasing their Obama-inspired art in DC this weekend like Ron English, Munk One, Sam Flores, Tristan Eaton, BASK, Tes One and Blue Lucy.

(art by Tristan Eaton)