This is an Op-Ed article I had published in a local newspaper last week. Given its subject matter, I think it remains relevant.Rare Convergence in Political History Rings in New YearMuch has been written and said about the historical significance of Barack Obama’s victory in the recent U.S. presidential election. The event deserves all those words and more, for when Obama takes the oath of office during his Jan. 20 inauguration, he will be the first black person to hold the highest office in his country. But there’s more to the day than that.Once Obama finishes reciting his oath of office and lifts his hands from the Bible, he will become part of a fascinating convergence of politics and history that encompasses both the United States and Canada. For the first time in both countries’ existence, the president of the United States, the Governor General of Canada and the lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia will all be black.A decade ago, on the cusp of the 21st century, who would have thought that people of African descent would have held those offices at any time in the near future, never mind simultaneously? Even as recently as five years ago, the chances for that situation to occur would have been considered more remote than those of winning Lotto 6-49.Yet here they are: soon-to-be-president Obama, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis. The top political positions in two countries and a province that once held Africans as slaves are now occupied by black people. This historical convergence is both gratifying and amazing.The manner in which these three trailblazers reached their positions is reflective of the differences in the political systems Canada and the United States developed after they went their separate ways in 1776.Obama won the Nov. 4 election after a long, gruelling, dramatic campaign in which he secured the Democratic Party’s nomination, and then the presidency. On Jan. 20, he will become the American head of state. Because of Canada’s continuing ties with Britain, Queen Elizabeth II is our head of state, and the Governor General and lieutenant-governor are representatives of the Crown. They are appointed rather than elected.Jean was appointed Governor General by former prime minister Paul Martin in 2005. Prime Minister Stephen Harper named Francis to her vice-regal post in 2006. At that time, Obama was considered the longest of long shots for the presidency, which is arguably the most powerful elected office in the world. Now, he bears the responsibility of leading his country through increasingly troubled times.Although the Governor General’s position is ceremonial for the most part, the office is invested with the authority of the Crown. Thus, Harper was obliged to secure Jean’s permission to prorogue Parliament last month to avoid the imminent defeat of his minority government. And if the Conservatives fall after Parliament resumes later this month, the Governor General will decide whether an election should be called or the Liberal-New Democrat coalition will be given a chance to form a government, with the support of the Bloc Quebecois.A United States president possesses no such prerogative.The first black president. The first black Governor General. The first black lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia. All three at the same time. This is a moment to be savoured by people of all complexions and backgrounds.Even so, this extraordinary conjunction is not a panacea for the difficulties black people continue to face in both Canada and the United States. None of these officials is a “Magic Negro.” For all the progress there has been since slavery ended, there are still barriers to be broken and obstacles to overcome.Yet this remains a moment of pride. And as bigotry continues its long and stubborn retreat, we can continue to work toward a post-racial society with more spring in our step and hope in our heart.Can we overcome?Yes we can!
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