January 20^th 2009 was a landmark day for the United States of America. Not only was this day unique because it was the day of inauguration for the country’s 44^thpresident but because that president is African American. The win of Barack Obama’s democratic campaign was an especially poignant event for the minorities that have been oppressed in this country’s past and for others in this present.

  The Hispanics I have spoken with share a pride similar to that of the African American community. Those with whom I spoke to agree , we as Latinos felt included in Obama’s inaugural speech. “ We are shaped by every language and culture” , Obama stated in his inaugural speech, “For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength not a weakness”

Latinos have also been more involved in the voting process than in the past. The Latino vote increased 25 percent and 63 percent voted for Obama, according to CNN.com.

  Reason for the excitement among Latino voters could be that he is the son of a Kenyan immigrant and can relate to the “American Dream” that lures immigrants to this country. Latinos feel as if they can relate to him more than any other President since John F. Kennedy. Obama states in his pamphlet for the Latino voter on his official campaign website, “I will be a president who remembers that are separate struggle are really one”

  Maria Sanchez, 49 of Houston stated “ I’ve never felt as if they (government officials) were ever talking of me, because I’m a Mexican first then American. Obama does speak to me.”

Reyna Adams, 85 of Houston remembered her previous favorite President, “ I loved Kennedy, I cried when they killed him. He was for our people, all people. I think Obama can change this country, just like JFK”

  Hispanics will be looking for Obama to make the changes necessary that interest them the most like education, proper wages, and immigration reform. I feel the task will be great but with the Latino community support it will be possible.

– Diane Sanchez