Words By Jada G.

We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can withstand the power of millions of voices calling for change.- Barack Obama

Some say that a pop star aura, charisma and eloquent speeches are the only reasons for Barack Obama’s meteoric success. They say that his candidacy is just an idealistic call for change that could never be; that his supporters don’t have a handle on the real issues. Naysayers – among them some being young Black men- believe the country isn’t ready for a Black President. But it’s hard to deny that Obama’s appeal has smashed party, racial, and class lines in one of the most historic presidential races of all time. He promises to restore hope to our broken nation and his sincerity seems to go beyond any political agenda.

The Will.I.Am produced “Yes We Can” clip combines Obama’s speech from the night of his New Hampshire primary win, with a simple acoustic guitar, reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin in the Wind.” Shot in black and white, the video features young stars and legendary figures – John Legend, Scarlett Johansson, Herbie Hancock and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar – lending their voices to echo Obama’s words. The “Yes we can” chorus, repeated in many languages, reminds us of the diversity within our borders. The chant of the crowd stirs up sentiment that only fires up those who believe in his message. “Yes We Can” premiered on YouTube the day after Super Tuesday, when voters turned out in record numbers to take part in a primary election.

The twentysomething set gets a bad rap for complacency. We’re supposedly iPod connected, latte drinking MySpace junkies, tuned into everything but the news. But we are using venues made for us and by us to inform and inspire. We’re catching campaign debates on YouTube, starting grassroots campaign organizations on Facebook, and addressing the issues that are important to us on political blogs. Our earbuds are tuned into CNN as we run at the gym. Our interest has even fueled the generations before us who were inspired by John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., in a time when change seemed hopeless but prevailed. Since Super Tuesday, Obama has earned an eleven state sweep. Projected Republican frontrunner John McCain has already set his sights on debating him as the “Obama Machine” keeps gaining momentum.

After eight years of a botched administration, weariness has only restored our faith, and I couldn’t be more pleased that idealism, change, and sincerity have a winning chance.

Once again, there’s nothing false about hope.

Bonus — Will.I.Am’s latest – “We Are The Ones” (Video)