Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 1-13-17 Edition

Final Speech Thoughts
President’s Final Speech Leaves Impression On Readers
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Tuesday evening, the 44th President of the United States delivered his farewell speech in Chicago, Illinois.
President Barack Obama recapped his accom- plishments over the past 8 years, encouraged Americans, and vowed to stay involved. The speech lasted less than one hour, but had a profound effect on some who listened to it.
Some Sentinel readers shared the impression the President’s speech made on them.
Danny Green said, “President Obama gave a great speech last night. It was one of the best speeches any president has ever given, very emotional and compassionate. Presi- dent Obama will go down as one of the best presidents ever. “He thanks his family, friends, and people on his
staff. This country will miss President Obama. He talked about all the great things he accomplished in 8 years. What a great job Presi- dent Obama did in 8 years as president. God bless him and his family.”
Rev. Karen Jackson Sims said, “Our Presi- dent has been steadfast and he didn’t change who he is last night. He was poised and full of grace. He demonstrated love for his family, those who shared the journey with him and his belief in the potential
for our country. “President Obama chal-
lenged us all not to just exist here in our country, but to be the country and to hold ac- countable those who hold of- fice to represent us in the future. We were encouraged to keep our hope because with hope the “Yes We Can,” be- came yes, we did.”
Mrs. Doretha Edge- comb said, “It was so Presi- dent Obama
--- well pre- pared, extra- ordinarily delivered, awe
inspiring, impressive, thought provoking, inclusive of all he served, touching, charitable despite the ongoing disrespect and meanness of some, re- spectful even when he may have differences, and most of all, it was and he was Presi- dential!
“I will forever be proud to call him my President and so blessed to be a part of history when he served!”
Mrs. Anna Ivery Beau- ford said, “The Presi- dent's Speech
was very heartfelt in- spiring and encouraging. His main theme was Democ- racy; Unity and Equality as our Founders encouraged from the beginning of political times, Equality for All people and nationalities in the United States.
“President Obama re- minded those of us living in our glass bubbles and our comfort zones that we, too, have often focused on individ- uality rather than equality and we must remember not to" fall short.”
Mrs. Sherrie Coon Collins said, “As this was the final address, President Obama touched on the many
topics of con- cern to Ameri- cans and those around the globe on the expectations to
meet our Country's needs. This address marked the end- ing era of a political party for the people.
“However, rest not our troubles and worries in the hands of government and the unrighteous, but lean on a higher power that sits up high and looks down low. Fear not for what our nation has faced and will face again, but be prayerful and steadfast in the name of Jesus.”
Dr. Samuel Wright said, “The POTUS espoused a message of
hope. He started by thanking those who cata- pulted him to the national scene; revisited major accom- plishments of his administra- tion; spoke highly of family members and mentioned brother and lifelong friend he acquired in Joe Biden; and
awakened in each of us a re- newed energy and spirit for advocacy. In all honesty, he reminded the American peo- ple that he will be in the strug- gle continually until God calls him to rest!”
Ross Anderson said, “President Obama once again took the
high road even in his final ad- dress to the country. I know he's con- cerned about his legacy, but it's safe to say that every Amer- ican will remember November 2008, where they were when the news announced him as the 44th President of the United States of America.”
Ms. Sherna Blair Rich
said, “How many of us ever dreamed we would see a Black man in the White House? His true distinction, legacy, reputation, love for God, his country, and his fel- low man will live on in world annals of recorded history.”
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017