In a speech to the NAACP, President Obama traced his historic rise to power to the vigor and valor of black civil rights leaders, saying the sacrifice of others "began the journey that has led me here."
Sadi Obama: "We've got to say to our children, Yes, if you're African American, the
odds of growing up amid crime and gangs are higher. Yes, if you live in
a poor neighborhood, you will face challenges that someone in a wealthy
suburb does not have to face. That's not a reason to get bad grades,
that's not a reason to cut class, that's not a reason to give up on
your education and drop out of school. No one has written
your destiny for you. Your destiny is in your hands - and don't you
forget that."