Nomination unites black generations
Published: Thu, Aug. 28, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Thu, Aug. 28, 2008 02:29AM
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closeDENVER -- When Barack Obama accepts the nomination tonight, it will be a powerful moment for many black Democrats.
While most now support Obama's candidacy, they traveled different paths to get there. Many older people were initially cautious, skeptical that the country was ready. For many younger blacks, Obama represented a generation more optimistic about the possibility of biracial politics.
"There was a generational divide," said U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, 61, of Wilson.
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Veteran North Carolina black leaders such as Butterfield and U.S. Rep. Mel Watt of Charlotte initially endorsed former Sen. John Edwards. Younger blacks, such as state Rep. Ty Harrell of Raleigh and Sidney Echevarria, a Bank of America worker from Belmont, were more likely to sign on early with Obama.
"We can't continue to have the same tired plays being run from the same tired playbook," Harrell said.
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