The election of Barack Obama last week was a moment in U.S. history that many Wilkes County citizens thought they would never see - a Black man was the president-elect, with a family that looked like theirs headed for the White House - and it's having a real impact in local families.

"Seeing the new President-Elect Barack Obama and the new First Family," said Washington Mayor Willie Burns, "says to everybody that you can be whatever you want to be if you work hard enough. He's just set a new standard for everybody. If they do the right thing, anybody can be what they want to be."

Although many said they thought they would never live to see the day an African-American man would be elected president, Kay Frances Cobb said she expected it in time. "We've got doctors, lawyers, and all kinds of other leaders, so I knew it was just a matter of time. And to me, he is a Godsend," she said.

The participation and enthusiasm that Obama inspired in young people was what impressed Washington City Councilman Maceo Mahoney, who worked for months to get out the vote. "I never thought I would see near so many young people get involved with the campaign, and on election night they were shouting and crying, just overwhelmed with the moment. I told them it makes us respond to a higher calling than ourselves, to push ourselves to something greater."

Horace Jordan, who has worked with local children and youth for years, says the election of Obama shows children that anything is possible. "The election really shows them that whatever they dream really is possible. They'd always heard it at home, but they hadn't seen it. Now it's real, and it gives them something solid to work toward."

Jordan says that he will use Obama's example to remind children that education is the key. "Barack shows them what they can do if they study every day and stay in school. It's very inspirational to our children and I believe they will respond to the challenge and step up."

Teens and children are all looking to the Obamas for examples. "If children have a dream of being president or anything special, they can look up to the Obamas for an example," said Mariah Crew, 18.

"It's given us a renewed sense of pride, and it's affected the teens we mentor," said Joe Nelson. "We had a cookout this weekend, and they said they see themselves different now. They want to go to school and do things, and they don't see barriers anymore - they see opportunities."

Saying the parties need to heal after the election and come together in support of the new administration, Mayor Burns asked the community to pray for Barack Obama. "Pray for President-elect Obama to have wisdom and courage in overwhelming adversity with the economy and fighting two wars. Ask that God grant him favor from the storm, because the sun is eventually going to shine."