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For Democrat Barack Obama, the first African-American to be nominated by a major American political party for president, tonight marks the end of a historic campaign. Whether Obama captures the U.S. presidency after a hard-fought campaign against Republican John McCain, the mere fact of his striving is what matters.

To find out just how historic, The Daily Times talked with four members of Blount County's African-American community. We asked a simple question. What does the idea of an Obama presidency mean to you?

Jacqueline Hill

Jacqueline Hill, who lives in the South Hall community of Alcoa, said Obama's candidacy sends an unmistakable message to the rest of the world about the validity of the American Dream.

"It will definitely send the message that with hard work, dedication and intelligence, anything is possible," she said. "It makes more visible the belief anything is possible in this great country. (If elected) it won't be because he's a an African-American, it will be because he is the person best suited to make the necessary changes that are needed in this county."

Hill said the excitement generated by this presidential campaign is needed.

"For one, I believe that Americans are going to come out and participate in the process upon which this nation is founded," she said. "We need everybody to come out and vote, whether you vote for Obama or McCain or whoever -- participate in the process. That's what democracy is all about. We talk about spreading democracy in Iraq, where 90 percent are showing up (to vote), here only 40 to 50 percent are."

The health of the country depends on all its citizens, Hall said.

"All of us have to be actively engaged and willing to sacrifice and do what is necessary to turn this country around," she said. "Given the condition that the country is in, a change is definitely needed. I think that Obama will be the person to deliver that. If this is actually achieved it says what we were founded on is indeed a reality. It's just not for African-Americans, it's for all of us -- rich or poor, black or white, Democrat or Republican.

".... What says that better than achieve the presidency of the United States. To me, that's the historical perspective. It's sort of the process of eliminating those barriers that everybody what were thought in place. They come crumbling down with the election of Barack Obama."

Rev. Joe Colquitt

Rev. Joe Colquitt, of St. John Baptist Church in Alcoa, said he's been asked that question, what an Obama presidency would mean, a lot.

"What does the Bush or McCain presidency mean to you all?" he said. "All of our lives we've had presidents that are non-ethnic. It would be a true dream of Martin Luther King Jr. coming to a reality.

"I think it's time in the United States. We've been a part of it for over 200 years. I don't have a problem with an African-American president. Whoever gets it, they've got their hands full regardless. It will be a milestone in this day or time, seeing it come to fruition is something we've dreamt about.

"... I would welcome it just to see if there are any kind of changes brought about. We've gone with the status quo long enough. It will be interesting to see, if it transpires, how he will be received if he's elected and to see if he can make a difference in Washington. ... He has to have time to work on it. I don't expect nothing to happen overnight with the mess that we have. If it comes to fruition, I welcome it. If not, then I just have to think it's the Lord's will."

Sissy Ferguson

Sissy Ferguson, executive director Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Alcoa, said "the whole idea just takes my breath away."

"It's something I thought could be possible to happen, hopefully in my lifetime. It appears that it is possible because he did get nominated. I'm just very proud of the fact that he's willing to pull this country back together.

"Where you are Democratic or Republican or independent, we have to work together. We have to. If he has anything at all to do that, it's a good thing. "Regardless of if he wins or doesn't win, it is something that is attainable. It great for young people to know that. He's not a person who can fix things overnight, but at least he is willing to try. I don't know if I would have that kind of courage."

Joel Walker

Joel Walker, assistant director of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, said Obama's nomination is a matter of pride.

"What it does is legitimize African-American males in a way that has not been since Martin Luther King Jr.," Walker said.

"To know he is confident and educated and has a wise view. He doesn't have such a narrow view of America as some would perceive an African-American to have. He's pulling the country together. It's a sense of pride to see him like this. It's awesome."

Walker said that Obama being a candidate has touched his son's life.

"I have a son who is 5 years old," Walker said. "He came home the other day and said, 'Momma, I can be president. I want to be president.' We just looked at him and said where did that came from? When I was in first grade in 1968 (in North Carolina), it was like the first year of integration in that school. That wasn't even something I could breathe."

"That is such a leap. That shows you how progressive this nation is and how far we have really come. We have had some naysayers in the past ... who said we never would. That's what really brings such a prideful outpouring right now."