In a 1968 letter to the Telegram, the late Elizabeth Mills, a black woman from Foxboro, described Superior as the "Mississippi of the North," and in what must have been veiled cynicism, described how she admired George Wallace because he did not hide his racial bias, saying he was "at least honest in his beliefs and not deceitful."
She ends her letter ruefully, writing "There will never be equality in this country for the black man, nor will he be free, or become a first class citizen and to think so he is only deluding himself."
Yesterday, Barack Obama proved her wrong.
By fulfilling the dreams of generations who have suffered the sharp sting of discrimination, President Obama placed his hand on Lincoln's Bible and inspired millions of Americans of every race, creed and color to work with him, to "dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."
In his inaugural address President Obama charted the course along a tough road for a nation embroiled in two wars, in economic crisis and suffering from a tarnished world image.
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But in the steady, calm demeanor that moved a majority of Americans to vote for his vision of hope over fear, Obama outlined his plans to restore this nation.
He promised bold action to fix our ailing economy. He pledged to "restore science to its rightful place" and raise the bar on our educational systems. He promised an accountable, open and effective government.
"All this we can do. All this we will do."
And as he gave his speech to mark the 44th time United States presidents have peacefully transferred power, he spoke of the inherent courage and bravery of its people. He reminded Americans, and the world, that we are the keepers of the legacy of our ancestors who fought a revolution for liberty, a civil war for freedom and world wars to end tyranny and domination. Emphatically he stood down those who induce terror.
"You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
Never flinching from the hard work ahead, President Obama called for a return to the values of these ancestors who built our strong and shared foundation. He asked us to embrace the tried and true ideals of honesty, courage, fair play, tolerance, curiosity, loyalty and patriotism.
"This is the price and the promise of citizenship."
This speech was written to inspire a nation and to tell the world that America is once again ready to lead.
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Well said, Mr. President. Elizabeth Mills would have been proud.
President Obama's complete speech is online at www.superiortelegram.com
