There were times when I thought I couldn’t last for long
But now I think I’m able to carry on
It’s been a long, been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

My friends, this is it.

I feel very calm at this moment but I know when I wake up in the morning, I’m going to be quite giddy.

I’m so excited to be a part of history. I’m happy that I truly understand the significance of what I’m about to do tomorrow. Vote the first African American in as President of these United States.

This past weekend as I sat getting my hair done, my stylist was telling me how she asked her cousins whether they were going to be voting on Tuesday. They must have received the same miseducation as Joe because they told her “Naw I ain’t doing no voting. Obama got this. I don’t need to vote.”

Thank God I’m educated and knowledgeable about my history enough to say that nothing but death can keep me from those polls tomorrow. I know all of you that are eligible to vote in this country feel the same way. So no need for me to beg you to rock the vote. I’d be preaching to the choir.

For those of you not eligible to vote in this country, we appreciate your support and well wishes in this historic election. Some of you are more invested than many Americans and that means a lot.

I listened to Dorothy Height on the radio this morning reflecting on the significance of this election. She talked about the days that African Americans had to pay a poll tax to vote and about the courageous men and women who paid for our voting rights with their lives. Today, forty plus years later, it pains me to hear all of that being taken for granted. It doesn’t anger me. I just feel sadness. Pity.

Tomorrow, I’ll vote first thing in the morning and follow these rules to a tee. I’m bringing my camera to record the experience. I’m planning on wearing my Obama tee but keeping it covered until I leave. It’s not against the law in Maryland to wear paraphernalia. But I don’t feel like fighting. I’m all about peace tomorrow.

I’m fortunate to get two hours leave from my job to go and vote. However, I already told them I’ll get there when I get there. I’m fortunate to work for an organization that is extremely invested in the outcome so I likely won’t be penalized if I’m later than that.

That evening, I plan to attend a watch party – preferably at a place where I can actually listen to the results and have access to free wifi so I can blog and tweet my reactions. I’m not sure where yet. Most of the parties will be more focused on the social aspect so I may end up at home. I feel the urgent need to have a record of my experiences and thoughts throughout the day.

We also must not forget about the other renaissance taking place tomorrow – the official release day for Q-Tip’s album. If you have not already illegally or legally downloaded, this is a must have for your collection. I won’t be reviewing it because I’m not a hip-hop head like that and I’d rather leave that to the “professionals.” I just don’t feel like I can do it justice.  What I will say is simply that it’s everything I thought it would be – every single song is fire to me. It will be on my top albums of the year list. No question.

The second half of this year has been filled with such good music that it truly gives me hope.

A change is gonna come, indeed.

Patti Labelle covering Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” (wanted an outstanding LIVE version)