Jacob Philadelphia, and millions of other 8-year-old black children, are dreaming about becoming the President of the United States. Thanks to President Obama, that dream seems a little more attainable.
The New York Times took a look at a classic White House photo from three years ago showing President Obama bowing down before Jacob Philadelphia, who was 5-years-old at the time. Jacob, the son of a White House staff worker who was leaving his position, had quietly asked the president what his hair felt like.
According to the Times, Jacob said: “I want to know if my hair is just like yours.”
President Obama bowed down to the little boy and said: “Why don’t you touch it and see for yourself?”
David Axelrod, who has a copy framed in his Chicago office, said that the photo shows a young boy realizing that one day he could also be president.
Axelrod said:
“Really, what he was saying is, ‘Gee, you’re just like me.’ And it doesn’t take a big leap to think that child could be thinking, ‘Maybe I could be here someday.’ This can be such a cynical business, and then there are moments like that that just remind you that it’s worth it.”
Carlton Philadelphia, Jacob’s father, said:
“It’s important for black children to see a black man as president. You can believe that any position is possible to achieve if you see a black person in it.”
Do you think President Obama has opened the door a little wider for black children who aspire to be president? What do you think of the Jacob Philadelphia photo?
