Change Motivates First Time Voter

In an election of epic proportions, life long Floridian Omari Menns, 28, feels privileged to cast his vote for who he hopes will be the first African-American president of the United States of America.

"Judging by the polls, I am pretty confident that Barack Obama will win today," the first time voter said. "But I am still nervous, especially because of what happened in 2000," he added referring to the Gore/Bush debacle.

According to the Florida Division of Elections, 58% of all new registered voters in Florida are Democrat. Some would argue that much of this new registration could be contributed to first time African-American voters like Menns, who were inspired by Obama's message of change.

"It's not just because he is black," he said. "He's intelligent, his policies cater to the middle class, and he is the only candidate I think will help fix this country."

Menns recalls a time when his mother would be offered jobs after an interview over the phone, only to be turned down in the flesh because of her skin color. He remembers her coming home in tears, burdening the then 8-year-old boy with thoughts about he and his family's future. Would he too fall victim to racial discrimination?

"Having Obama in the White House will help change the image of African-Americans," Menns said. "It will show that black people are not just mug shots that you see on TV or people that are good at sports. It will show that they can be intellectual, attend Ivy League schools and even become president."

Menns' 54-year-old mother and 56-year-old father, also first time voters, see Obama in the oval office as a step in the right direction toward breaking race barriers around the country, and even the globe. Both he and his parents share the same hope that an Obama presidency will not only open new doors for African-Americans, but all minorities and citizens, alike.

"If there is a black president, it will be harder for African-Americans to feel like they don't have the same opportunities as other races," said Menns. "If Obama wins it will be a good day for all Americans, but it will be an extra special day in the black community."

By Corinne Regan; Edited by Nicole Rodriguez