Salaam Green (Courtesy photo)

By Salaam Green, writer, poet, social justice Aativist-founder of Literary Healing Arts. Follow her on Instagram @beautifulblackpoetry and Facebook at "Red Couch Writers," and Twitter: @salaamgreen1. www.literaryhealingarts.com

The empathetic farewell address given by President Barack Obama was communion to the soul of America; a salve to those bruised for unity. Before a crowd of well-wishers in his Hometown of Chicago, President Barack Obama the first African-American president gave his farewell address speech to the nation. President Barack Obama, an oratorical genius with impressive approval ratings for an outgoing president, fueled opiates of hope in an operatic tone. He impressed upon his audience the remarkable strides for success his presidency made for all Americans.

"The future is in good hands."-President Barack Obama

As I reflect on this speech and his presidency -- as a 40 year-old African-American women born and breed in the black belt and a creative and liberal whose spirit wants to believe in the consensus of hope -- I swell with pride. President Obama, a grassroots organizer and convener at heart ,catapulted to the helms of leadership with resounding "yes we can." Taking hold of this premise as an activist, leads me to echo this mantra to my dear South.

With roots deeply knitted in causative movements, no matter the feelings towards the outgoing president ,many must admit the last eight years presented the world with a cultural shift in democracy.

I am most proud of the example presented by President Obama of integrity of fatherhood, feminism from a male perspective, and an honorable husband. President Obama, the chancellor of family ties and reconciliation among relationships for those formerly divided, leaves his ink on the well of time. With the incredible First Lady Michelle Obama by his side standing in her own light, she spread reciprocity waves of joy from the heart of a southerner's ancestry. In the words of President Obama, they made "the White House a place where everyone belongs."

According to Obama, "Change happens when ordinary people get engaged"....this belief brought tears to my eyes. I became unexpectedly emotional as I sit on my red couch believing that I can be used as an instrument to enact liberty in the lives of others.

"Feeble the sacred ties that make us one"-President Barack Obama

Cultivating the purpose of patriotism and pioneering bravery of our first family with heritages bent in slavery; empowering citizens that have propelled hope according to Barack Obama, "from Selma to Stonewall to give their lives for this dream." Admittedly, for many, the American dream has proven an illusion often rusted and slow to be mitigated; however, the opportunity has perhaps come closer as a result of America's willingness to embrace an African-American President and family.

The legacy that I take hold of that becomes the potential for making the South a space for opportunity and solidarity for all is that of a better America -- a better chance to work together strengthening one another with truth and faith.

To the South, let us continue to wrap our arms around the ideals of values presented throughout this administration. In the words of President Obama, "the effects of Jim Crow didn't vanish in the Sixties; not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our founders promised."I am popping out of my own bubble of southern dissonance and moving towards stretching across the aisle -- all aisles -- for the sake of a better democracy and common ground with my brothers and sisters of all persuasions, diversities, and regional homages.

Mr. President it has been my honor to observe and be served by you -- an honor I shall never take for granted. I will work tirelessly to remind and contribute these principles for generations to come.

"If you are tired of arguing with strangers on the internet....lace up your shoes and do some organizing"-President Barack Obama

To the South let us continue to wrap our arms around the ideals of values placated throughout this administration. To that end and the entirety of the first African-American President's outgoing speech wiping solemn tears, I concur sir,

I greatly concur.