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From Bracknell to the White House
Kiran Randhawa28.10.08
A MODEST housing estate in Berkshire is a far cry from the ostentatious grounds of the White House. But Barack Obama's stepmother could be heading to the famous address if he clinches his predicted victory in seven days' time.
Kezia Obama, who lives in an end of terrace home in Bracknell, said she is already planning her trip to the US for his inauguration.
In an exclusive interview with the Standard, the 65-year-old said she was gearing up for his win by getting together with his relatives in Kenya who will be throwing a street party on the day of the election.
The pensioner added she could not wait to see the presidential candidate claim victory and help improve America's relations with the rest of the world. Mrs Obama was married to the Democratic hopeful's father, also named Barack, when they lived in their homeland of Kenya.
He then went on to marry two more women, Mr Obama's mother Ann Dunham an American he met during a scholarship to the United States and an American teacher called Ruth. He eventually went back to his first wife, with whom he had four children.
After his father's death, Mr Obama, aged 21, went to Kenya and met his sister, brothers and stepmother for the first time. Mrs Obama, who moved to Britain six years ago, now takes pride of place at special family gatherings and was invited to celebrate Mr Obama's inauguration as US senator in 2004.
She said: "Going to Barack's inauguration for senator was one of the proudest moments of my life. I knew then he was going to do it. I knew he would go all the way. There is no doubt in my mind he is going to win it. He will be America's first black president and people will begin to respect the country once again after the Bush administration ruined its relations with the world."
The grandmother of 10, who flew out to Nairobi on Saturday to join her three children Auma, 48, Abo, 40, and Ben, 36 for celebrations, added: "I have been watching his debates on TV, staying up all through the night.
"I am excited to be in Kenya for the election night and results. We all want to be together that day. We are planning a huge street party. We will be dancing in the streets when he wins. I will definitely be going to his inauguration when he becomes president."
Mrs Obama, whose eldest child Abongo, 51, lives in America and is "extremely close" to the 47-year-old presidential frontrunner, added: "It makes me sad there are people out there who say they will never vote a black man for president. There is more to him than just his colour."
Ian Manners, who is divorced from Mr Obama's half sister Auma, said part of Mr Obama's success was down to his ability to rise above those discriminating against him.
The 55-year-old businessman from Warfield, Berkshire, said he once told him how he was often stopped by police when driving his jeep in Chicago.
He said: "Even when he had special number plates that only senators have, they would stop him because they thought he'd stolen it. But Barack did not allow this to be an obstacle to his success. He rose above it."
Mr Manners added: "He is a very determined guy. He will make a great president. He has humility and humbleness as well as great intellect."
Reader views (10)
Frank FYI - half cast is considered a derogatory term. I think the point Kezia is making which is uncomfortable for those who have never experienced what it means to be an ethnic minority is that given that in the US black people only 60 years ago were being lynched, for many black people (and others) across the world this will herald hopefully a new beginnings.
Colour is of course an issue since racism is still prevalent, particularly in the US where slavery left a terrible legacy.
- Mrs Smart, London
Frank, just so that you know, it's not mixed race and not half cast. I've seen people getting beats for that. I don't agree but that doesn't stop it from happening
- Aria, South London
well eat your hearts out because come next tuesday night, Obama will be the next president and, I feel the Democratic party will be in control of the House and the Senate.
That will show all the doubters, that Obama is the Honourable man
- Jaberwokie3, switzerland
So, people just move here 6-years ago and are now living in a council house. She can go and live in the White House for all I care.
- Frederick, London, UK
I cannot believe the American people would pick a man that is so far to the left and is misleading everyone. He has yet to tell the truth about his associations with radical people, he has absolutely no talent (but knows how to speak and rile people up) He has never held a job and follow the money, where is it coming from?? Mideast??
I don't care that he is black, but I want an American who will fight for our country. That is not Obama. He will bring us down with his welfare reform, spreading the wealth. I've worked too hard all my life to give it away to those that won't even work or pay taxes. I'm middle class American and I believe he is trying to get America to become Socialist.
- Beatrice Mosman, Las Vegas, Nevada USA
IF it MATTERS ... and I hope it does not, Barack Obama is as much white as he is black!!! Why are mixed race people always referred to as 'black'.
Unfortunately, under the surface, and sometimes very much upon it, the US is a very, very racist country. I fear for him if he is elected.
- Paige, Lincol UK
I will not and cannot vote for Mr. Obama for president of my country. I value my right to vote and therefore I must cast a ballot based on my own personal integrity rather than the dribble which has been fed to me by the US media. I cannot vote for an individual whom I do not believe and cannot believe in. I do not believe Mr. Obama and I do not believe in him as a human being.
- Kate, Baltimre, MD, USA
"... they will never vote a black man for president."
They wont be voting for a black man, they will be voting for a half cast. Not quite the same thing is it?
So colour IS an issue then. I was under the impression that we are all equal and colour doesn't matter?
Hmmm... and the racists are?
- Frank, Home Counties, England
Lets not forget the fact that Baracks father walked out on him and his mother and left them to fend for themselves, never paying a penny in support and with no contact, a true bum.
- Brandon Thomas, London UK
If Mrs Obama is so proud of Kenya why did she come and live here ?
- Squiz, Islington
