It's strange to think that today I witnessed a piece of history.
Throughout my childhood my father always recounted his memories of the moment man first stepped on the moon, told me exactly what he was doing the day Kennedy was shot, and instilled in me a love for Martin Luther King, the words of whose famous speech have resonated through time and generations and did, and still do, stand for something. Freedom.
Martin Luther King had a dream.
He had a dream that 'one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
He had a dream that 'one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood'.
And he had a dream that his four little children would 'one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character'.
And oh how proud he would be now. Now I have something to tell my children and grand-children.
Today I witnessed the inauguration of the 44th American President. He is just like others who have gone before him. He is a man of smart appearance, who has strong words and a winning smile. He is confident speaking to the millions of people who gathered outside the steps of the White House to see him become, arguably one of the most powerful men in the world.
But there is one huge difference. Barack Obama is America's first African American President.
Now my upbringing tells me that under normal circumstances there is no difference between this man and the next. In my eyes and in the eyes of many people across the world, black people are equals, there was never any question about that.
History tells us something different. The horrific tales of the slavery suffered by African Americans, the vicious racism they faced and the strength and courage of those who fought for their freedom, these are tales that will stay with me forever.
And so will watching Barack Obama's landmark speech outside the White House today. It was astounding, and I was overcome with a deep burning emotion when he said: 'This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.'
Those words will stay with me forever too.
This is not to say that there isn't a long way to go. There is a long, long way.
But watching Barack Obama standing before his people, before the world today gave me faith and hope.
Yes we can.
Yes we can.
Yes we can.
"With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day."
- Martin Luther King
