Local artist Serge Toussaint was contracted by the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) to paint a mural to spruce up the I-95 overpass in the Liberty City area of Miami on northwest 62nd street also known as Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Toussaint did just that and created a mural with the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Barack Obama. Toussaint's explanation of his vision for including Senator Obama was simple but powerful and touching. Apparently the mural was considered too political for the FDOT. Toussaint was asked to remove Obama.

He explained his vision of Barack Obama as the manifestation of King's dream. He said he wanted to cry as he painted over the Obama image.

The FDOT may be within its rights to ask Toussaint to remove Obama but it is also a statement of the lack of understanding of the significance of Barack Obama's candidacy to Blacks not just in this country but throughout the world.

I specify Blacks because Obama's candidacy affects different groups of people in very different ways. You see, white people who support Barack Obama get his message of hope, better days than today, inclusiveness and respect. Well, Black people get that same message and more. Barack Obama also represents possibilities, equity, access and freedom. If you're not a minority and black you really can't understand what that means. You really can't fully understand the significance of and pride in his accomplishments. That's not a denigration of folks who are not minorities and not black; it just is what it is.

It's also important to understand the symbolism of the juxtaposition of Barack Obama next to Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King is a historical icon. The Montgomery Bus Boycott and his other non-violent campaigns for civil rights in this country are legendary and the subject of civics lessons taught to children throughout this country. His birthday is celebrated and the day of his death is remembered.

Barack Obama is an icon also. He is the bi-racial son of an immigrant father from Africa and an American-born Caucasian mother. He was not born into financial wealth. He is a living, breathing example of what can be accomplished through education and hard work. To have the possibility of that dream erased by a few strokes of paint is disheartening.

Further insult is the implication that Barack Obama's image should be removed because Gov. Charlie Crist may be John McCain's running mate. Are we really expected to live under such colonialism that Obama's image would be politically-offensive to the governor and not allowed? I think not.

Related Link: (WPLG-Channel 10) Artist Told To Paint Over Obama Mural