STREET BEAT: ‘When do you thing America was at its greatest?’
In the ever-evolving story of America, opinions on the nation’s greatest moments vary widely. To explore this question, we asked four Los Angeles residents to share their thoughts on when America was at its greatest. Their answers highlight different perspectives on history, progress, and the future of the United States.
Sherian Johnson: “When we had Barack Obama in office.”
Sherian Johnson, a resident of Los Angeles, reflects on the era of Barack Obama’s presidency as a peak moment in America’s history. “When we had Barack Obama in office. Whether people think he was great or not, I think he was great,” she says. For Sherian, Obama’s time in office represented a significant turning point, one that she views as a moment of national unity and progress.
Recoe Walker: “Honestly, America at its greatest is yet to be seen.”
Recoe Walker, from Leimert Park, sees America’s greatness as something still to come. “Honestly, America at its greatest, is yet to be seen. For Black people, the worst has already happened. We have only up to look forward to,” he explains. Recoe’s words reflect a hopeful optimism, believing that the challenges of the past, particularly for Black Americans, have paved the way for a brighter future.
Linda Toussant: “When Obama was president. He tried to be inclusive.”
Linda Toussant, also from Los Angeles, shares her belief that Obama’s presidency was a defining moment. “When Obama was president. He tried to be inclusive. He was a president of the melting pot, which is what America is all about,” she says. Linda admires how Obama worked to represent the diverse identities that make up the nation, aiming to unite people from all walks of life.
Susan McDonald: “The activism of the 60s and 70s showed our commitment to making America better.”
For Susan McDonald, the activism of the 1960s and 70s stands as the pinnacle of American greatness. “The activism of the 60s and 70s showed our commitment to making America better and we paved the groundwork to get to where we are now,” she reflects. Susan sees the efforts of civil rights leaders and activists during those turbulent decades as a cornerstone of the nation’s progress and a key moment in the ongoing struggle for equality.
