I’m late.

I distinctly remember about two weeks ago, reminiscing about the Obama Presidency, which of course was preceded by the Obama Candidacy — before he became POTUS, when he was perhaps at the height of his inspirational prowess, before becoming burdened with the actual task of governing.

So rewind back with me about 10 years, to March 2008. Obama had scored victories in early caucuses and primaries, and he had already captured the attention of the world. But his candidacy was being scrutinized by his earlier associations with Rev. Jeremiah Wright — you remember: “Not God bless America! God d–n America!” Of course, Wright’s remark was taken completely out of context, but it was catchy enough to scare some people into doubting the biracial candidate of hope and change.

But rather than simply distance himself from Wright’s remarks, which he did do, then-candidate Obama used the controversy to deliver what I believe should become required viewing and/or listening for America. In “A More Perfect Union,” Obama certainly called out America’s original sin of slavery. He called out white Americans on their biases. But he went the next step: He called out black folks to do our part to heal America’s racial divide.

The essence was this: America does have a bad history on race. But it’s going to take Americans from all backgrounds to solve it. Everyone who considers themselves American citizens has a responsibility to chip in and heal the wounds. The speech was beautiful, personal, poignant and powerful. And in these days when it seems Americans are so deeply divided, it’s worth being heard again.

So because I intended to post this on the 10th anniversary of this speech (March 18, 2018), I’m late. But while we cope with a president who seems to care less about bringing Americans together, Obama reminds us of what the TRUE American Dream is: “A More Perfect Union.”