January 20, 2009, was a historic day.

Not because we inaugurated our first black president, but because it was the 44th time we have exchanged power in this country without bloodshed. Many herald the election of a black president as historic, and healing to the racial prejudices that have scared our nation from its beginning.

I am disappointed many of my countrymen feel this event has healed racism.

This act has no more healed racism than the healing a patient with a broken arm receives from a band aid.

Racism comes from the heart of a person, and just because we have elected a black president doesn’t mean we have taken racism out of people’s hearts.

That is why the real significance of this inauguration is the transfer of power from one leader to another.

I will be looking forward to the next peaceful transfer of power — now that is historic.

Douglas Williams

ISU alumnus