As I watched the recent inauguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States of America, I noticed how he held Michelle Obama's hand and how they seemed to have a natural chemistry.

He has made a major achievement and he did it with her at his side. So far, he has kept her at his side.

It had me thinking about the various lessons our Jamaican black men can take from his achievement.

Lessons for black men

I have heard people mention several lessons - about how hard work can pay off and how we can do anything we set our minds to, among other things.

But I also observed an even simpler lesson for our black men: you can do it with your black woman at your side.

I think this, too, is an important lesson because for too long, men in the Caribbean have conducted themselves as if the ultimate symbol of success is to have a 'browning'.

Black men do not seem to want to take a dark-skin black woman to the top with them.

Wake up, black men! The black sisters have great worth and President Obama was sensible enough to recognise this very early.

I am, etc.,

S. BRISSETT

queenofkarisma@yahoo.co.uk

Gregory Park P O

St Catherine