Editor 's note : Bishop T.D . Jakes is founder and senior pastor of The Potter 's House of Dallas , Texas , a multiracial , nondenominational church with more than 50 outreach ministries . `` It is a victory for democracy that proves that our country provides possibilities for all people , '' writes Jakes . ( CNN ) -- Last night , I like most Americans of all stripes , watched with visible goose bumps as history was made . I sat with my 13-year-old son and looked from the screen to his eyes as Sen. Barack Obama became the first African American in history to lead a U.S. major-party ticket when he claimed the nomination for the Democratic Party for president of the United States . I congratulate Sen. Obama on this historic accomplishment . I thank him for accepting the torch that was lit by our forefathers and proudly carrying it through the darkness of our struggles , trials and tribulations , bringing light and hope to a new generation , and for facing all those who said `` No '' and `` You ca n't win , '' or `` It will never happen , '' and firmly , proudly , defiantly saying , `` Yes I can ! '' However , what I really hope people take away from that night is that this is not just a victory for African Americans , it is a victory for democracy that proves that our country provides possibilities for all people . It is also a sign that a metamorphosis is in progress . Today we saw that Americans respect experience , but are interested in change . I hope that we can somehow merge the best ideas of our differences and emerge with a president who epitomizes our highest and best ideals . While it remains unclear where we are going , last night proves that we as a people have moved beyond business as usual . I congratulate not just Sen. Obama on his victory , but the country on this landmark event that has shattered a past all too often filled with reasons to separate us as opposed to a voice of reason to unite us . The victory cup does not rest on the shoulders of the senator alone , but to all those who have been able to lift the conversation from petty racism , antiquated cut-throat politics , and fear-based campaigns to the larger issues of how we would like to see our country led into the future and ultimately how our country will be remembered . As the days and discussions of this political season continue , it is my sincere hope and prayer that we do not sink back into the abyss of political pettiness that has plagued our country and our lives for so many years . I am grateful to Sen. Hillary Clinton for giving , through this campaign , a chance for my daughters to see that their femininity is not a liability . Today both my sons and daughters came to understand that their ethnicity is n't viewed by progressive Americans as a limitation or a liability . iReport.com : Readers ' feelings on Obama . For me it was almost déjà vu as I sat with my son . I remembered a little over 40 years ago watching the famous King speech with my dad . Similarly , I watched with my youngest son last night as a historical moment unfolded . He and I saw the dreams of slaves come true as the sons of slaves and the slave owners clapped their hands in one progressive sweep . As I drifted into sleep , all I could see was the twinkle in my son 's eyes . His eyes were illuminated with possibilities , and his heart was filled with the potential of what is attainable for qualified , competent people of all types who prepare themselves intellectually and are well vested with a divine sensitivity to the `` fierce urgency of now ! '' Congratulations Sen. Obama .
Bishop J . Jakes : ` ` I congratulate Sen. Obama on this historic event '' Jakes : ` ` Not just a victory for African Americans , it is a victory for democracy '' Obama : Nomination ` ` proves that our country has possibilities for all people '' Jakes : ` ` the world on this historic event ''