No one could have predicted even two years ago that an African-American would take the oath of office as president of the United States in January of 2009. For many, the occasion marks the climax to the civil rights movement and the fulfillment of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream that Americans could be judged on the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

This collection, with about four hundred letters from Americans of all walks of life, is being created to stand as a symbol of this exciting moment in history. Written by citizens themselves, it will put on display the range of emotions and aspirations Americans are willing to share with President Barack Obama.

Central to the book is the African-American experi-ence, but Americans of every race, color, gender, and age will be represented. From children and seniors, from cities and farms, all have something to share with their country, themselves, and President Barack Obama.