The quote from Barack Obama made on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial this afternoon, “Anything is possible on America” is a great way for me, Lisa D. Tinsley to begin with my first blog entry for Praise Atlanta.  Praise Atlanta began as an idea in the spring of 2000 after talking with my father, Larry Tinsley about how can we use the internet to inform his radio listeners about events happening in the Atlanta church community.  At this time when I thought of Praise Atlanta, I envisioned a site that would share with everyone events happening from Conyers to Villa Rica.  I wanted the citizens of Atlanta and surrounding areas to know about every concert, community event and influential individual who is making a difference in our communities.  

Praise Atlanta will feature the individuals you do not read about in the AJC or hear on the radio.  We will focus on inspirational poets, church pastors, independent musicians and so many others who are making a difference in Atlanta.  Several months from now we will have streaming music, photos and video highlighting churches and music artists.   

I thought today, January 18, 2009 would be a great day to begin because as I write this it is now 44 hours away until Barack Obama becomes President of the United States of America.  While typing on my laptop during Obama’s speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, I thought it would be appropriate to begin my first blog entry for a project that I have thought about for years and years.  With Obama’s quote in mind, I truly feel that anything in America is possible.  Watching on television the children and adults from across the world in our nation’s capital to witness this historic event is simply a blessing.  From the community leaders who walked with Dr. Martin Luther King in the 60s to where we are today hours away from witnessing when Barack Obama stands before the American people, reads from Article II, Section I of the United States Constitution, he will recite 35 words that has been recited by every president.  Yes, anything is possible because of what will happen at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. I, Lisa D. Tinsley will be witness to a son of Africa, an African-American, looking beyond just a crowd but across the world, to see our new President Barack Obama recite those words.  Thankfully, I am also able to say… “Anything in America is possible.”