Children respond to Obama's election

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. president-elect Barack Obama has emerged as a hero for many minority American youths, educators say.

The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune reported Sunday that children of color have in particular voiced their hopes following the Illinois senator's election this week.

"African-American adolescent males in particular now have a role model who looks like them, and that's very powerful," said Brenda Townsend Walker, a professor in the University of South Florida's department of special education.

Shelton Jones, director of the Joe & Anne Garcia Salesian Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, said he realized months ago that history was in the making and he wanted his students to be a part of it.

Facilitated by one staff member who supported Republican John McCain and one who supported Obama, the students expressed their feelings about the election, the newspaper reported.

"I think Obama really represents America," said Cristina Matos, 13. "There's diversity now in America."

Sasha Alvarez, 13, said she has hope for world peace.

"I think people in Iraq want to get along with America again," she said. "I think it's an advantage that Obama is a different race."

Chizu Egwuatu, 12, said, "Not many white people are racist anymore."