Barack Obama avoided the subject of race as much as possible in his campaign, because he knew he couldn't win if the public thought he just represented a minority.
Bonnie Greer welcomes the election of Barack Obama
Eventually he did have to talk about race after controversial comments from the preacher at his church, Jeremiah Wright, looked as if they might derail his campaign.
He did so in a widely praised speech in Pennsylvania, but still managed not to be pigeon holed as "the black candidate".
African-Americans, though, are celebrating his victory.
Bonnie Greer is an African-American writer and broadcaster. What message does she think the election of Barack Obama sends about America?
Listen Listen to Bonnie Greer (2 mins 9 secs)
First broadcast 5 November 2008
