John Adams Prays Blessing for White House

John Adams

Pol Light Moment #113 happened on November 2, 1800, when John Adams prayed a blessing for the White House. John Adams was the 2nd President of the United States. He has served as President of the United States from 1797-1801.

John Adams was the first President of the United States to reside in the White House, which was originally called the President's House (History.com, November 1, 1800). He moved in on November 1, 1800, when parts of the interior rooms were still unfinished. At the time one had to get to the White House by traveling through a forest of undeveloped land in what is modern day Washington D.C.

On November 2, 1800, during his second day in the White House, John Adams wrote this in a letter to his wife Abigail offering this prayer of blessing on the house.

"I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House, and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof."

(Source: Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 November 1800 [electronic edition]. Adams Family Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society. http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/)

Franklin Roosevelt appreciated this prayer so much that he had Adams' blessing carved into the mantel in the State Dining Room of the White House (World History Project, November 1, 1800).

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Image: The painting of John Adams is in the Public Domain.

Barack Obama Launches My Brother's Keeper Initiative

Barack Obama

Pol Light Moment #112 happened on February 27, 2014, when Barack Obama launched the My Brother's Keeper Initiative, a mentoring program for boys and young men of color. Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States. He served as President of the United States from 2009-2017.

Barack Obama said, "That's what 'My Brother's Keeper' is all about. Helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future. Building on what works - when it works, in those critical life-changing moments (My Brother's Keeper Website)."

According to the My Brother's Keeper website,"Through this initiative, the Administration is joining with cities and towns, businesses, and foundations who are taking important steps to connect young people to mentoring, support networks, and the skills they need to find a good job or go to college and work their way into the middle class (My Brother's Keeper Website)."

Coinciding with the launching of this initiative on February 27, 2014, Barack Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum Creating and Expanding Ladders of Opportunity for Boys and Young Men of Color.

The following is a video on the launching of the initiative. You can also read the entire text of the President's Remarks on the My Brother's Keeper Initiative.

For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.  

The photo of Barack Obama is in the Public Domain as his official photo.