Tulsa - Barack Obama (web|news|bio) 's victory has caused many Americans to reflect on history and the struggle of the African American community. NewsChannel 8's Kim Jackson went to Booker T. Washington High School to find out how this election affects society and classrooms.

This election was history in the making and it's going to change the way these students learn American History. For instance, Barack Obama's picture will soon be alongside the rest of the American presidents.

"Is it as important the color of Barack Obama's skin as his ability to do the job?"

Dr. Anthony Marshall posed those questions for his Political Science students.

"Obama being elected is a great thing," one student said. "But, you have to think about all the burdens he has to bear now."

Obama has become a new character in history -- a man they'll read and write about, who looks like they do.

"I think it's going to motivate me to do better," says Katherine. "Like I already knew before, but now this is like a push, like if he can do it, anybody can do it. It's so corny, but it's true."

One student told us there is no motivating factor for him but that this could cause a power struggle.

"I'm sure there are some white Americans that feel like they want to get back on top or something like that for me didn't change a lot. I'm excited for everyone else that my candidate won."

Dr. Marshall used the election to teach about African American history and politics to influence students.

"I have been trying to instill what happened in the past so they can be better citizens today," Marshall says.

But today, he realized the victory changed him, too.

"I slept maybe one or two hours because I was up re-doing lesson plans because it's raised my bar. Raised my standards, even as a teacher."

That means more lecturing, learning and looking to the future.