NOTES FROM THE INAUGURATION
One week ago the world changed.
I flew from Los Angeles to New York City on the Thursday before. Leaving the then-80 degree weather for the frigid tundra of NYC was all worth what I was about to experience. Along the way, I met and kicked it with old and new friends. The air was electric–Obama-fever had swept the East Coast. I traveled from NYC to DC on Saturday morning via bus, which was filled with young and old alike flocking to the nation’s capitol to see the man who had taught us how to believe in ourselves (and our country) again. The weekend saw countless celebrations–actors, writers, politicians, teachers, students, retirees, from new-born babies to those knocking on death’s door–all were here to relish in what could be the defining moment of our lifetime.
One week ago the world changed.
I was staying at a friend’s house in Northwest DC. That morning we left later than expected. The streets in Uptown DC were empty, eerily quiet–like a ghost town. We took the bus to the train station near Howard University. We missed our first train because it was packed to capacity, and waited for another. My friends and I talked among ourselves as we waited. We talked of how we would tell our kids where we were this day. We talked of how things would never be the same. We talked and talked of what it meant to have a black man as President. The second train eventually came, and we hopped on it.
There was a sea of people as we walked out the train station. Walking to the Washington Mall was an experience in and of itself. The sidewalks were littered with street vendors, selling anything and everything Obama–hats, backpacks, stereos, pencils, stickers, you name it. Chants of “Obama” and “Change” filled the crisp morning air. We walked, and walked, and walked, and walked some more. We were here. Finally, America was here.
One week ago week ago the world changed.
Just after noon, on Jan 20th, 2009, Illinois Junior Senator Barack Obama was sworn in before an estimated 1.9 million crowd on the Washington Mall as our 44th President of the United States. It’s hard to say what hasn’t already been said. He’ll bring change–sure. He’s given us hope, again–no doubt. But the onus, as it’s always been, is still on us. We must hold President Obama accountable for his actions from here on out. As Jay-Z once said: “I’m out for presidents to represent me.”
One week ago, we changed.
PHOTOS :: 1/20/09 [Photography by: PLB & B. Jackson]
The end of an era: George Bush leaves Washington–forever.
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