I covered President Obama’s Inauguration from a viewing party at Emory University today. It was held in Harland Hall, which I thought would have been a bigger venue, but it was packed nonetheless.
In an attempt to not interrupt anyone for an interview during the really important moments of the inauguration, I sat at the front of the room with the big screen to my back and looked out on the sea of faces assembled. Looking at the hope and inspiration on those faces was almost as moving as the reason for this day.
I was born at a time when segregation was still previlant, and racisum was much more overt. Back then you could tell who the bigots were. They didn’t hide like they do today. In kindergarten at ‘nap time’, I was forced to take my nap behind the bookcase away from the white students. My mother recounted to me a teacher in elementary school who told her she couldn’t possibly pass me on to the next grade, because I was black and how that would look if I graduated to the next grade with the white kids.
My father lived through the Great Depression, endured racial hatred and segregation, put up with the comments and taunts as he became a WWII hero piloting the P-51 Mustangs as a Tuskegee Airmen and his inability to buy a home when he got back from the war in a Long Island subdivision because he was black. But on this day, he accepted an invitation to the Capital, and got to see first-hand history in the making, the election of the first African-American to the office of President of the United States. On a personal level, this day has been moving to say the least for my entire family, myself included.
But here’s the most important part: A man was judged by the content of his character and not by the color of his skin. Is this the pinnacle of Dr. King’s dream? I’m doubtful of that, but it certainly is a significant step in that direction. President Obama symbolizes the endless possibilities out there for the future. Only history will tell if he and his administration follow through on the promises and hopes of the American people, but we can only hope he will wield the power of his office in a thoughtful and responsible way with the interests of this country in mind. We can also hope he will continue a trend of bi-partisan government so his administration can accomplish great things.
If you have a comment, please post one here. I welcome your thoughts. Also if you have a great story idea, I’d like to hear that too.
Bill Gaines
i can honestly say i’m looking forward to the next eight years…
Hillo,
You were best man at Mike & Bob’s wedding, say hillo to your wife and son. I too was impressed, my concern as with all former Presidents is the congress. They seem to work aganist all former Presidents. Our prayers are with him as with all former Presidents. My father was in the 1st & 2nd WW, Injoyed reading about your fathers group and my fathers.
It’s all about tradition, relegion, and family, I only hope that people remember their upbringing. Hope to hear from you.
dch
Bill:
The President has been in office for about 5 weeks now, and I hear people all around me saying what a rotten job he is doing. But as far as I see it, not enough time has passed to make a determination as to his job performance. He has started the ball rolling….lets see if it picks up speed or stops in the gutter, in a few areas. I voted for him, my wife votes the other party….when the news comes on..it gets interesting in this house.
A lot of people say there is a BLACK man in the White House; well his Daddy was Black and his Mother was White. He is just as much white as he is black…its time we dropped all that crap…we have an American in the White House. He is not perfect…no president has been…he will make mistakes…he will learn from those mistakes. I wish Bush could have learned from his mistakes.
I darn near cried when it was determined that he won the election…I was so elated. As a Vietnam Vet, a lot of people thought I should have voted for John McCain, but thats the main reason I voted for Obama. I didn’t vote for him because he is Black…or 1/2 White..1/2 Black. I hope this gives you my mindset.