The ground-breaking inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the forty-fourth president of the United States will always be remembered as an important date in history ? the day in which the American people welcome the nation’s first African-American president.
Whether or not people agree with his policies, Obama will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. Although this event may recall unpleasant memories of that historic Tuesday in November for some on campus, many anticipate the day the Illinois senator will occupy the Oval Office.
In order to celebrate this historic moment, many will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the inauguration and participate in the festivities. As one of those fortunate to make the journey and attend, sophomore Kelsey Hart will view the ceremony from her own eyes.
“I never thought a black man would be president in my lifetime,” Hart said. “I learned anything is possible, I feel like because of Obama, one day all races will have easier opportunities to hold higher offices all over America. Most importantly, I learned to never give up because I never know where life can take me.”
CBS 47 selected Hart’s aunt, an elderly African-American woman, to experience the inauguration from her culture’s perspective. Along with her grandmother, aunt and other members of her family, Hart will stand in the D.C. Mall amid media coverage and celebration.
?I am really looking forward to actually seeing it happen ? to actually see him place his hand on the Bible, and for it to be a reality, for him to be the President of the United States, not just the President-elect anymore,” Lula Hart, Kelsey’s grandmother, said.
While many, such as the Hart family, anticipate Inauguration Day with enthusiasm, others dread the change of administration in spite of President George W. Bush’s poor approval ratings.
?Barack Obama, in my opinion, has no experience in leading in an executive role,? Tyler Duerr, ’10, said. ?I disagree with his policies and I think that under his administration we will see a more socialistic approach to government.?
Various opinions of Obama notwithstanding, few can dispute the historical value of the inauguration of the first African-American president ? especially for those who lived in more tense racial times.
?Being around in the ’60s, I never thought I would live to see this happen,? Lula said. ?Never in my life did I think that I would live to see this day.?
The event and its festivities will be broadcast on nearly every major television network.
For columns on President-elect Barack Obama and other political issues, visit the Opinions section or for a photo illustration of Hart’s visit, read the Feb. 5 photo essay, Civil Rights leader surprises sophomore.