As I sit here in my apartment in Champaign, I am still in awe of the last few days that I've been able to experience. From the opening ceremonies to the inauguration, every moment during my trip left a lasting impression and made me truly believe that all things are possible. Yesterday specifically was amazing. We awoke early and made the drive to D.C. Once we hit the city it seemed that it would be impossible to reach the National Mall because of all of the large crowds. Determined, we climbed over barriers and walked miles through the city to get as close as possible. Somehow, like a miracle, we made it to the mall and had a view of one of the big screens. This was more than I could ever ask for. Standing in the crowd with millions of people was empowering. There was no arguing, just a sense of peace and happiness. People of every race, age and gender were all crowded together just to get a glimpse of President Obama. For most of the trip, I had held myself together emotionally, but when it came time for President Obama to swear in, I cried like a baby. I looked around me at all the people who this effected. I smiled at an elderly African-American woman who was squeezed next to me who I'm sure never thought in a million years she would live to see a African-American president. And here we were, both different generations, experiencing the same abundance of joy, hope and reverence. During his speech I thought of my ancestors that lived and died for this and all of the future generations that will now have the perfect example that anything is possible. Ever step that I took, ever cold wind that I endured and any discomfort that I expected were all more than worth it. I undoubtedly hold this moment as one of the best moments of my twenty years. I smile when I think of years from now when future generations will ask me: Where were you when Obama became the first African-American president of the United States of America? Where were you when Obama changed history? And I will answer...I was right there...and I was forever changed. |
Erica, this was incredibly powerful. Your prose puts me exactly in the emotion of the event and back right where we stood 36 hours ago.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this with everyone.
-Aramie-
I must agree Erica, this is an amazing moment in history and even to sit in my chicago home and watch it on television, this moment in history gave me chills. I am still in awe at the whole experience. I can only imagine how it must have felt to be miles/blocks away from our newly inducted Commandeer in Chief! It is commendable to hear you express your experience as something so peaceful and serene. I must agree that Obama has made us responsible as citizens of the world to take charge of our America; and I don't know about you but I am pretty excited and feeling rather dedicated to making a difference! In closing, I am glad you had a great time and I appreciate you sharing your experience with people like myself who couldn't exactly make it to D.C.
ReplyDelete-Jessica Soetan from DePauw University
Thanks Aramie and Jess for reading. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteI began reading your blog, and once again my eyes began to fill with tears re-living this historic moment in time, through your eyes. I will re-read and try to capture verbally how it feels and how it felt that day.
In my life time, I have witnessed both great and challenging moments. That is truly what history reminds of....JIm Crow segregation, Integration, Bussing, the long line of "First" this or "First" that.
I am so pleased that a family member of mine was there!
You go girl and continue down this line of being "First"!
Luv,
Uncle Darryl