*****
Jubilation
Chants and outbursts of jubilation define the crowds that surged intothe streets of Washington and flowed to Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the
White House after it was announced that Barack Obama, the long-shot candidate
and senator from Illinois, had been elected America's 44th president.
Last night, history was made in the United States of America. For the first time, a black man has been elected to the highest office in the land. More than 100 million Americans voted. Of those who voted, 51%, or 52.7 million, cast their ballots for Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. Senator Obama garnered 338 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed, and was declared the 44th President of the United States.
Celebrating with the crowd in front of the White HouseA large portion of the country burst into spontaneous celebration. Down on Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of the White House, a crowd of thousands gathered to chant "Yes We Can!" and "Yes We Did!" and "Obama! Obama!" Most of them appeared to be students from nearby George Washington and Georgetown Universities, but there were also many who seemed to be coming from the city's neighborhoods and the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland to be a part of history. Up on U and 14th Streets NW--Washington's historic Black Broadway--crowds of people poured out of their homes, restaurants, and bars and began celebrating.
While I was down at the White House tonight, three complete strangers--all African American--hugged me and others. This is a monumental day for them and an opportunity for change for all of us. The pictures I took aren't the greatest. I was being jostled by the crowd at times and didn't want to block the way at other times. But I hope they give you a sense for the moment. Similar celebrations were taking place from coast-to-coast.
About a mile from the White House, a few people quietly gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
America has spoken and the way is clear. It won't be easy, but if we work together so much is possible. Last night was a night for all Americans to be proud!
Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/05/08
6 comments:
I'M DANCING IN THE STREETS WITH YOU IN SPIRIT!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!
- Di
I cried tears of joy last night! What else might happen in my son's lifetime??
Wow, how thrilling to be in DC! Loved reading your coverage of the celebrations! I'm just babbling with stunned joy today. YES WE CAN! Yeah!
Oh mi gosh I am so jealous, I mean jealous. To have been able to spend such a historical moment in front of our nation's capitol with a reveling throng, wow, I'm jealous and am misting sll over again.
Di: Yeah! What an amazing, amazing night. I wish I could bottle this feeling and hold on to it forever.
Liz: I think many of us cried similar tears! I hope in your son's lifetime, we see equality FOR ALL.
Adriana: It was/has been pretty exciting. One celebrant was carrying a sign that said, "Evict Bush from the White House NOW!" I think so many of us feel similarly. We've had enough of Bush. Let's get him out and get President-elect Obama in and get the ball rolling already!
Cele: I almost didn't go down, but I'm really glad I did. It was the most amazing scene. I took a video clip that gives a sense of the noise. If I can figure out how to post it, I will. (The file is rather large and takes forever to load. Maybe I'll just email it to you!)
I heard about the spontaneous street party by the White House this morning on the way in to work. So glad you were there taking it all in!! Amazing.
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