An estimated 1.8 million people braved the massive crowds and sub-zero temperatures to witness the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Tuesday, January 20. Sherlita Queen, like many others, began making her way downtown as early as 4:15 a.m. The 51-year-old resident of College Park, Md., was one of 15,000 people chosen to volunteer at this year’s inauguration. “I wanted to serve my country,” said Queen. “I wanted to be part of this great historic event.”
Queen and other volunteers were told that they were a select few as 80,000 people applied to volunteer at the festivities. She answered questions, greeted visitors and directed traffic from the 12th Street entrance of the National Mall. All the while, Queen made sure to bask in her surroundings, taking a mental record of the historic event. “The atmosphere was electric,” said Queen. “It felt like New Year’s Eve.”
Supporters filed into the National Mall from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. An emotional crowd cheered and cried as the 44th president of the United States was sworn into office. Queen found personal triumph in an Obama presidency. “I want my children to have an opportunity to feel that they can achieve anything that they were created to do,” said Queen, “without feeling slighted because of the color of their skin.”
Janell Seay, a Miami native, booked a ticket to Washington to celebrate the inauguration and her birthday on Tuesday. “This was the best birthday gift I ever received,” Seay said. She thought the event was well organized and ran smoothly.
However, inaugural planners did not escape criticism. Barbara Jacobson, 54, was a silver ticket holder from Nashville, Tenn. Many silver, purple and blue ticket holders reported the lines were long and confusing. Some spent hours in line only to find their area closed due to overcrowding. “I didn’t get to see much of it,” said Jacobson. “I think I will probably have to go buy a DVD or rent a DVD to see the actual ceremony.”
Despite the confusion, most deemed this year’s inauguration a success. Queen, Seay and Jacobson did not rule out the possibility of attending future inaugurations. Although they come from different parts of the nation, they each said they have taken something special away from their experience. “He’s going to be the president for everyone,” said Seay. “He’s bringing the whole nation together.” Given the diverse population attending the inauguration, Seay’s statement certainly rang true.
Watch Barbara Jacobson talk about her inaugural experience.
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ReplyDeleteOne of the Lucky Few of Inauguration Week
ReplyDeleteShe was one of the lucky few this weekend. Jackie Gow, a native of Washington State was in Washington, DC this past week on business and happened to fall into some of the best tickets available for inauguration week.
She was in town serving as a Collegiate Development Consultant for the Delta Gamma Fraternity chapters located in Washington, DC. Her work entails meeting with collegiate officers and making sure they are on track and abiding by those guidelines set out by the Fraternity’s Council.
Gow attended the swearing in ceremony on Tuesday morning with an acquaintance from high school who works in the DC office of a Washington State Senator. He had been awarded the prestigious tickets by his boss after a wealthy constituent was unable to claim the tickets.
The two fortunate friends sat in the “yellow/gold” section which held essentially the best seats available, reserved for celebrities and family members of Congress. Directly behind Gow the rapper Common was seated.
Gow had attended an event hosted by Common earlier in the week at The Park at 14th, an award-winning club located only blocks away from the White House on 920 14th St. She also “fell” into the tickets for Common’s event through a sister in Delta Gamma.
Gow made small talk with Common before the swearing in of President Obama and complimented his event. She recalls him responding, “No way, you were there?”
The excitement and luck for Gow did not stop there. After attending the Inaugural parade, she went back to the house she resided in for the week—a three story townhouse located in Northwest, DC.
After a short nap, it was time to get ready for the ball--The Neighborhood Ball! Gow obtained her ticket from the same friend for free. Gow’s unwavering luck persisted as she found her way onto the stage that was being filmed for live television; without a ticket.
She said she couldn’t imagine putting a price tag on the event as there were countless celebrities there. Her favorites including: Maroon 5, Denzel Washington and Faith Hill. Gow says Faith Hill was especially friendly and interactive with crowd.
Gow says the highlight of the evening and perhaps even the whole week however was President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s opening dance to At Last, sung by Beyonce. “It was a beautiful moment,” recalls Gow.
This is a photo of the crowds behind Gow's seat at the Swearing in Ceremony of President Obama.