I have always regretted missing the march on Washington in 1963 and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s now famous speech. Although I was a local resident, as a young mother with four small children, several of life’s obligations somehow intervened and prevented my participation. My sister, also a young mother, somehow managed to get there and today she is still talking about it – in fact she will not let me forget it for a single minute. So, it is now 2009, and I have a second chance to participate in an historic event, this feels like coming full circle.
On the day after Senator Obama accepted the democratic nomination as their candidate for the Presidential election, I called Senator Jim Webb’s office and requested tickets to the inauguration. The response was actually funny; as the person I spoke with explained to me they had no idea who would be inaugurated. Being persistent, I explained it did not matter (although I was thinking, I do), but it was my understanding that they customarily start a list… this might be early and I may be the first one on it, but I wanted to be put on the list! Well, apparently that was the case, since I got the call and the tickets.
On Tuesday, January 20 at exactly 6:00 AM, ticket in hand, I begin my personal journey to the Capitol for the Inauguration of the first African-American President of the United States of America. I am so excited I almost expect someone to tie a ribbon to me and just let me float like a helium balloon. But in reality, the Metro is my transportation choice, in fact, my only choice short of walking, which I am prepared to do if necessary.
Along the way, there is a crowd of warm and friendly people from many other parts of the country. The air is electric with excitement. The common thread that runs through most conversations is the desire to personally be a part of this history-making event. And for many African American people like me, descendents of slaves, it is the fulfillment of the hopes and dreams of our ancestors. Like Dr. King many of us had the same dream, we just weren’t gifted enough to express it the way he did.
It is a day of long lines, mass transportation challenges and extremely cold weather, but is it worth all the inconveniences? You bet it is! I intend to share the events of this day with my grandchildren and everyone else who will listen for the rest of my life.
I am so proud of this man, so in love with this family (who incidentally seem to exude love) and very proud of my fellow Americans who played a vital role in our arrival at this time in history. Incidentally, my sister accompanied me so I suppose I will have to listen to her story for another 45 years.
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MDS11: The Importance of the Next Generation with Jean Case
