Here is my first-hand report on the Inauguration of Barack Obama for Mrs. Hickey’s 5th grade class at the John Cooper School in Houston, TX.
Though I grew up in Washington, D.C. I have never been involved in a political campaign until last year when I became so impressed with the quality of Barack Obama that I began giving time (making phone calls) and money (little monthly donations) to his campaign.
When Obama won I danced for joy in downtown Austin –where I live now– with the hundreds that gathered to celebrate. But I didn’t want to miss the chance to dance with millions in the streets of my other hometown, so I took the week off from work and drove my pickup-truck for two days, 1500 miles.
I made it to DC in time for the “We Are One” concert on Sunday afternoon to hear some of my favorite musicians like Stevie Wonder, U2, and many more. As my friends and I walked past the security gates we saw people and preparations everywhere.
One of the first things I noticed was a huge banner –it’s a little hard to see in this picture– that says “Welcome Malia and Sasha.” I thought that was really nice, and a sign of how excited people are to have kids in the White House too.
We passed another nice banner reading “Welcome Mr. President! Thank you Mr. President!” There seems to be a spirit of warmth and gratitude all around.
There also seemed to be a patriotic spirit everywhere; the building below took the prize for most flags. Have you ever seen so many flags on a building?! Their banner reads, “The Willard Intercontinental Salutes America’s 44th President.”
We walked in front of the White House, where they had constructed the Inaugural bleachers and boxes.
While the big banners were respectful and welcoming, some people stood in the street with a sign and a message, usually of protest. Nearby, I recorded this protester sing his sadness about the war in Iraq.
[audio:2009/1/Iraq-war-protester-sings.MP3]
(19 seconds)
Many people took the opportunity to sell Obama-memorabilia, like this fellow, smartly selling scarves. It was cold!!!
The concert took place on the National Mall, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. But by the time we walked over there, it was jam-packed, so we stood a long-way off, beneath the Washington monument, watching the concert on the jumbo-tron they had set up. Look at all those people!
Here is the view behind me of people gathered around the Washington Monument. It was a cold, gray, overcast day, but the mood was excited and optimistic (though the young woman behind me doesn’t look too happy that I’m taking her picture).
And here is a quick video I took so you could see the sea of people. I’ve seen a lot of events on the National Mall, but nothing this big before.
360 View Of The Crowd At The “We Are One” Inauguration ’09 Concert from Jason Molin on Vimeo.
Behind us was a lively group of French-Americans (above) apparently singing a French pop song.
[audio:2009/1/french-american-singers.MP3]
(4 minutes 16 seconds)
If you drag the play-head to 2:40 you’ll hear a French-American fellow answer my question about what this all means by saying we are coming back to an America of dreams, tolerance, and freedom.
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Next to me an Asian-American fellow answered my question saying Obama means change; that we’re tired of Bush and hope for a new America.
[audio:2009/1/asian-american-cameraman.MP3]
(53 seconds)
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Here are two white guys who answer by talking about this as a chance to clean up the mess that Bush and Cheney left and for the world to see us in a new light. They talk about this as a fulfillment of the civil rights movement of the 60s and that they are more hopeful than they’ve been in eight years.
[audio:2009/1/gay-men.MP3]
(1 minute 15 seconds)
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And here is my friend Rachel’s answer. In the first recording, when I ask, she’s not ready, but then in the second she gives a great answer about how she’s always heard about how previous generations came together, and that this feels like it is our ‘great moment’ to all work together and for each of us to find his/her role.
[audio:2009/1/rachel-reluctant.MP3]
(17 seconds)
[audio:2009/1/rachel-answers.MP3]
(44 seconds)
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For the last song of the concert all the musicians gathered on the stage and Pete Seeger led the crowd (with Bruce Springsteen’s help) in a rendition of Woody Guthrie’s classic “This Land Is Your Land.” Being a great fan of Woody Guthrie and this song, I thought it was a perfect note to end on, perfectly aligned with Obama’s message that this is not about him, it’s about all of us. It’s a little hard to hear, because everyone was filing out, but lots of people were singing along.
[audio:2009/1/this-land-is-your-land.MP3]
(2 minutes 50 seconds)
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On the way home, we went into an Inauguration super-store where I took my picture with cardboard Obama.
There were tons of t-shirts.
I thought this democrat donkey w/afro and hair-pic was pretty funny.
Mr. Cool
There were oodles of caps…
…historic headlines…
…buttons…
…bobble-heads…
…flags, hats, stuffed animals…
…and inspired people ready to buy stuff!
I think my favorite souvenir was this beautiful, simple poster.
Walking home with everyone through the closed-off streets, there was a great sense of excitement and optimism.
I’m so glad I traveled from Texas, and for the assignment to report to you. I had a blast at the concert, and really enjoyed taking the chance to talk to people, document the event, and tell the story.