President Barack Obama’s inauguration was historic, groundbreaking and inspirational. As I witnessed history on the National Mall with millions of people I felt inspired by the renewal of American promise. Smiles and laughter, young and old, white, black, brown, and yellow, this weekend I saw what America should be everyday. I have to admit I didn’t leave the inauguration inspired. First, I was on the mall for over seven hours, the majority of the time I was standing. In additional, the National Mall was filled beyond capacity; I was constantly pushed and stepped one. Lastly, after the historic address exit routes were scarce causing major delays for the happy turned upset masses. I had the chance to watch the inaugural address again and after that I felt more inspired than I did previously. Watching the inaugural address on a jumbotron, although historic, interfered with Obama’s oration.
   After watching the inaugural address again, I have identified several elements that made the speech inspirational and relevant. First, the tone of the speech and even President Obama’s demeanor was noticeably muted if not somber. Over the course of the campaign many of us have become accustomed to words and inflections that stirred the soul. However, since President Obama’s election night speech his tone has changed, its more presidential. I cannot help but wonder what this change will bring for race relations in this country. Although Obama has yet to specifically address race and racism in the present, will he ever, or will he continue to govern and speak to the middle?
The speech was relevant because President Obama realized and spoke to the historic significance of the day. With constant references of our ancestors, slavery and segregation he reminded everyone of America’s dark past. At one point in the speech President Obama said we would not go back into the dark since we have tasted the bitterness of civil war and segregation. I respect his commitment to justice and equality; however, many people of color and women are still suffering that bitter swill.
Finally, the inaugural address was inspirational because of the renewal of American promise and potential both domestically and aboard. First, President Obama reminded us all that our country has faced tough times before and we have always comes through the darkness stronger and wiser. He called for an end to partisan bickering and for us to engage in serious dialogue that would ameliorate our current problems. Lastly, renewing America also meant regaining our position as the leader of the world. Significantly poignant was his mention to the Muslim world. I feel optimistic about the change President Obama can bring in the next four years. However, the greatness of the inaugural address and the inauguration itself was its ability to inspire others to change the world around them and foster a new communal spirit.

    

Inauguration Day. At 6:30 am I woke to the pleasant and resounding chanting of, “Obama” from the masses headed to the Capitol building. Sparked by a saxophonist playing “My Country Tis of Thee” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the attendees would finish both songs with a chant of Obama! The mighty united roars rang out so loud and powerful that you could feel the vibration. I looked out my window on Pennsylvania Avenue to find the streets flooded with a sea of people. Although I had read and heard projections and estimates of large numbers of attendees; it was an astounding and surreal sight.

Regardless of the warnings of bridge closings and extended waiting on local transportation, well-wishers continued to make their way to the National Mall. Not armed with tickets or guarantees of space, but an almost assurance of long security lines and cold weather they continued to come just to be able to say that they were there.

The Stafford Foundation had reserved a 12th floor terrace for our viewing of the proceedings. We could look down and see the people traffic and at the same time watch the inauguration on large-screen televisions. We could see and hear everything as it happened at the parade.

For me this trip to Washington D.C. was not an option but a requirement of my ancestors. I was not alive for the March on Washington and I was not old enough to make my own decision about attending the Million Man March. I could not and would not allow this moment in time to pass without being present. Others that I spoke with shared the same sentiments.

Whether you were black or white, from the north or the south, a blue-collar worker or a white-collar worker, employed or unemployed, on this day we were all Americans. Now I can’t say this feeling will last beyond this day but on this day at this hollowed spot, we all stood on one accord.

I witnessed history with my own eyes and will forever tell the story. When the question is asked, “Where were you when Barack Obama became the first African American president?” I will say with a resounding voice, I was there. I inhaled the same air, felt the same cold, and was graced with the same sunlight. And although I was not able to meet him face to face, our love for this country and its people connected. I felt the heartbeat and pulse of America that day. And even though the King dream is not fulfilled, there has been a great deposit made on it.

DAY 2: JANUARY 19, 2009
On this day the foundation had organized a luncheon to celebrate the life and legacy of Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

The atmosphere was breathtaking as we all stood at the doors of the grand ballroom waiting for the luncheon to begin. Martin L. King III, who was only 10 years old when his larger than life father was killed, shared insightful messages and stories of his father’s life.

He reminded us that although the inauguration of Obama is a momentous historical moment it is yet a milestone on the path to his father's dream and not the dream fulfilled. Martin King III inspired us to roll up our sleeves in take part in bringing the King dream to reality.

We were treated to the many talents of youth from the DC metro area. From singing to oration, it reminded us of what the dream really is about. It's a dream that those youth who performed would receive every opportunity at success regardless of race, color, or creed. The performers included youth from the Ron Clarke Academy who became stars on YouTube for their election song written to a tune by rapper TI.

Later that night, I ran around the corner from my hotel for a bite to eat. As I made my way back, I passed the doorway of the National Press Club and saw two SUVs pull up. Suddenly, out jumped the 42nd president of the United States, President William J. Clinton. I heard myself say out loud, "Oh my God it's President Clinton."

Surprised to see him I stopped. He smiled, approached and extended his hand. I shook it and said, “Pleasure to meet you Mr. President." By then a crowd had gathered but Clinton had already vanished inside. The fact that I wanted to maintain my composure kept me from jumping up and down and screaming. But as soon as I got to my room, I called my mom, my dad, my grandma and posted it to my Facebook page.

Sunday-Jan 18 (Day 1)
After watching my Philadelphia Eagles fall to the Arizona Cardinals it was time for me to embark upon my journey to our nation's capitol. The Stafford Foundation based in Reston, Virginia has reserved  the entire JW Marriott located just two blocks shy of the White House. The People's inauguration as they have title it, is an event for those who may have had the desire to come to inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, but would not have otherwise had the opportunity. Also, those organizations that provide services for the betterment of our nation's citizens were also offered rooms and tickets to inaugural events. It's because of my work with Youth Action ( the non-profit organization that I co-founded five years ago) that I was invited to this three day long event.
Expecting a hail of traffic I left later in the day with the hopes of missing the massive droves of people who would make siege on Washington DC. To my surprise traffic was relative smooth until my arrival at the hotel. It was a moment that reminded me of my Sunday school lessons as I was told there was no room for my car at the inn. The many temporary residents of the JW Marriott had filled the parking lot. I was given a list of other lots to try and again was told that there was no room at the inn. Determined to take part in this historical event I continued my search until at last I found a spot to park.

Now with the great parking dilemma solved it was onto finding my way back to the hotel. Moments of frustration birthed by the many street closures and round abouts looked to deter me but no no I must make it to my finally destination. After about a half hour or so I finally found it.

At last I finally arrived at the hotel to a larger than life replica of the Presidential seal. Red, White, and blue was all around and the might stars and stripes tattooed the hotel lobby walls and support columns. It was than I knew that the festivities had begun. I was in Washington DC our nation's capitol to mark the history marking inauguration of America first African American President, Barack Obama.

I look forward to the events of tomorrow and the excitement that they will bring.

I am humbled to have been given the privilege to join the festivities surrounding the
historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. I am also truly grateful that the
Stafford Foundation has chosen this occasion to celebrate organizations like Youth
Action, who have given back to our communities.
We stayed at the J.W. Marriott which has unique significance because of its key location
on “America’s Avenue.” It is the main road connecting the Capitol with the White House
and served as the central point that unites the groups of people to celebrate America’s
epic achievement.
The festivities began with an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, 1/19/09 where we
were entertained by the joyous melodies of harpist, Jeff Majors and the dynamic
Evangelist Shirley Caesar. This was followed by a Commemorative Luncheon where the
keynote speaker, Martin Luther King, III reminded us that we have not reached the
Promised Land yet, but with the leadership of our new President, we are destined to get
there.
Inauguration day was particularly special as we watched history unfold as President-elect
Barack Obama was sworn into office. It was an important moment for ALL Americans.
The view of the Inaugural Parade from the Marriott’s 12th Floor enclosed Terrace was
phenomenal. I held my breath as President and First Lady Obama left the comfort of
their limousine and walked through the Parade, waving their hands at the millions of
people in the crowd. I then had a sigh of relief when they returned to their limousine,
knowing that, unfortunately, not everyone is rejoicing in this victory.
Finally, we attended the People’s Inaugural Ball where we dined and celebrated the
appointment of our 44th President of the United States.
As we return to our communities we are given the awesome challenge to seek
opportunities to reach out and extend a compassionate hand to those who seek our help.
Let’s ALL meet that challenge.

Enjoy tributes from State Representatives Tony Payton, Kendall Jones, James Jones, Marcus Vickers, and John Brice

http://picasaweb.google.com/jjones1110/YouthAction2ndAnnualCharityGala?pli=1#