I was standing in line at the Crimson Lounge to see the final results of the election, when a guy came over saying that Barack was elected president. I couldn't believe it because one person said it and at that moment, there wasn't anyway to find out until we got inside. When I saw that he was elected the 44th president, I shed a tear. I thought, "This is it, we made it. Barack will be the example for us to follow."
He has changed history by being the first black president and has had a long journey of fighting and fulfilling the dreams of our four-fathers that struggled, fought and died for freedom. We as a nation and as a people have to start putting two and two together and help make a difference, and to better ourselves, community and others.
"Yes we can. Yes we did"!!
-GMO Staff Writer Paris Puckett
I spent the evening of the election sitting in the house with some friends – enjoying homemade mango mojiotos, organic veggie nachos, and buffalo wings! Little did I know that I was also on the tipping point of the worst flu of my life! We were watching the project results on CNN and sharing in really awkward silences as we noticed more and more states showing Senator Obama having the popular vote. The moment the screen read “President-elect Barack Obama” I immediately went in to fever, chills, body aches, and nausea. That’s right – instead of tears of joy – my body’s reaction was to break out in the flu! I think my body had to finally rid itself of 8 years of economic, political, and social sickness and start fresh with a new great leader who symbolizes health, restoration, and sustainability. Beyond the expected feeling of pride to see a person of color elected by communities all over this country to serve in this position of power – I was more proud to say that my $25 donation and my vote in the once “red” state of Pennsylvania helped make this possible. I am grateful to have a servant leader like Senator Obama make me feel like I play a part in his CHANGE process. Even if it means I had to have a physiological breakdown
-GMO Creative Director Tony Keith
Although Columbia is directly across the street from Grant Park, I decided to watch the event from home. The school shut down at 6 and I left at 3 to a standing room only train ride home, so I can only imagine what the crowd was like at the historic moment.
-GMO Staff Photographer Billy Montgomery
I will never forget the day of the election. I was at home writing a reaction paper about women who feel that being sexy makes them powerful. At the same time, I was watching the BET channel when they announced that Obama won the election. I started to scream to the top of my lungs and I jumped up and down on the couch. It made me feel good to know that an African-American earned his way to the white house and changed history for generations to come. 45 years later, after Martin Luther King speech, "I Have A Dream," Obama was judged by the content of his character and not by the color of his skin. It makes me proud to know we have moved this far.
- GMO Staff Writer Kenshata Harris
I was just getting off work when Barack Obama's win was announced.
-GMO Staff Writer Lasundra Carter
When Barack Obama gave his speech, I don’t think there has ever been a crowd that cheered for a president winning the election as loud as the crowd did that night. It was like he was a rock star. It was my first time voting, and I felt like I had the power to change the world. I would have voted on Nov. 4th if I knew in advance that all my classes would be canceled because of the rally. I wish I had gone to Grant Park, but it was still very exciting to watch on television. I had never been so excited to witness a man win office because I honestly do believe that Obama will make our country better and worth living in. It’s time for a change!
-GMO Staff Writer Priya Shah
I was sitting on the couch in my new family room, cuddled under a blanket with the heat off because, well times are hard and heat is a luxury! I was glued to CNN all day long, and as more and more states turned blue I got more and more anxious -- I wanted them to tell me Barack Obama won already! And, then it happened -- it flashed on my screen that Barack Obama had won enough votes and would be the 44th President of the United States. I jumped up screaming and crying (scared my poor cat to death), and turned on the heat! I know better times are coming! President Obama!
