Taylor Bembery & Candace Chambers
Variety Editor & News Editor
Cordarius Hill, a junior speech communications major from Memphis, Tenn., like many others, did not let the weather discourage his enthusiasm to experience history.
Along with 43 other Jackson State University students, he headed to the Presidential Inauguration at 6 a.m on Monday, Jan. 21. Bundled up in winter apparel, the group was prepared to face the cold weather as they planned to witness President Obama get sworn in to office. Degrees of anticipation and frigid temperature were in the air at the Inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Hill said: “When we were walking, I was fine but after I stood there watching the ceremony, it started freezing. I just enjoyed the experience. I didn’t care if it was hot or cold because I was a once in a lifetime moment.”
Michael Gordon, a freshman mass communication major from Stone Mountain, Ga., said he was prepared for the weather. “I thought it was going to be colder, but it was still cold. I had on thermals and dressed in layers,” said Gordon.
First students were bused from Baltimore to RFK Stadium, then had to walk two miles to the Metro transit station. Once students got their metro cards they continued their journey to the National Mall at 9:03 a.m.
As students took a 2.5 mile walk to the swearing-in site at the Capitol, they were greeted by vendors who lined the streets selling items of warmth, including Obama hats, cups of hot chocolate, and even Krispy Kreme doughnuts, yelling “Dr. King had a dream, so get your Krispy Kreme!”
A sea of thousands of people who traveled from all over the world, of all races and nationalities, united to see history made once again.
At noon, as President Obama was sworn in, the temperature was 40 degrees, according to the Washington Post, compared to the 28 degrees from the 2008 ceremony.
Myrlie Evers, the wife of Medgar Evers, and mother of Reena Evers-Everette who was a guest speaker at the Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Convocation last week at JSU, opened up the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Swearing In Ceremony with a prayer. Once the prayer was over Vice President Joe Biden was sworn into office then the moment everyone was waiting for; President Barack Obama’s turn to be sworn in.
The Bibles used in the ceremony were Martin Luther King Jr.’s bible, and the first bible used at President Abraham Lincoln’s Inauguration. Once Obama said his oath and was sworn into office the crowd went wild, waving the American flag and chanting “Obama,Obama!”. President Obama is the first African American president to be sworn into office for his second Presidential term.
Some JSU students added their experience about at the Inauguration ceremony. Christen Robinson, a graduate student chemistry major from Saginaw, Mich., said the experience was phenomenal.
“I was truly able to witness history like none other. For my second time being able to vote, I not only saw my choice come to fruition, but was able to personally celebrate it. Black history, American history, and most importantly, my history,” said Robinson.
“I enjoyed seeing the SGA and our student body really get to enjoy the Inauguration. We strive to make sure our students are politically active and engaged in the political process. Being at the inauguration showed me that being an American is awesome and our vote really counts,” said SGA President, Brian Wilks, senior political science major from Prentiss, Miss..
Students also added what they learned and gained from the trip to Washington, D.C..
“I gained a sense of appreciation for these moments, things unprecedented. To appreciate being able to witness the changing tides in an unfinished society. Because even if another black president is elected, there will never be another moment like this, said Robinson.
“I learned that Barack Obama is one of our best presidents ever. He is very inspirational and is determined to make America a better place. He loves America.” said Regina Bowen, a sophomore social work major from Memphis, Tenn..
“My experience was great. I got a chance to meet a lot of interesting people. I learned about northern loving and how right security is when the president is around,” said Rashad Sayles, sophomore emergency management/IT major from Jackson, Miss.
After the inauguration students went sight-seeing and to the Pentagon City Mall in Virginia for an evening of leisure activity. The JSU group started on the road from their hotel in Lithicum, Md. on Jan. 22 at noon and returned safely to Tiger Country Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 5:30 a.m..
