Citizens show admiration for new President

Jacqueline McGill said she waited 59 years to witness history. 

McGill was among the more than 50 people gathered at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church to celebrate the inauguration of the United State’s 44th President, Barack Obama on Tuesday.  “It was awesome; his willingness to draw everyone together and not be divisive, levels the plain,” McGill said.

The Rev. Michael Fogan said he enjoyed the president’s speech and that Obama’s inspiration is what the country needs. 

Shayriah Johnson, a sixth grade student out of school because of a snow day, said she was happy to witness the ceremony, giving her reason for paying close attention. “He’s the first African American President of the United States of America.“

The church hosted the inauguration party in its fellowship hall, part of its day-long festivities, serving refreshments and preparing personal video clips to be sent to the new President. Open to the public, the event featured a number of souvenirs on sale, plenty of food and a wide screen television to allow visitors to view the historic day ‘s events.

“It was a really an exciting moment,” Tony Leggett said, adding that it’s a giant step forward for the nation. “It opens the door for so many. We have a long way to go, but I think we’re on the right path with everybody working as a team to make it through these hard times,” he added.

As Obama walked out into the sunlight on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol shortly before noon,  the Marion crow stood to their feet chanting, “ Yes we did.” 

The fellowship hall then became quiet as everyone turned their attention to the television, eagerly awaiting the inaugural address. Derrick Weeks said the ceremony went as expected. 

“Everybody is very excited for him and looking forward to working together,” he said. Weeks, a member of the tri-county male choir got together with his group members to prepare dinners for those who dropped by. The choir spent the Sunday before inauguration day teaming up with choirs from North Carolina, Maryland and Washington, D.C. in the “Living the Dream” program at Bethlehem Baptist Church, conducted in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Marion City Council member Poiette McGill-Bromell said she believed the President’s speech addressed every aspect of the problems plaguing society. 

“That’s the thing I love about Barack. He doesn’t have a narrow view of what’s ailing America, he understands that there are some very complex problems going on that will require complex solutions,” she said, adding that getting the best minds together to tackle issues is admirable. 

Excited about the possibilities of Obama’s tapping into the talent of America, Bromell said she was also happy to share the experience inside the fellowship hall. “I think it’s awesome whenever the community can gather on a positive occasion,” she said.

It’s also inspiring for local government officials, she added, saying, “The leader of the free world has his mind on what the people need and not what he needs as an individual ... it is very refreshing.”

Lisa Seabrook couldn’t hide her excitement regarding Obama’s accomplishment and has an opinion on why so many are drawn to support him. 

“He’s eloquent, an intellectual, and very personable, making you feel as if you know him,” she said, adding that the continued support he’ll need is for all Americans to work together to accomplish collective goals, improving the quality of life for everyone, and knowing that it won’t be easy.