The Collegian

A sea of students poured into the streets of SC State in celebration of Barack Obama's landslide victory against republican nominee John McCain. Obama who has made history as the first African American U.S. President, inspired a midnight procession from the Fine Arts building towards the Plaza where the Marching 101 band led students in the victory celebrations.

Students danced, screamed and chanted "Get up for Obama," transforming the popluar bulldog fight song to an Obama praise hymn. The informal party followed the NAACP "Election watch" party held in the T.V. Lounge of the K.W. Green Student Center.

SC State's local chapter of the NAACP took no chances this Election Day in their quest to usher in the first African American President. Led by chapter leader, Preston E. Zimmerman, volunteers scoured SC State Residence Halls knocking on doors encouraging students to vote, making phone calls to resolve problems with voting and even providing shuttle services to and from polling stations.

The students were joined by High Schoolers from Orangeburg Wilkinson Memorial who were not eligible to vote but saw the importance of this historic event and joined the cause. Campus Activites board Adviser Ariel Singleton who helped organize all of the events said she chose to get involved because of the historical significance of this election and the unprecedented number of young people coming out to vote.

"Even one extra vote will make a change," said Singleton.

Freshman Political science and Pre-law major, Ajanee Laningham said she chose to attend so that she could encourage people in her age group that may not be interested in politics to come with her.

" It is a social event that they could come to and have fun, but they will still be able to see the real reason behind it."

S.C. state proved that while the state of S.C. still remains republican territory, the Bulldogs belong to Obama.

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