The Collegian

Issue date: 1/21/09 Section: News

Media Credit: www.theguardian.co.uk Barack Obama [Click to enlarge]

SC State students, faculty and staff gathered in the Kirkland W. Green Student Center to witness the realization of a dream; birthed by the late Dr. Martin Luther King and brought to fruition by President Barack Obama.

Students clapped, cheered and cried as they witnessed the end results of a campaign that from its inception seemed unlikely. The notion of a black man assuming the highest office in America was unimaginable and even laughable, but the determination of a man who would become the 44th president of the United States and this country's first African American president, proved everyone wrong.

In his inauguration speech, Obama re-emphasized to the world, that it is determination that will save America and called on Americans to "re-affirm our enduring spirit, and choose our better history.'

"For as much as government can do and must do," he said, "it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this country relies."

In light our current economic situation Obama said we must return to the old values of faith, loyalty, hard work, courage, fair-play and patriotism.

"This path is not for the faint hearted," he said, "it is for the risk takers, the doers and the makers."

While Obama spoke about the human spirit in his speech, Assistant Director of Student Life and Leadership, Cammie Grate, was reminded of another spirit, the spirit of her father who passed on Oct. 28.

"I felt that his spirit was there," she said tearfully. "My mom made provisions for him to vote early and shortly after he died."

Grate was particularly responsive to Obama's address, and so was Student Government Association Business Manager Marvis President who said he "breathed a sigh of relief" after the inauguration, but did not feel like the total burden had been lifted.

President was greeted by racist slurs from white supremacists while he and other SC State students celebrated "Kings' Day at the Dome," an annual event hosted by S.C. chapter of the NAACP at in Columbia, S.C. Those against the event held placards which read, "The NAACP is misled," and "The NAACP is the clan with a tan," while shouting anti-King comments.

"We just ignored them and marched on," he said. "With Obama being elected, there is a brighter future."

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