Columbus Salutes New President

COLUMBUS, Ohio—President Barack Obama. So many people have been eagerly awaiting those three inspiring words.

The excitement of the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States wasn’t exclusive to Washington.

It was felt around the world.

It was felt in Columbus.

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NBC 4 offered TEAM COVERAGE on residents’ personal experiences and thoughts.

A crowd gathered at the OSU African-American studies office to witness Barack Obama become our nation’s 44th president and first African-American president. NBC 4’s Candice Lee reported on the event, which was hosted by the Change Agency, a non-partisan political-action group.

Attendees received lunch, participated in Obama trivia and, of course, watched as Obama was sworn in as president.

Lee reported the crowd at the King Arts Complex did everything as if they were at the inauguration.

The diverse group erupted in thunderous applauds and cheering when Obama was introduced at the beginning of the ceremony.

As Pastor Rick Warren read the Lord’s Prayer, the crowd recited right along with the millions of people on hand in Washington D.C.

Lee said the crowd listened intently to President Barack Obama’s inaugural address.

As the crowd broke up at the King Arts Complex, they left with a renewed sense of hope for the future of America.

One man told Lee he never thought he would see the day. Another couple both agreed this was a new era for all Americans.

When asked about the expectations before President Obama these next 100 days, one woman expressed concern that too much is expected. She said Obama has repeatedly told people that change is coming but will take some time. One woman suggested this may be a good time to take a second look at term limits, implying she feels President Obama should be given enough time to accomplish his goals.

NBC 4‘s Tanya Hutchins spent the day with area seniors who have seen wars, recessions and, for some, more than a dozen presidents move into the White House.

More than 100 seniors were greeted at the Arena Grand Theater by students as the two generations watched history in the making.

“I want to thank all of the seniors. I want to thank all the young people from the Metro School,“ said Ohio Sen. Ray Miller as he greeted audience members.

The Arena Grand opened two theaters to the public, including senior citizens from Central Community House and St. Dominic’s Church.

“It’s just a thrill of a lifetime. I was born in segregated West Virginia, so I know how far we’ve come in my lifetime and it’s just a wonderful event. I’m thrilled to be here,“ said Jean Wright.

“I think it’s really interesting because (there are) both youth and seniors, so we get two different perspectives, so I think that’s really great that we all get to be here today together,“ said Elizabeth Roche. “I think it’s really exciting to be here today. It’s like a brand new day in history. I’m really excited to be a part of it and it’s really thrilling to see the presidency passed from one person to another.“

The seniors said they were thrilled to see younger generations witnessing the event firsthand.

“They have no idea where the country has come from other than what they read in their books, but to have to live through a lot of this. I don’t have the words to express it,“ Wright said.

Both theaters were nearly full and theater officials said a third room was available in case it was needed.

Many Central Ohioans watched history unfold on TV at their homes and offices as watch parties for the inauguration were held around Columbus, including the Wexner Center for the Arts on the Ohio State University campus.

The center opened to the public free of charge Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Attendees said it was important for everyone to witness the historic moment.

“I wanted to be part of the crowd. I wanted to be part of the fun. I didn’t want to be just sitting in my office watching it on my computer. I want to kind of feel the energy of everything,“ said Eva Dale.

Inside Columbus’ East High School auditorium, students watched the inaugural ceremonies together.

The students stood as they watched Obama’s swearing in.

Senior Alexandra Hajohn is with the Kids Voting Youth Council and helped plan the watch party.

“I worked the polls in November. I just want to tell my grandchildren. This is my future,“ she said.

Senior Aaron Bonnel-Kangus volunteered for the Obama campaign and said that Tuesday brought a sense of hope for a new generation.

“It generated more emotion than I would have thought. It’s powerful,“ he said.

“I felt a tremendous surge of hope. This is a difference—a change—so many new ideas,“ Hajohn said.

NBC 4‘s Matt Alvarez spent Tuesday downtown with citizens who had to work, but still tried to watch the inauguration on their lunch breaks.

Inside Gordon Biersch in the Arena District, workers witnessed something they had never seen before.

“I’m speechless. I never thought I’d be sitting here actually watching something like this take place,“ said Beulah Thomas.

During President Obama’s 21-minute-long speech, the tears were flowing, toasts were made as the event unfolded before customers and workers.

“We’re all united and I feel so proud of it—all of us here today,“ said Denika Missick.

“I think it was spectacular, I think he’s a remarkable man,“ said Ann Valentine.

“Today is a wonderful day—all of us gathered here, all races, ages,“ said Dawn Denise-McNeal.

LOCAL AFTER-INAUGURATION PARTIES
You don’t have to go to Washington DC to see history made. A number of after-inauguration parties were being held here in Columbus.

NBC 4’s Tom Brockman reported on places where you can gather, watch and celebrate.

- Tonight, at the Franklin Park Conservatory on Broad Street a party was planned in the atrium. You can watch highlights of the inauguration, take a tour and enjoy a cash bar. Event starts at 5:30 p.m.

- Come out for an after-celebration at Catering By Design at 3850 Stelzer Rd. at 5 p.m.

- Enjoy a full evening of entertainment at the Grand Valley Dale Ballroom at 1590 Sunbury Road from 5 to 11 p.m. $25 in advance and $25 at the door.

- The Thirsty Ear Tavern planned for an inaugural bash at 1200 W. 3rd Ave. at 7 p.m.

- TGI Friday’s were set to host the world’s largest inauguration party. Celebrations happening from open to close at your local restaurant. A toast was planned for 9 p.m.

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