New Years’ Came Early

By: Valita A. Walston
The night erupted with fire works, champagne, music and dancing in the streets.
Sen. Barack Obama has been elected the 44th president of the United States of
America. Scores of people converged on the U Street corridor as the news broke
of Obama’s win on Election Day. Cars stopped in an impromptu parade and a
crowd overcome with emotion, bubbled up in excitement in celebration of the
historic event.
“Obama said I could do what I want,” said Robert Dushay, as he ran through
the crowd with drumsticks and a crash cymbal.“ I’m going to take over the
world,” Dushay chanted as he made his way toward the 14th Street intersection.
Celebrants spanned the entire U Street corridor as other revelers marched down
14th Street, making their way to the White House. Vernell Garey watched from her
car, its windows painted with the message: “Obama, 400 yrs.” “I’m almost
60 years old and to see this in my time is amazing,” she said. “I wish my
mother was here to see this.”
Fireworks flared from the rooftop of Republic Gardens Lounge. Drummers were
drumming in front of the Reeves Center, and dancers were electric sliding at the
intersection of 14th and U. It was the same intersection that a riot and fire
broke out 40 years ago at the news of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King. Tonight there was only a riotous celebration. “Yes we did.”
“Obama, Obama.” “It’s a new day,” chanted the crowd until the wee
hours of the morning. It was like New Year’s Eve came early this year.

photo and video by Valita A. Walston