Inaurguration parties were well attended in Sacramento today (Tuesday 1.20).
Some Obama well-wishers gathered at a downtown restaurant for a breakfast celebration this morning.
Capital Public Radio’s Steve Shadley prepared this report…
“ladies and gentlemen…welcome to the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States…(audience erupts in yelling and clapping)
A crowd of Sacramentans gathered at “Table 260” erupted as they watched tvs showing California Senator Diane Feinstein…who chaired the inauguration committee…introduce the dignitaries. There are a lot of smiling faces here…as people passed through a breakfast buffet that served bacon and eggs…bisquits and southern style grits.
Dorothy Vaughn sits in a booth in a dark corner of the restaurant…where she’s reflecting on the swearing-in of the nation’s first black president…
“I think Barack Obama is going to make it possible for people like me…African-American people…to be able to have their own businesses…and to do things that we’ve never done before…and to do things easier…”
This man who wants to be identified only as Keith from Folsom…says black Americans should look beyond President Obama’s race for leadership on all issues…
“I don’t look at Barack as an African-American…I look at him as bright and complete with integrity. And, I don’t know about you my friend…but I want somebody driving my car that knows how to drive…and with him I just feel safer…and I’ve got confidence that I can trust our leader…”
Some younger African Americans at this inauguration party say they’re most interested in what First Lady Michelle Obama and the Obama daughters will bring to the White House. And, some even had a few ideas about what kind of dog America’s new first family should adopt.