On. Jan. 20, the WSSU community gathered to watch the live televised broadcast of the inauguration of the first African American President Barack Obama. Obama, the 44th U.S. President, took the oath of office at approximately 12:15 p.m. in Washington D.C. in front of a record crowd of more than two million people.
From 10 a.m. to noon, an inauguration viewing party was held on campus for faculty, staff and students in Thompson Center.
“I am glad that I came on campus to watch the inauguration,” said senior Whitney Rooks said.
As Obama appeared on the big screen, students at the viewing party chanted, “Obama! Obama! Obama!”
Every time Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, or daughters, Malia and Sasha, appeared on the screen, students applauded and shouted.
“I never thought that I would see this day come in my lifetime,” said sophomore Michaela Birks.
“It gives me the chills to know that we finally have a black President.”