Undergraduate
Presidential Inauguration Blog
The Presidential Inauguration:
Seeing History in the Making
Through the Eyes of Two Wheelock Students
The Inauguration
January 20, 2009 - Lucy
Let me say first and foremost that both Maulana and I are incredibly grateful for being given the opportunity to attend President Barack Obama’s inauguration. There were several members of the Wheelock community who helped in sending us to Washington D.C., and it would be remiss of me not to say thank you.
I'm not sure I can quite describe the feeling of having been at the inauguration. In the preparation leading up to the event, we witnessed the city transforming, but on that day, I think we witnessed the country transform. There's something to be said about a sea of people gathered together united in joy, admiration, and pride. The details of the day may be lost with time, but I know the feelings won't be.
I think it struck me most when my brother called me to tell me that President Obama had signed an executive order banning torture: a simple, direct repudiation of the policies and ideals that have characterized the past years. It occurred to me then that America not only chose a new leader, but we chose a new history. Now, I'm not saying that Obama is "the one," nor am I naïve enough to believe that all our problems have been solved. But I am aware that this is the first time in my life when I've felt that I share in the enthusiasm and hope that my fellow citizens have, and that connection promises a brighter future for our country.
With this in mind, I'd like to mention an opportunity for those reading (and interested) to get involved in this idea of change. I am part of a youth-led social justice group, SPARK the Truth. We are sponsored and advised by Wheelock's Juvenile Justice and Youth Advocacy Program and the Office of Pre-Collegiate and College Access Programs, and are planning and participating in some very exciting events this spring, including the Are You Ubuntu?: Youth Transforming Violence art gallery exhibit. We work with high school students from around Boston Public Schools, and we can always use more people in the Wheelock community getting involved.
I would also really encourage everyone to check out the Wheelock Policy Connection, and for all students and prospective students, please apply for the Wheelock Policy Fellow Program--both Maulana and I are former fellows. It's a wonderful program and opens doors to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
