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Home > Blogs > Greene County News > Archives > 2009 > January > 20 > Entry
Inaugural address touches CSU students, faculty
WILBERFORCE — About 200 Central State University students sat in quiet awe as President Barack Obama laid out plans for his presidency.
For many it was a sight they never thought they would see in their lifetimes — an African American taking the oath of office and giving an inaugural address.
“I’m just speechless. There are not words to describe what I’m feeling right now,” said Lee Ingham, an administrator at the college. “I never thought (I’d see this), but after Barack Obama I began to believe.”
The historical significance wasn’t lost on the young students. Jeremy Jones, an 18-year-old from Chicago, said a few short years ago he wouldn’t have believed Obama’s election was possible.
“I’m very proud to see an African American sworn into office,” he said. “All the struggles we went through, we finally have the opportunity.”
Students Kamaria Pernell, of Dayton, and Toniesha Payne, of Columbus, recalled a phrase they heard from a history professor that originally came from the lyrical mind of hip hop artist Jay-Z.
“Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King Jr. could walk, so Barack Obama could run, so we can fly,” Payne said. “I think that says it all.”
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Comments
By Thinkaboutit
January 20, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
Although I was very touched by Obama’s speech, I have to say it was very sad to see the man who has been elected to the highest office in the land could not get the oath of office correct for the first time in history. Having said that you would think a man in his position that is making history on this day, would make sure he at least if nothing else is able to say the sacred oath of the office of the president. I hope this is not an indication that he is not prepared.By Thinkaboutit
January 20, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
Although I was very touched by Obama’s speech, I have to say it was very sad to see the man who has been elected to the highest office in the land could not get the oath of office correct for the first time in history. Having said that you would think a man in his position that is making history on this day, would make sure he at least if nothing else is able to say the sacred oath of the office of the president. I hope this is not an indication that he is not prepared.By john galt
January 20, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama will make Jimmy Carter look like George Washington.By Diane
January 20, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
Well George Bush recited the “sacred oath” perfectly and we see what happened the last 8 yrs. There always has to be someone spouting negativity. Can we give the man a chance to do his job geez,give him a break!He applied for the job and he was the one selected get over it!!By chandler
January 20, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this
Who’s the President?By Thinkaboutit
January 20, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
To Diane: You said: “He applied for the job, and he was the one selected” You must be kidding me you don’t apply to be president and it is not a job. A job is something you put eight hours then go home and someone else sometimes takes your spot while your at home. This is a full time, all the time job, a resposibility, a lifestyle change, this man is going to make decisions that will effect everyone. Why I hope very much that he is successful, well lets say we very much need him to be successful. I will support the office and the law’s that he hopefully passes, with the american people at the top of his priority list. God bless the people!!!By Tameka
January 20, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this
You seem not to be for president obama. He is human and he can make a mistake without someone like you saying something about so what he mess up under oath.It’s fair because “we the people” pick obama as president.