Unified In Obama: Nation Comes Together For Historic Inauguration
A city with a population of 600,000 people was swollen beyond capacity with 2 million visitors. Despite the suffocating crowds, massive lines and clogged subways, not a frown was to be found. There was an aura of happiness and hope that lingered in the air, on the faces and in the hearts of people who had ventured from near and far to be in Washington, D.C. on this day.
For those who took part in the inauguration 
parade, the day started at 4 a.m. Always busy, Washington and the surrounding area held more people than anyone had ever before seen. For so many, Obama’s inauguration was more than just a political event—it was a life-changing moment that marked the beginning of a new era.
The energy that radiated from the crowds was nothing short of amazing. Moments after Obama was sworn in, the bus upon which parade participants rode, pulled up to the Washington Monument and was engulfed by a gently swaying sea of people. For miles, heads bobbed, flags waved and people clapped, delighted by what they had just witnessed.
There is no doubt that history was made when America’s first black president was sworn into office. But what made Obama’s inauguration such a momentous occasion were the people who helped bring him to the nation’s highest public office. Unlike any other presidential candidate in American history, Obama captured votes not just from one demographic, but from them all. Americans who were young, old, white, black, Hispanic, Asian, first-time voters, lifetime voters, disabled, veterans and peace-seekers alike came out in droves to support this man and his message of change. Indeed, Obama is the unifying force that our nation had been missing for so long.
As I sat on the bus, listening to our new president’s words, surrounded by coworkers and Americans from every corner of our country, I, too, felt a sense of hope, dignity and pride. Mostly, however, I felt a common connection between myself and the person next to me; between myself and the sea of people directly outside the bus window. Although I had never before met the people with who I shared this occasion, I knew we were all there for the same reason, witnessing the same historic event. We were unified as one—unified by a leader who represents hope, change and a brighter future for all.
Marching Into History
Nothing ever quite prepares you for a moment like the one I and so many others had on January 20, 2009. It is one thing to witness history, but to be part of history saturates your soul with feelings that are almost indescribable. Collectively representing union members, labor activists and working-class Americans, a group of 250 representatives from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Change to Win coalition, the AFL-CIO and the National Education Association had the privilege of marching in the streets of Washington, D.C during the 2009 Inauguration Parade. This is our story.
As employees of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Communication and Organizing Departments and strong supporters of Obama, Larry Williams, Damian Simms and I were overjoyed when we were given the news that we’d be marching in the Inauguration Parade. Being fresh out of college and having moved to the East Coast from Nebraska just six short months earlier, I was especially thrilled by the opportunity to have an once-in-a-lifetime experience. The realization of simply being in the nation’s capital during the inauguration was enough to fill me with visions of the future: One day, I would get to tell my children that I was there! Marching in the parade, though, took those feelings to a whole new level. Despite a few mishaps early on, the day couldn’t have been any better—it was like something you’d only see in the movies.
Although January 20, 2009 warmed the hearts of many, outside, the below-freezing temperatures were anything but cozy. The parade was delayed after Sen. Ted Kennedy collapsed during one of the day’s previous events. With nowhere for anyone to go, groups of marchers—laborers, high school band students, military men and float riders—simply stood in the cold, waiting for a signal or sign that the parade had started. As cold air seeped into our winter jackets chilling us to the bone, all we could do was remind ourselves that this was the price we must pay for the history we were about to make.
Finally, after withstanding strong winds, frigid weather and long delays, the moment had arrived. As the sun gently dipped down below the horizon, our group collectively took its first step as one, marching our way into history.
In front of us, members of a high school marching band cheerfully played their cadence and marched instep with one another. We followed the sounds of their beating drums through the winding streets of the city until we came upon the National Mall, where our attention was captured by the faces of the first family, highlighted on two giant JumboTrons. Moments later, we met up with our parade float and began our stroll down the official parade route.
Rounding the corner onto Constitution Avenue, we were greeted by thousands of cheering spectators who, throughout the entire parade route, made us feel as though we had rock-star status. The energy, the happiness and the momentum of each passing moment only increased until we found ourselves at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue, eye-level with the president, the vice president and their families.
As we passed the protective glass case that held our new leaders, the bright spotlights, and the cheering crowds, it was as though time slowed. There before us was the man—legendary in his own time—who broke barriers and, overnight, became a beacon of hope not only for America but for the world.
Looking sleek and smooth, yet sophisticated, President Obama greeted us with grace, humility and happiness. Glowing radiantly in her Isabel Toledo dress, First Lady Michelle Obama stood proudly next to her husband, but kept her focus on us—the parade participants. As the couple smiled and waved, looking each individual in the eye, one thing was clear: they didn’t see our moment as just some passing experience. Our president and first lady were as genuinely excited to see us as we were them.
After passing President Obama, we wound our way through the streets of Washington, D.C. Caught up in the moment, the glory and the passion of such a momentous occasion, we, along with parade spectators, broke out into a chorus of chants. The words “Yes we did!” echoed in the streets of the nation’s capital as the sun set on what was arguably one of the most historic days in American history.
Jonna Huseman is a Communications Specialist in the IBT Communications Department
Participating in the 2009 Inaugural Parade
Impressions To Last A Lifetime
It was 4 a.m. when I woke up. The sun had not yet risen, yet I was sure that what I felt was indeed the dawn of a new day. That day, January 20, 2009, was the day that Barack Obama would be sworn into office as the 44th president of the United States, forever to be immortalized as the first African-American to hold the office. I’m usually not a morning person, but that day, I was wide awake, excited, overjoyed, and nervous. A handful of my colleagues and I had the distinct honor of being able to march in the Inaugural Parade as part of the American Workers Contingent, which included representatives of different labor organizations such as Change to Win, AFL-CIO, and the National Education Association.
I made the trek to the UFCW headquarters with Lillian Walker-Shelton and Larry Williams, Jr., my fellow marching colleagues. I was excited to see all of the other participants from other unions, knowing that we were all sharing such a rare moment in American history. We were each given our official Inaugural Parade credentials badge. Then we all boarded the buses. Taxis and buses were the only vehicles allowed on the road. The caravan of buses was headed to the Pentagon so that all participants could get security clearances. Finally, we drove off to the parade site.
I fell asleep on the way to the parade. I was awakened by the sound of Aretha Franklin singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” playing through the bus’s radio. Shortly thereafter, Obama could be heard taking the presidential oath, administered by U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts. Everyone on the bus cheered. We were pumped and ready to 
march for President Obama.
As the president was giving his inaugural speech, the bus was approaching our drop-off point just past the Washington Monument. We were greeted by what could only be described as a sea of humanity: hundreds upon thousands of people, shoulder to shoulder, waving miniature American flags and watching President Obama on multiple jumbo screens. While I would later be able to actually march past the President’s observation booth and wave to him and his beautiful family, it was this singular moment that symbolized so much for me. It was the physical manifestation of the song, “We Shall Overcome,” Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and the hopes and dreams of so many of our ancestors who waded through troubled waters and stumbled through “underground” passages so that we could one day live to see such an incredible moment in our time come to fruition. Needless to say, I was deeply moved by the show of solidarity and patriotism.
It was one of the coldest days in D.C. that I can ever remember, but the warm spirit of the American people that came together to get a glimpse of the man they elected president was with me throughout the entire day. As I prepared to march in the parade, I couldn’t help but think that I was a small part of the vast patchwork that is America’s rich and complex history. As a young, African-American male, I would be a part of the celebration of an event that, quite honestly, I never thought I would see in my lifetime. I realized that America belongs to all of its citizens, and not just a select few. We came together as a nation to elect a man whose very being is synonymous with hope, change, and courage. I hope that through his election, every young person realizes that they may be able to reach their fullest potential, no matter what adversity, hardship, or obstacle they may face, because we will always have a visible and viable example in President Obama.
Damian Simms is an Administrative Assistant in the IBT Communications Department
Barack Obama’s Inaugural Parade
The Inside Story
If someone told you that you could participate in a historic event, marking the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, would you seize the opportunity? Moreover, what kind of expectations would you have for this experience? One’s initial reaction might be sequence of emotions ranging from apathy to interest followed by intrigue. This is the story of a group of labor representatives dubbed the American Workers Contingent and their efforts to march into history. On January 20a traditionally cold day, temperatures dipped well below 20 degrees. Perhaps the weather was the only factor that went as expected for the group on a day encompassing a hail storm of historic firsts. For participants, this event became an adventure and an emotional roller coaster that will forever be a cherished memory.
Before the sun rose, preparation began with a roll call at 5:30a.m. for the American Workers Contingent (AWC). Not knowing what to expect, AWC began to assemble union representatives from various unions’ local and international offices from around the country, including Washington, D.C. The Teamsters and other members of Change to Win unions, the AFL-CIO, and the National Education Association, piled into several buses as the journey to the parade site started. The next few hours were spent in limbo on these buses while parked at the Pentagon, listening to the process of presidential inauguration unfold. People who had drifted off into sleep were awakened by radio interviews of Americans from across the country on the National Mall testifying to the electricity running through the frigid air. Each person seemed to have another reason why and how they hoped America would rebound from its historic division and the current economic recession after this day, with most of their hopes on the shoulders of President-Elect Obama. Even those who proclaimed they had not voted for him were expressing adulation for the unity 2 million people were bringing to the District of Columbia. Many were brought to tears over what seemed to be national healing, cleansing the wounds of the last eight years.
As the broadcast moved on, there were also some ridiculous questions being floated, such as would President-Elect Obama use his middle name, Hussein, when he was sworn in. Luckily this was only mentioned in passing, and laid to rest later on. Finally, President-Elect Obama left his breakfast with President Bush and headed to the swearing in as the world watched. After being vetted by security, the marchers were informed that the parade would begin at the Capitol and end at the White House. Knowing that the incoming president would be at the very head of the parade generated much excitement. Just as President Obama was being sworn in, the buses entered the parking lot of the National Mall.
There were so many people that they seemed to be a single living organism or a sea of flowers covering the massive park grounds. Everyone quickly exited the buses and entered a tent with hundreds of other marchers, including elementary, high school and college bands, dancers and military personnel. Here, there was a different synergy. People were melding into groups and ready to give the show of a lifetime. As former President Bush’s helicopter flew into the abyss, several groups of Navy men patiently gazed at a television screen as their old boss retired, a new leader had arisen. Outside, as Bush’s helicopter flew directly overhead, it was barely noticed and received little fanfare.
Armed with foot warmers, hand warmers, six layers of clothing, a jacket and heavy coat, this observer was still extremely cold, but thought how could anyone complain when the dancers from other groups were woefully underdressed? The AWC stood in lines practicing the formation they would march in for what must have been two hours. We began to wonder if different leadership was needed to organize the group as the person in charge seemed nervous and uncoordinated. The group was told to hurry up and wait for so long that people began to become incensed and aggravated, but tried to keep tempers in check by remembering the significance of the day. Finally after a couple more hours of standing still, the AWC joined into formation between two marching bands. Marchers in front of the line were holding signs that said, “American Workers,” “Pass EFCA” and “Good Jobs Green Jobs.” Progress was stagnated as the line would stop and go every few feet. To get everyone to intensify the energy and fight off the cold, those who were seasoned in the art of rallies started chants like, “What do we want? EFCA! When do we want it? Right now!” Eventually the line of marchers stopped, completely sandwiched between a museum and some other government buildings.
Tension built as 20 minutes became an hour. No word was given as to what the delay was, but people were becoming anxious. After another hour, children who were marching with AWC were perhaps the biggest victims as the vicious cold punished the collective morale. Suddenly the labor chants became,”What do we want? Hot chocolate! When do we want it? Right now!” At some point, everyone broke formation and people started to enter the nearest museum. It was an amazing site to see people with trumpets, trombones and percussion instruments rushing through metal detectors trying to escape the cold. One young woman was warmed up and encouraged by her band leader as she rubbed the shivering arms of her young musician back into operation. Young ladies in only tights and their thin uniforms dashed for the Red Cross tent to get treatment for exposure, some of whom were suffering from chattering teeth as tears streamed down their faces.
The kindness exhibited by members of the AWC was amazing as people offered to sacrifice their own hand warmers and small snacks as a sign of solidarity. Side by side, everyone huddled and tried to stay warm, and for brief moment in history we became one union.
Word that Sen. Ted Kennedy had a seizure started to circulate among the marchers, as well as the possibility that this was the reason the delay had been so long. Eventually everyone got back into formation and was ready to roll. Advancement began at double speed and the AWC marchers met up with other members who had boarded a float representing American workers... Suddenly masses of excited crowds who had braved the icy temperatures to the parade came into view and they were chanting “Yes We Can.”
Every time the AWC was announced on the loud speakers the crowds went wild and it was obvious thousands of workers from around the country were happy to be represented in the parade. The vibe was contagious and only accelerated as the group saw President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden in their viewing box toward the end of the parade. The president and Mrs. Obama recognized and acknowledged our signs, which was gratifying. Perhaps the most fulfilling part of the parade was the last 10 minutes, as AWC proudly walked the streets, looking into the eyes of people who had traveled from everywhere to experience these moments. An intangible energy was passing back and forth between the crowds and the marchers as if their voices were finally being heard and the American Workers Contingent was happy to reply. When all was said and done, despite the trials of the day, a message had been sent: Defeat is simply a signal to press forward and it was a message heard loud and clear.
My January 20, 2009 began with a phone call from my grandmother at 3:50am. My grandmother is 89 years old and also named Lillian. When I told her that I was going to be walking in the historical inaugural parade for my job and the Labor Consortium she was so excited. She said she was going to tell all of her friends in the assisted living facility. My grandmother has lived through lots of things in history. My deceased mother took part in the March on Washington in 1963. When I told my grandmother about how I was going to be in the parade she began talking about my mother being part of another historic day, and how she would be proud of me too.
On the morning of the inauguration, my apartment was filled with people. Friends from Detroit, Rhode Island, Seattle, and Philadelphia were all there because they wanted to be part of the historic day also. They were getting up to go to catch the metro when I tipped out of the door to go pick up my coworkers.
Damian Simms, Larry Williams and I traveled to the UFCW hall when the sun was just peeking up in the sky. When we arrived at the hall it was moving with people. I was happy to see some of my fellow CLUW (Coalition of Labor Union Women) sisters there and also one of my mentors from Philadelphia.
When we got on the bus to go to the Pentagon we were equipped with our parade jackets, hats and scarves from SEIU, and also plastic clip credentials. I was very proud of the credentials and wore the clip on my coat a week after the inauguration was over.
At the beginning of pentagon security we met our friendly military escort, a female sergeant who joked with us for the rest of the day. When she first entered the bus, another male sergeant also got on just to warm up. He joked with us too, and told us then, that when we were marching in the parade we would be less than 45 feet away from the president. I was even more excited at that point and said to him, “can I take a picture?” He told me please don’t do that “or I would end up on CNN, and for all the wrong reasons.”
We were given our lunches after we passed through security and then we headed to the National Mall. The roadways we took were cleared. All you could see were people walking and buses full of parade participants. Finally, when we got to the National Mall, we could see a sea of people. There were so many people, that their hats just looked like polka dots. Sitting up higher on the bus gave us a different view of it all. While we were on the bus we heard on the speaker system radio what we had all been waiting for: the actual swearing in. Once it was announced that Obama was officially the President of the United States, people on the bus broke into a loud cheer. Everyone was absolutely delighted that now a new period in our country was beginning.
We had to wait at the parade grounds and practice lining up several times. Finally with our sergeant escort we were given the go ahead to move. We marched and stopped several times because of delays. We huddled together and tried to have an upbeat spirit despite the cold and the wind. Once we did begin to march again we received a great reception from everyone who came out for the parade. People waved at us and cheered when they saw us coming. As we were marching I could see people up in office windows and on top of buildings looking down and waving. When we finally got to walk in front of the presidential viewing stand I was incredibly excited. There they were: Michelle, Barack and Joe Biden. We waved at them and they waved back at us. It was an incredible moment. I thought to myself “they do look the same way they look on T.V.”
When the day was over, and we were on the bus going backing to the UFCW hall to pick up our cars, I felt a profound sense of pride. I was part of history, just like my mom when she was part of the March on Washington 46 years earlier.