Hyde Park neighbors say Obama 'destined'
Wallie Brackett
Issue date: 1/16/09 Section: Inauguration
Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, Barack Obama's home neighborhood, was filled with love and euphoria Tuesday during the Inauguration. Some neighbors wept as the nation's first African-American president became the most powerful man in the world.
"I sobbed, uncontrollably," said Candice Parker, 27, a community resident. "Obama so eloquently transitioned, as if he was destined for this presidency. When he laid his hand on Lincoln's bible, chills went up and down my spine."
Parker said the Obamas have been down-to-earth people. "Michelle and Barack could've lived anywhere, but chose to stay on the Southside," she added.
Added Parker: "President Obama will not just cater to blacks; he will cater to the nation and to the world. There are quite a few Black people that believe Obama will focus solely on their issues. This is not the case."
Steve Duroseau, a 29-year-old Hyde Park barber, believed Obama was destined to serve in the highest office of the land.
"Just the night before, we were celebrating Martin Luther Kings' birthday and watching the 'I Have a Dream Speech'," he added, feeling King's message made the inauguration more special.
"It seems to be something stirring in the air," said Duroseau. "Barack Obama's 'Yes We Can' campaign touched every person who understands the struggle blacks went through in the United States. Whether you're rich or poor, immigrant or non-immigrant...just remember Obama's quote: This is not a red state or a blue state, it's the United States."
Up and down Hyde Park's 51st street residents were walking with a little more pep in their step. Genuine smiles and laughs filled the air. The pride seemed just as thick as smog.
"It's just so surreal, like this is all a big dream," said Michael Alexander, 25, an investment specialist. "I look at numbers all day. We are in a crisis...the numbers don't lie."
With the financial system is in dire need for a dramatic change, He added: "Our economy is in the trenches, yet the government is shelling out billions to defunct banks whose managers should be thrown in jail for their failures."
To most, Barack Obama represents "Change". Obama presents the world with a new vigorous and vivacious look. Foremost, Obama's intellect and strong spiritual conviction bring change by itself. Whether or not Obama remains popular is yet to be seen.
"I sobbed, uncontrollably," said Candice Parker, 27, a community resident. "Obama so eloquently transitioned, as if he was destined for this presidency. When he laid his hand on Lincoln's bible, chills went up and down my spine."
Parker said the Obamas have been down-to-earth people. "Michelle and Barack could've lived anywhere, but chose to stay on the Southside," she added.
Added Parker: "President Obama will not just cater to blacks; he will cater to the nation and to the world. There are quite a few Black people that believe Obama will focus solely on their issues. This is not the case."
Steve Duroseau, a 29-year-old Hyde Park barber, believed Obama was destined to serve in the highest office of the land.
"Just the night before, we were celebrating Martin Luther Kings' birthday and watching the 'I Have a Dream Speech'," he added, feeling King's message made the inauguration more special.
"It seems to be something stirring in the air," said Duroseau. "Barack Obama's 'Yes We Can' campaign touched every person who understands the struggle blacks went through in the United States. Whether you're rich or poor, immigrant or non-immigrant...just remember Obama's quote: This is not a red state or a blue state, it's the United States."
Up and down Hyde Park's 51st street residents were walking with a little more pep in their step. Genuine smiles and laughs filled the air. The pride seemed just as thick as smog.
"It's just so surreal, like this is all a big dream," said Michael Alexander, 25, an investment specialist. "I look at numbers all day. We are in a crisis...the numbers don't lie."
With the financial system is in dire need for a dramatic change, He added: "Our economy is in the trenches, yet the government is shelling out billions to defunct banks whose managers should be thrown in jail for their failures."
To most, Barack Obama represents "Change". Obama presents the world with a new vigorous and vivacious look. Foremost, Obama's intellect and strong spiritual conviction bring change by itself. Whether or not Obama remains popular is yet to be seen.
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