"Yes We Did": Black Americans Rejoice

Barack Obama's Landmark Presidential Win Inspires Optimism Across Generational Lines

(CBS/ AP)  People danced in the streets, wept, lifted their voices in prayer and brought traffic to a standstill. From the nation's capital to Los Angeles, Americans celebrated Barack Obama's victory and marveled that they lived to see the day that a black man was elected president.

"I was born in the civil rights time. To see this happening is unbelievable. We've got the first black president. A black president!" said Mike Louis, a 53-year-old black man who got teary-eyed as he watched the election results on a giant video board in Cincinnati's Fountain Square. "It's not cured now, but this is a step to curing this country of racism. This is a big, giant step toward getting this country together."

In Atlanta, Andrew Young, a prominent civil rights activist and former U.S. Congressman and Ambassador to the United Nations, was visibly moved as he described Obama's win to CBS News' Russ Mitchell.

"It's a victory of faith over fear, grace over greed and vision over violence. And I thank Barack Obama and his entire team for leading us in that direction."

In Washington, hundreds of residents spilled into the streets near the White House, carrying balloons, banging on drums and chanting, "Bush is gone!" Along U Street, once known as America's Black Broadway for its many thriving black-owned shops and theaters, men stood on car roofs, waving American flags and Obama posters.

Nearby, at historically black Howard University, hundreds of students erupted in cheers, broke into song and chanted, "Yes, we did!"

In Philadelphia, thousands of blacks and whites converged at City Hall shortly after Obama was declared the winner. Under a light rain, they danced to the music blaring from car radios. Drivers stopped in the middle of the street, opened their car doors and broadcast Obama's acceptance speech.

"Barack is in the house!" shouted Pamela Williams, 46. "This is very important to me. Change is about to happen."

At Sadiki's restaurant in Philadelphia, the celebration poured out onto the sidewalk.

"Our parents left this planet thinking that we would never, ever see this day, when an African-American could be elected by all the people to the highest seat in the land," said Bernard Smalley Sr. His wife, Jacquelyn, wept.

The celebrations were both large big and small, but the sentiment was the same - pure joy over how far the country has come. People honked horns, high-fived each other and embraced.

In Harlem, the roar of thousands of people gathered in a plaza near the legendary Apollo Theater could be heard blocks away.

In Cleveland, supporters gathered at a house party and held champagne flutes above their heads for a toast. "To the first African-American president in the history of the United States!" they shouted.

In Chicago, Obama's hometown, an estimated 125,000 people gathered on an unusually warm November night to greet the senator at a delirious victory rally at Grant Park.

"It's fantastic," said Hulon Johnson, 71, a retired Chicago public school principal. "I've always told my kids this was possible; now they'll have to believe me."

LaKeisha Williams, a 27-year-old laid-off school nurse, who watched Obama's victory on a TV in a downtown Kansas City concert hall, said: "People actually have finally come together and realized that no matter what his race is, he was the right person for the job. I think it was destiny for him to win. But now we still have to come together to make sure things work."

In Miami's predominantly black Liberty City neighborhood, Otoria Pitts, 30, suggested the significance of Obama's victory goes beyond race.

"His election speaks volumes for a bunch of people," she said. "Children of single mothers, people who put themselves through college. It says, you can do it, you can do it."

Joined by her sister, Susan, and niece, Akira, the three women bought a few rockets from a fireworks stand and lit up the night sky with color.

On the other side of the country, others were thinking how Obama's election could change their lives.

"I'm ecstatic," said Jason Samm, a 33-year-old business owner who was celebrating in South Los Angeles. "I have three kids, which means a lot of doors opening up for them."

Obama's victory also brought back memories of hard-fought battles of generations past.

At Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights hero, said he was hardly able to believe that 40 years after he was left beaten and bloody on an Alabama bridge as he marched for the right for blacks to vote, he had cast a ballot for Obama.

"This is a great night," he said. "It is an unbelievable night. It is a night of thanksgiving."

As the news of a projected Obama victory flashed across a TV screen, men in the nearly all-black crowd pumped their fists and bowed their heads. Women wept and embraced their children. Screams of "Thank you, Lord!" were heard throughout the sanctuary.

Surveying the scene, Mattie Bridgewater whispered from her seat, "I just can't believe it. Not in my lifetime."

Bridgewater said she went to the same elementary school as Emmett Till, the boy from Chicago whose murder in Mississippi was one of the catalysts of the civil rights movement. Both she and her 92-year-old mother voted for Obama.

"I'm sitting here in awe," she said. "This is a moment in history that I just thank my God I was allowed to live long enough to see. Now, when I tell my students they can be anything they want to be, that includes president of the United States."

[slim1h2o]

What a racist headline......

There was quite a few whites voting for Obama as well.

But never mind any of that though,,,Right?
That would be the real story, whites putting their faith in a black man.

Well half black anyways....

[slim1h2o]

Good luck Obama....

I have a feeling you''ll need it.......

[cricketmk3]

Obama may very well prove to be a great president but I certainly hope the reason America voted for Obama was not just because he is black. That would be as stupid as women voting for Hillary just because she''s a woman.

[slim1h2o]

Obama may very well prove to be a great president but I certainly hope the reason America voted for Obama was not just because he is black. That would be as stupid as women voting for Hillary just because she''''s a woman.


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Posted by Cricketmk3 at 07:03 AM : Nov 05, 2008


I sincerely hope so as well....That he''s a good President, and will do a good job.


We need it more than ever now....

[dsr57]

I love how black people keep saying "We Did It'' But I guess it never Occurred to black people that it would have NEVER happened if White people hadn''t voted for him also

[roc2341]

AMERICA REJOICED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cricketmk3]

"shawn may very well prove to be a great president but I certainly hope the reason australia voted for undertaker was not just because he is aged. That would be as stupid as jew midget voting for jew midget just because he''''''''s a midget or jew"

Huh? What does this gibberish have to do with my post, this article, or this election?

[carl_toad]

We are entering very very very dark days. Over the past 20 years we have allowed any one and every one to come to America. What that basically translates to is people who have nothing. These people have worked *** jobs and still have nothing. Liebama has taken advantage of this and promised to take from the rich and give to the poor. America is now a socialist state.

[chanelle051]

I love how black people keep saying "We Did It'''' But I guess it never Occurred to black people that it would have NEVER happened if White people hadn''''t voted for him also

that''s right!

[chanelle051]

This just proves that we (whites) are the minority! yeah white people voted for him too but he won by a landslide thanks to the nieve people that can be pursuaded by celebrities. I think celebrities shouldn''t be allowed to promote a candidate in the public eye. I bet the outcome would be different if they didn''t! and not just the celebrities made him win it''s also the other races that were outnumbered by! Let''s see how long he stays and what promises he really keeps!

so when he fails as a good president...to all the people that voted for him... TOLD YOU SO!

[carl_toad]

I place Hollywood celebs below child molesters in our society. They use their celeb status in an attempt to sway votes and more often than not they do it in favor of the liberals. The reason they do this is because the libs tax the rich and give it to the lazy and then the lazy go to the movies and that makes movie stars rich. This is also why the celebs don''t want the military to do anything to defend our country. When we are at war there is less money to spend at the movies. They are a selfish parasitic lot.

[u-r-right]

A new day for an Ebonics revival!

[gmcnally2]

If all the Presidents to this point had been Black, would Obama be the first white President?

[smurfcrusher]

I rejoiced, I''m not black!

Not too many black people in Iowa, either!

CBS News, don''t you get it? Race doesn''t matter!

[dsr57]

To keep reading the news you''d think not a single white person voted. It''s actually starting to really bug me. Because it seems that''s getting more and more about race and the freaking election is over !

[dm502]

To keep reading the news you''''d think not a single white person voted. It''''s actually starting to really bug me. Because it seems that''''s getting more and more about race and the freaking election is over !


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Posted by DSR57

What voted was 100 MILLION Americans. Race does not matter. That we work together does.

[dsr57]

To keep reading the news you''''''''d think not a single white person voted. It''''''''s actually starting to really bug me. Because it seems that''''''''s getting more and more about race and the freaking election is over !


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Posted by DSR57

What voted was 100 MILLION Americans. Race does not matter. That we work together does.


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Posted by DM502

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Yeah, but every article you read is about blacks celebrating and taking to the streets, it also took white, asian and latino people to get him into office, so as for your comment. I''d like to see "Other" americans in all the stories and pictures

[dsr57]

And to add another thing to your comment, Read the headline of this story

[markster6]

DSR57,
I share your sentiments. I had thought Obama was of mixed race, but you could not determine that from the media commentary. Brit Hume said last night that Obama was "The son of immigrants". Hello Brit...his mother was a white American from the midwest.

[dsr57]

What really bugs me is when i walked into work today. I work in the middle east and stepped into one of the other shops in our building, I was the only white person standing there and everyone is the office is people I''ve partied with drank with and just generally hungout with for the last 2 years. All of a sudden one turned to me and asked if I was uncomfortable in "This Room" I really coulnd''t believe he said that to me seeing as what I stated above and that we''ve been out picking up girls together took trips to Bahrain and qutar together. I was like "For Real ? ? " Did you just say that to me?

Then as we were watching Obama give his speech they would pan form him to the crowd and everytime it was a sea of black faces until once it was an old white couple and they kissed, then promptly one of the black girls standing there said " Get them the H#ll out of the shot this ain''t about them" Really makes you think about hte friendships you keep.

[reedtaz73]

You people are idiots...This wasn''t about race at all but you can''t deny the positive impact that it will have in black America. If you don''t understand, then it''s probably ''cause you''re not black. Flip history around in your minds for a minute and see if you wouldn''t be just as proud if the history of all white americans began in the jaws of slavery. It might be too late for you and your parents but your kids should be made to take a course on african/black american culture and history.

[rmvanhorn]

Did he win because he''s black or was it really because of his vision of change for America? I am curious to know what percentage of his votes were from other nationalities besides white? I am not prejudice at all but am simply curious to know if he won because of his race as this article seems to be implying. Being black, white, muslim or christian does not make us qualified for a job. I hope he doesn''t let the American people down.

[nothappyatall]

The mantra for the next four years - DONT BLAME ME - I VOTED FOR MCCAIN. Dont say I didnt try to help!!!

Posted by bob5ford"

Oh dont worry, we can just blame you for the BUSH cartel fiasco of the last EIGHT years now that we know you voted for his sorry azz- TWICE and voted for a 73 y/o f@rt who chose a right wing ditz caribou-Barbie as his running mate.
Notice he was TROUNCED and STOMPED-- 349 to 163
The country was FED UP with the Bush cartel and his cronies, now the Dems have the Senate, House and Whitehouse- your party''s campaign of lies, ala ''hes a muslim, he was not born in the US'' hate, and all the rest came back to bite you. Obama ran a clean campaign with CLASS.

[ladyraestewa]

Americans, regardless of their color, their religion, their background, their profession or education were celebrating by saying, "We Did It." We all did it --- those who voted for the first time, those who voted after not voting for a long time, those who never miss an election. What is really important that is being overlooked by some who are suddenly unhappy over the results is that America got reinvolved in our government. It is our government and we through the help of now President Elect Obama, took it back yesterday!

I could not be prouder of our country and our people! We all owe a debt of gratitude regardless of your political leanings to President Elect Obama because it was through him that so many took our government back!

[mgpm-2009]

I''m OVERJOYED. It is hard to believe that anyone who lived here in the US for the last eight years would not be overjoyed! Out of the darkness into the light!
My conservative husband always comments to me about how vitriolic the dems are. But the democrats have nothing on the conservatives who post here. Such nastiness and hatred! Listen: Your guy had 8 years. Now it''s our turn. Get over it, and yourselves.

[CMancos]

You people are idiots...This wasn''''t about race at all but you can''''t deny the positive impact that it will have in black America. If you don''''t understand, then it''''s probably ''''cause you''''re not black. Flip history around in your minds for a minute and see if you wouldn''''t be just as proud if the history of all white americans began in the jaws of slavery. It might be too late for you and your parents but your kids should be made to take a course on african/black american culture and history.
Posted by reedtaz73

We are tired of having slavery crammed down our throats like it was our fault. I was not there to cause it and you certainly were not there to be a slave. I wonder how many African Americans would vote yes to enslave whites as payback. Wouldnt that be interesting to know the tally of that ballot.

[mgpm-2009]

No one is cramming anything down your throat "onlythereal". Slavery happened, it''s ramifications continue today...if you think race doesn''t matter anymore you are living in a dream world. If you can''t see how this victory is important to Black Americans you just don''t get it...but because you don''t get it doesn''t mean it doesn''t exist.

If anyone out there couldn''t see we needed a drastic change in this country then they are blinded by something---greed, racism, or they are just plain misled.

But don''t worry. It''s all going to get better. For all of us, not just the democrats.

[vet_sk]

I was truly expecting this forum to be much more positive this morning then I see here now. We just elected a great man as president and we should all be glad that the election process worked as well as it did.

And his speech last night was fantastic. He talked about leading all of America. If you remember right, when Bush won with a much smaller portion of the vote instead said, "I have won political capital and intend to spend it."

This election was not about race but about change.

[CMancos]

The country was FED UP with the Bush cartel and his cronies, now the Dems have the Senate, House and Whitehouse- your party''''s campaign of lies, ala ''''hes a muslim, he was not born in the US'''' hate, and all the rest came back to bite you. Obama ran a clean campaign with CLASS.
Posted by newster1

I have a news flash for you, your man Obama isnt going to do anything, he is just as power hungry as any other politician. He was nothing but a puppet for the Democratic party to insure the vote of minorities. The only change you may see is civil unrest and race riots.

[koukla50]

People seem to forget he is of mixed race and is as much white and black. Actually it was his white side of the family that educated him and made sure he went to good schools. Hopefully he''ll remember that when he''s president. He''s not my choice for president because he was too liberal and I think will bring us to socialism. However, he is the president now, and hopefully he does well, so the country does well. However, if he starts favoring one race over the other, he will probably be the ONLY black president, just like JFK was the ONLY Catholic president. At least now, everytime a black starts moaning about racism, we can say, well there was only racism from the black community since 96% voted for Obama, and many whites had to also vote for him in order for him to be elected. If whites were really the racists here, he wouldn''t be president. Why is it racist if whites didn''t vote for him, but NOT racist when 96-97% of blacks did?

[CMancos]

And his speech last night was fantastic. He talked about leading all of America. If you remember right, when Bush won with a much smaller portion of the vote instead said, "I have won political capital and intend to spend it."
This election was not about race but about change.
Posted by Vet_Sk

No, this election was about race hidden behind a lie of change. Words are just that words, we will see just what Obama is going to change. He isnt going to change anything. This is the guy who says it is ok to throw the babys that make it through abortion in the dirty utility room to die. Thats your new president. This is a guy that the terrorist love. He will bring the troops home and invite the terrorist to move to the US as a show of good faith. He will usher in the new Muslim United States of America. He will give Israel the shaft and embrace Palistine. Yeah, he is an all around great messiah, your messiah, not mine.

[helloall34]

The country is finally moving forward... We can be proud to be Amercans.

The doctrine to attack first and ask questions later, torture POWs to extract information, belittle those that disagree with your policies, and provide to regulation to business is over.

Hopefully we can finally get universal health care in this country. Given the 11 trillion dollar deficit the republican administrations of the last 20 years have run-up (during good times) we should really already have it. Now watch, the democrats will increase services, balance the budget grow the economy and then, when things are going good and people start to feel good about themselves we''ll turn it back over to the republicans to destroy again. At least we''ll have universal health care the next time.

[dralex999]

Positive change in black America?

Well maybe this will motivate AA types to stop axing questions and learn to speak english.

[hennighg]

Well, I''m rejoicing, too. Not only are the conservatives going to have to trade places with the liberals, but now, after 45 years, maybe I can invite my best friend Ricky Pringle home for lunch. That was denied to me by my rather racist step-father. You''ll never know how much it hurt to learn about racism that way. I''ve never been prouder of the US.

[koukla50]

Hey Vet-Sk what makes him so great? Great at what, community organizing? We shall see, but I don''t think he''ll be on Mt. Rushmore anytime soon. He''s already back pedaling saying some of the things he''d like to do have to wait. Like all politicians he made a lot of promises, I''ll be looking for my check in the mail since I''d be one of the 95% that he''s going to give a tax cut too...yeah, right!

[koukla50]

I''m with you dralex999...everytime they say axing, I want to scream. As I said before, the only reason Obama made anything of himself is because he had a white mother and grandmother who reinforced the idea of getting an education and working hard, rather than sitting back and letting the government give you everything. His father was nowhere to be found.

[inventagod2]

No, the election did not end NeoCon stupidity in America.

But it guarantees indictments the moment Bu$h leaves office...

[horse3farm]

Wonder what would happen if McCain won and the headline was "White Americans Rejoice." The black Americans would be outraged. How about the NAAWP? I can hear Al Sharpton now.

[horse3farm]

As I said before, the only reason Obama made anything of himself is because he had a white mother and grandmother who reinforced the idea of getting an education and working hard, rather than sitting back and letting the government give you everything...

Posted by KOUKLA50

Wow, I''m white and I find that offensive.

[myopinion381]

Hope he can live up to what he promised. Might be hard though - not everything is black and white.

[marlenehays]

Who cares if he''s black,white 0r green. I do believe the black people think he''s going to favor them and stomp on white people. IT DON''T WORK THAT WAY. He is a good man and will do the right thing.

[shimano35]

Good for Oprah, Jessie, Al, JJ, Fat Albert!!!!!

[drivelphobe]

Mr.Obama can become a role model for black youth. Race has little significance unless attached to offensive behaviors, ethnic dialect, entitlement mentality and a non-assimilating agenda.

You won''t hear Mr.Obama repeating "you know what I''M sayin'' every 20 seconds when he speaks. He doesn''t axe questions, he asks questions. He doesn''t wear his pants so low and baggy that he reveals his crack. He won''t be wearing a baseball cap with the brim pointed sideways. He doesn''t wear an afro and he speaks perfect English. Most important, he didn''t leave children fatherless to be raised by a single mom, and he completed high school and college.

If nothing else good comes from his high profile notoriety, it could be to inspire black youth to get some education, learn English and act like adults. Enough of this victim, entitlement lifestyle. They have no more excuses to shrug responsibility and live like fools.

I see Obama as a well educated, well spoken, intelligent man who is black. While I didn''t support him, it was his liberalism and muslim connections that I couldn''t accept and still won''t. He is a scary figure even though bright, talented and well deserving of his new position.

The next four years might be the worst in US history and they might be the best. Only time will tell, but meanwhile, I''m out of the market and generating as little taxable income as possible. Hang on to your money and stay below the radar.

[harp1963]

We would be better to rejoice about fathers of all colors growing up, putting away the drugs and alcohol, and taking responsibility for the children they brought into this world by trying to set a good example.

[chanelle051]

The only change you may see is civil unrest and race riots. Posted by onlythereal

^^yes sir!

[claytonantho]

Although I admired McCain and never had too much of a problem with him, it was time for change. I just wish Martin Luther King could have lived long enough to have seen this day. That all his efforts during the Civil Rights Movement was not in vain.

[harp1963]

Flip history around in your minds for a minute and see if you wouldn''''''''''''''''t be just as proud if the history of all white americans began in the jaws of slavery. It might be too late for you and your parents but your kids should be made to take a course on african/black american culture and history.

Posted by reedtaz73


Why don''t you read some Irish history books brother and find out that black people weren''t the only culture enslaved and brutalized? Get over it. Most of the truely decent people in this world are poor.

[bb543]

The Blacks should have been emancipated by Lincoln
and then promptly shipped back to Africa, where today
they would be enjoying life to its fullest. Seems to
me they have a lot to be grateful for, being here in
the great ol'' US of A.

[claytonantho]

The Blacks should have been emancipated by Lincoln
and then promptly shipped back to Africa, where today
they would be enjoying life to its fullest. Seems to
me they have a lot to be grateful for, being here in
the great ol'''' US of A.


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Posted by bb543

Yes, we are grateful, but you should be too. Besides, we were instrumental in helping build this country. This country would be no where in the position it is now without the labor and survival skills of African Americans. Whites should thank God Lincoln never sent us back.

[yourpointis]

IrishWench, you are AWESOME :)


Thank you!