Watch CBS News

In The Crowd: Emotions Run Deep For African Americans


Complete Inaugural Coverage


Produced in partnership with American University.

It's been called America's inauguration, but for many African Americans, Barack Obama's ascendancy to the country's top post has special meaning. From a woman whose great grandparents were slaves to a military mom proud to serve the new president, many were filled with joy, hope and a sense of new found responsibility for the future.

You can watch the video below:

Reported by Annie Aho, Manuel Bewarder, and Caroline Stetler, all graduate journalism students at American University. You can see more work by some of these students at the American Observer.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.