Dancing in the Streets

I just got back from the impromptu celebrations on the streets of Washington, DC. After President-Elect Obama was declared the winner, thousands of people took to the streets to scream, dance, clap, high-five, sing, and hug everyone.

I had never seen or experienced anything like this before. People of all different races, nationalities, and genders were joyously shouting and talking to each other. What made this scene so amazing was that this was occuring ALL over DC, not just one street or neighborhood. Nicole and I drove from Capitol Hill to Dupont Circle to Adams Morgan to K Street and, no matter where we were, there were 1000s of people celebrating outside.

As we drove down the streets, cars honked and people shouted "we did it!" and slapped my hand as they walked by my car. When Nicole and I walked to the White House, random supporters came up to hug us. In the crowds of thousands around the White House, people waved flags, cried tears of joy, and sang the Star-Spangled Banner as well as a version of Ludacris's "Get Out the Way."

What made this spectacle so amazing was that all these different types of people were so happy and hopeful. It was not just one group of people celebrating. In fact, a number of people remarked to us that they had NEVER seen this kind of unbridled joy unleashed on the streets ever before.

I know Cindy was watching this from above with Barack's grandmother and, in particular, loving all the dancing in the streets. She would have been so touched to see all the races come out together like this. I would have loved to experience this with her.

P.S. Rocky, thanks for experiencing with me another monumental event in our lives. Nicole, thanks for be willing to shout with me and dance in the car until 3:30am.


Posted with LifeCast