The combined bands of the U.S. Armed Forces are playing with all of the pomp and majesty you would expect a presidential inauguration. On my way to my seat in Section 1, Seat 88, reserved for Black Enterprise, I pass black corporate leaders like Leonard James of Exxon/Mobil, business leaders including Ariel Capital Management CEO John Rogers, and entertainment super-couple Shawn “Jay Z” Carter and Beyonce Knowles.
I’m seated with what must be the most diverse array of journalists in inaugural history, next to a reporter from the Chicago Jewish News. Seated over my right shoulder is Black World Today and Amsterdam News journalist Herb Boyd. The look we exchange, as past presidents, vice presidents and their wives are introduced along with other dignitaries, says it all: This is really happening.
Spontaneous waves of the chant, “Obama! Obama!” echo through the air. The sun is shining. It is, indeed, a glorious day, a perfect first day of the Presidential administration of Barack Obama.
(Source: Getty Images)
Alfred Edmond Jr. is the editor-in-chief of BlackEnterprise.com