Mahoganie outside of the historic and newly restored Howard Theatre
It has been a week, so I guess that means I should give an update on my inauguration weekend experience. Four years ago, I was honored to witness the feel of the historical day. We had elected our first black President and for that alone, many felt the need to be here in D.C. to take it all in. I ended up covering the watch party that took place at the District government building (The Wilson Building). The experience of getting up at the crack of dawn, heading downtown before 6 am, waiting in the freezing cold to get through security and being among gobs of people that were all smiley faces, full of energy, love and kindness just warmed me all over. Though there were some hiccups at the security, people remained patient and just to be among the people and ear shot away from President Obama’s swearing in was enough for some.
That was an experience I would treasure forever, especially the pictures I was able to snap and the people I interviewed. To see tears form in the eyes of the elderly who grew up during the harsh days of segregation was overwhelming. While I have had my share of dealing with ignorance, I would never know the pain of that level of segregation and hate and I pray I will never encounter that. Yet, to have tears fall on that day four years ago and again this time around…well….it just speaks for itself.
As much as I enjoyed my experience during the last Presidential Inauguration, I didn’t feel like I had much energy for this go around. I was ready to by pass all the festivities of the weekend, including heading to the swearing in on Monday. Welp, at the ninth hour that Friday, I received an email asking if I wanted to attend a black tie affair for the inauguration. I gave in. I didn’t have to do much shopping. I already had a dress from the last after five affair I attended; although I did contact a friend, who is on an incredible weight loss journey and can no longer fit her old clothes, to see if she had an alternative or another option for me. Nevertheless, I went with what I had.
I have to admit I was stressed the day of the event has I had to confirm some logistics for the night and even when I arrived to the theater there was some disjointed things going on. I tried not to be sour about it, but it was hard. My stress level was beyond a 10. Needless to say, after a drink or two, running into fellow journalists that I knew and enjoying my company I began to relax and take in the event. It was the Dream Moving Forward gala at The Howard Theatre. The event was tied in with the MLK Jr. Foundation memorial as well as the Blacks In Wax Museum located in Baltimore. The event seemed like a fundraiser for both the foundation and the museum that included the unveiling of President Obama and Dorothy Height wax figures. The highlight of my night was seeing Patti LaBelle perform. I’ve never seen her live and even though she didn’t get down like she normally does – you know it’s on when she takes off her shoes – I was still satisfied to be so close to her and hear her belt out beautiful notes with her flawless voice.
I “partied” well into 4 am and while some friends had tried to encourage me the day before to join them to head to the swearing in, I stayed in. I watched the second inauguration of President Obama at home with my family, still savoring my experience of four years ago. I have to say, I choked up a few times, especially when President Obama did his own savoring; that moment as he walked off the platform at the Capitol only to look back. Initially I thought he was waiting for Vice President Joe Biden and his family to exit and join him and his family, but later I learned he was savoring that moment. That beautiful moment.
Naturally the day after everyone was posting their pictures on social media, especially of the different galas and balls they attended. As I told my peeps on Facebook:
“I must say I’m enjoying everyone’s pictures from their moments of this unforgettable Presidential Inauguration weekend. Everyone looked exceptionally wonderful and just glowed (including myself and date). We must dress up more often. It seems we just radiate and exude this sophistication when we do. Love yall.”
Well…it’s the truth.
A few of my pictures of the Dream Moving Forward Event can be viewed here.
Mahoganie: Musings East of the Anacostia River 
Posted on January 27, 2013
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