Common Ground • In Washington • January 2009
  Letters to the President | We Were There | Pledges
   
 

On Martin Luther King Day, Common Ground's bus -- loaded with 11 students, 3 teachers, and a stow-away photographer -- left New Haven to participate in one of the most consequential events of our lifetimes, and perhaps in all of U.S. history. Along the way, they photographed and wrote about their experiences at Barack Obama's inauguration. Some of what they saw and wrote is shared below.

Photo credits: Wil Potvin, Alexis Wilcox, Aisha.

7:00 AM • Monday, January 19
Before we left, in front of Common Ground's bus. This picture shows us getting ready to go see someone we all knew and to whom we had some kind of connection: Barack Obama, our new president. We also had connections to each other, but hadn't found them yet.
- Keith

1:00 PM • Monday, January 19
Are we there yet? It was a very long bus ride -- about seven hours. It was boring, and we were all falling asleep. We all woke up and Dahiana started talking about some great topics: affirmative action, our favorite books. We all joined in and came in with new topics: how Common Ground can improve, our childhood dream jobs. Time went by fast until we finally got to Washington, DC. That's the beginning of our trip.
- Leticia

7:00 PM • Monday, January 19
The first dinner for the Real World: Washington Cast. They were hungry! I would never have thought that all of us could actually get together, eat, and create a bond so quickly. I just hope it can stay that way once we are back in New Haven.
- Aisha
6:45 AM • Tuesday, January 20
Playing hacky sack at Takoma Metro Station. The morning was very cold, and we were waiting in Takoma Park. I was still tired, but after playing with the hacky sack with my friends, I thought about teamwork. It was a motivating time for me.
- Arturo
7:30 AM • Tuesday, January 20
The metro. I have never seen a train so packed in my life. I never realized how many people would actually get onto the train; no one wanted to wait for the next one. It was for a good reason: this is one of the most important moments in their lives, and they don't want to be late.
- Cynthia

Sunrise From the Train. It represents so much. Obviously it shows that we were up early enough to get the worm! It clearly symbolizes the dawning of a new era, with Barack Obama at the helm. In the foreground is a woman who was on her cell phone, talking excitedly about the day. But in the sky, though the sun is rising, the clouds are turbulent reminders that it won't always be easy.
- Alexis
9:30 AM • Tuesday, January 20
Walking toward the Mall. I was excited to be a part of this historic event. I was walking with thousands of people who came to show their support for the Obama inauguration. Even though it was cold, it was worth freezing to death to be here.
- Mekayla
10:00 • Tuesday, January 20
Unified.
Family get-togethers.
Staying close to one another.
Lovely memories.
Never being alone or stranded.
People to go to when you need something important.
Hope.
- Yvannie

11:00 AM • Tuesday, January 20
The crowd. I have never seen so many people in my life, all coming together for one purpose. It reminded me of a gigantic Common Ground, in which people of different ethnicities and religions were in unison. It brought the most joy to me.
- Markell

11:30 AM • Tuesday, January 20
Waiting for Obama. I am the guardian of the lunches. I was waiting for Obama to come out of the capital building. I was amazed at how many people were willing to freeze in order to watch the Inauguration while being a little more than two miles away from him, watching a screen, instead of at home nice and warm.
- Dahiana
12:30 PM • Tuesday, January 20
Celebration. We were up at 6:30 and were on crowded trains and walking all day. Finally, we were able to show our excitement at the moment for which we had been waiting. Obama is our new President!
- Samantha
12:45 PM • Tuesday, January 20
Obama on the Jumbotron. I cannot believe that I am watching Obama become president. It is a dream come true. OBAMA!!!!!
- Angel
1:00 • Tuesday, January 20
This day. Alongside 1.5 million hopeful others, we witnessed the swearing in of this nation's 44th, and first African American, president. Barack Hussien Obama. An electric experience. Together, we stand witness to a vision, a dream of the late Dr. Martin Luther King. The prayers of many have been answered. A new direction of accountability and recourse. United we stand -- for we are one world, one people, one truth.
- Bil
1:30 • Tuesday, January 20
New leadership. It's energizing to see the young people of America excited about President Obama. Hopefully it will inspire them to be more involved in Politics. Ignorance can no longer be used against us. Enthusiasm, relief, and hope: Enthusiasm for a historical moment; relief for a new era; and hope for our future generations.
- Ms. Ruotolo
2:30 • Tuesday, January 20
Memory. Here, we have to break from the jubilation. I will remember Dahiana's words -- "I hate war" -- and those of our new president, re-joining the world community.
- Mr. Tolman