 "Photo: Ron Harper / Special to The South End")
Nov. 4, 2008 was a memorable day for many Wayne State students, as they witnessed history being made. It was the night that Sen. Barack Obama became the first African-American elected president of the United States.
In a landslide victory, Obama received 338 electoral votes, easily beating out Republican candidate Sen. John McCain’s 159 votes.
For WSU’s College Democrats group, this was truly a momentous occasion. College Democrat Rebecca Cooper, a freshman majoring in political science, said Obama’s win was a win for all people.
“Obama’s victory is not only a victory for America, but a victory for the world,” she said. “I believe our international relations will strengthen, and our world standing will only get better. That to me is the most profound change that will occur under the Obama administration.”
Fellow democrat Monica Smith, an organizer for WSU’s chapter of BAMN (By Any Means Necessary), stated that this is a milestone in the fight for equal rights.
“Nov. 4 ushered in a new era of hope and protest,” Smith said. “The American people put aside their prejudices, elected the nation’s first black president, and acted on a new vision of hope. Millions of people of all races filled the streets, hugged and celebrated their historic decision to fight for a diverse, integrated, more humane America.”
If there was one thing that the election showed America, it was that change is possible. Christa Mullins, a second-year Japanese major, said, “I am very excited that Obama won.
Hopefully, others will come to the realization like I have that he is not a miracle worker and it will take time and a process for him to accomplish all his goals. So, be patient while waiting for change.”
This election brought what some perceive to be the largest turnout of youth voters in U.S. history, specifically African-American youth. Angel Frierson, a second-year criminal justice major, didn’t vote this year due to lack of experience. Although pleased with the outcome, Frierson explained that Obama has a lot to prove in his role as president.
“I believe that everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves,” Frierson said. “Obama has a lot to endure, and now I believe he can do it with the right team — a non-judgmental America and plenty of time to fix [George W. Bush’s] errors.”
Obama’s victory brought a sense of pride within the African-American community, showing all that the seemingly impossible can actually happen.
“I was so happy I cried because it gives me hope and makes me believe that I can become something that I dream of since I was young,” said Tierra Jones, a third-year political science and communications major. “[Martin Luther King’s] dream has come alive. We made history, and I know the change is coming for the best of the citizens.”
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