In the Air of Change: Historic Inauguration Trip to Washington

I’m so blessed, having had the opportunity to travel out of the country five times in two years, so who knew that a trip to Washington D.C. could not only compete but excel in the impact traveling away from home could have on my spirit. I went to grade and high school in Alexandria and Dale City, Virginia (suburbs of D.C.), so I’ve seen so much of what Washington has to offer. I’ve done the trip to Washington countless times. In all honesty, I wasn’t very excited about traveling to D.C. or inauguration festivities (original plans smashed) but more excited about spending time with my brother who lives in southeast D.C.
But slap me now! I’m awake if I wasn’t before I left Atlanta. What was I thinking, even considering to miss this opportunity to witness history in our Nation’s capital? A last minute Delta direct flight into Reagan-National Airport for $219 (rate offered for one day, thanks for the tip Shauni), confirmed reservations at the best hotel in town: my brother’s basement which racked up a HUGE bill I paid with a love offering of $0, and a close friend/travel partner with an already booked rental car he was willing to share, I more than many out-of-towners had my travel plans laid out for me. Life delivered with Divine strategy, all ways for me to be right here and front row at this historic time in America.
Washington D.C. is beating to a new drum and my spirit helped to write lyrics to Washington D.C. and Americas’ new song. I have been moved to my core with too many inspirational moments I’ll treasure forever. The numerous Washington monuments all have new meaning, not just because I’m older with a more experienced and wiser view of the World but because the dreams and goals of our country’s founding fathers and fallen activist Blacks were unfolding right before my eyes. The American experience has come full circle. I toured the Capitol building (a tour I’ve done a few times as a kid) and walked the exact steps that Mr. President would walk on Inauguration Day. Touring the Capitol and being eye-witness to the city preparing to swear in our first Black President; son of a foreign student from Kenya (think about that) - Barack Obama sailed against the odds to secure the Presidency. In America, anything is possible. It was at times overwhelming to take it all in, that even a Black man as President of the United States is not only possible, but now reality. I remember being teased as a kid with an often-repeated joke probably told to many Black children, “you’ll never be President, that’s why it’s called The White House” – emphasis on white. I vividly remember this being said to me during a few times of child’s play, me pretending to be President of the United States (on the off days from pretending to be Wonder Woman, LOL) and even Black children laughed and joked at the thought. We all had been convinced that this day wasn’t ever possible and look at what America has done.
There’s too much to communicate about the experience that words cannot capture. Truly, much of my time here was emotional, remembering my childhood days here and remembering why I love this city. My brother and I (sometimes including seven of our friends) sat on his couch together and talked politics and more. Washington offers me connection to my family and childhood memories often smothered by Atlanta and other travel experiences. Washington D.C. was the perfect backdrop to these intense conversations. I danced in a D.C. nightclub with HOT local boys to my favorite music on the planet to dance to: GO-GO music, D.C.’s homegrown music. It moved me to tears right there on the dance floor. I got to hear one of my musical inspirations and favorite DJ Donnie Simpson’s radio morning show. I was twelve years old all over again remembering some of my original connections to wanting a career in music. Washington, D.C. has tons to offer to specifically me.
But this trip, Washington D.C. also offered me a three mile walk through 3rd Street tunnel with the echo of “We Shall Overcome” hitting the back of my cold but thankfully protected neck. I was breathing in the air of CHANGE and would not have chosen to be anywhere else in the World but connected to the energy that settled on The Mall of Washington for Tuesday’s Inauguration. The words “Martin Luther King is rejoicing in Heaven” graced my ears as the flags of The Washington Monument wrestled with the air. I turned to my left to see tens of American flags and to my right, a sea of proud Americans showing up and out for our then still President-elect. I almost lost it again. Yes WE can! Yes WE did! And for once in my life, I participated and really believe that my contribution made a difference. I donated many dollars to a campaign and I knew with every dollar I donated, it was making the difference. I voted in a Presidential election with a vote for hope and for the very first time that I can remember, HOPE won. That’s only a bit of what I was breathing in, here in D.C. Like so many others, this trip has changed my life.
God bless a last minute $219 Delta ticket. God bless Mr. President Barack Obama, his family and a new Administration ready to lead the country and its people in very difficult work ahead. God bless the human spirit with a willingness to forgive tremendous travesties of our country’s past and the ability for Americans to have hope against so many odds, enduring to see this full-circle moment unfold. Simply, God bless America. It’s a new, more grown America with a beautiful Nation’s capital, full of vibrancy and core history owned by all Americans; monuments here at home that stand and represent FREEDOM! I inhaled evidence of what my spirit often acknowledges, especially traveling abroad, but right here at home, I found the evidence again. We live in the greatest country in the entire World. Please hear me! We live in the greatest country in the entire World. Marinate on that!!!!
I used my Georgia I.D. traveling here, but I will use my American passport as I.D. to travel back home and hold it with the same energy and walk, a fierce walk comparable to Mr. President’s walk right before he was being sworn into office. One step is “Wow! Look at us now.” The next step is, “I own every bit of the difficult work that I have to do to secure our better future.” That’s combination for a fierce, FIERCE walk and work in 2009 and beyond. More than I have in a long time, I’m rejuvenated in my pride of this country we live. I’m energized and I too commit to my part in getting the job done. I’m so proud to be an American! Really, simply – GOD BLESS AMERICA!