School Named for President Obama

School Officially Renamed for President Obama

Date: Thursday, February 05, 2009, 2:06 pm
By: Associated Press

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Students got their wish Wednesday as their school was officially renamed Barack Obama Elementary School.School officials believe it's the first in the nation to be renamed for the 44th president, and they said the idea to change the name of Ludlum Elementary School came from the children themselves.The students wrote essays and held mock debates during the campaign, and paid close attention when Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain met in their final presidential debate at Hofstra University, about a mile from their school on Long Island."It really sends a message to children that when they get involved they can make a difference," said acting school Superintendent Joseph Laria.Just weeks after the election, the school board unanimously passed a resolution making the change, and when the president was inaugurated last month all 460 students were given navy blue sweatshirts emblazoned with "Barack Obama Elementary School - Yes We Can."The school's enrollment is 62 percent Hispanic and 36 percent black.Nine-year-old Emily Philbert, who dreams of becoming a doctor, says her classmates felt it was important to honor Obama "because now we finally have our first African-American president. Since I'm an African-American girl myself, that's a huge honor."

"You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things -- to compete.

You can be just an ordinary chap,

Sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals."

~ Sir Edmund Hillary

First to climb Mt. Everest

Black History Month - In Their Words

From Esquire Magazine

Mohammad Ali, Heavyweight (Interviewed 2004)

"I came back to Louisville after the Olympics with my shiny gold medal. Went into a luncheonette where black folks couldn't eat. Thought I'd put them on the spot. I sat down and asked for a meal. The Olympic champion wearing his gold medal. They said, "We don't serve niggers here." I said, "That's okay, I don't eat 'em." But they put me out in the street. So I went down to the river, the Ohio River, and threw my gold medal in it."

STEELERS WIN! STEELERS WIN!

Inaugural Invitation

Priceless

New Fleece Gloves - On Sale @ Belk - $8.99

Attending Inauguration - Worth every penny

Sharing the Inauguration with Renee and her family - Priceless

President Obama Inaugural Pictures

Click on link for great pictures. Thanks Sonia



http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html

Change Comes To Washington - Parade - 1.20.2009

Tuesday, January 20, 1999 - The Dawn of A New Day - President Barack Obama

Will you always remember this day?

How did you spend your day?

How did you feel?

Our day started very early - around 3:00 AM. Myself, Renee, Beverly, and Austin (12 years old) were up, layered and ready to go. We met one of their neighbors and drove not very far to a park and ride station. There we parked and rode a motor coach to the Metro station. The motor coach, a 45+ passenger was full. We had a smooth ride to the Metro station. As we approached the Metro, we could see an endless line of people. Since we already had our Metro pass, I assumed that was the line to purchase tickets. As we unloaded and took the escalator to the boarding area, we were met by Security Guards. To our surprise, the loooong line was our line. The line extended out of the metro station, across the crosswalk, into the parking deck, down the side of the parking deck and around the corner. This was approximately 5:00 AM. But everyone was orderly and cooperative, so the line moved rather quickly. Anyone who attempted to break in line was quickly reported to Security!

Getting On The Train

We had to wait for the 3rd or 4th train to board. It was standing room only! We were fortunate to find a seat. People were packed in the aisles and at every stop, someone would try to sqeeze in. I remember one gentleman from Colorado. Evidently, he had been celebrating all night and was still feeling no cold at that time of morning. He told his daughter that he felt like melted cheese on a cheeseburger- That is how close they were! His mother, probably 70ish, was standing and holding the rail. I noticed that she was getting weak and pale as she stood. After a few stops, I yielded my seat to her and she thanked me! People were armed with everything from bottled water to bathroom tissue.

Downtown D.C.

We were downtown approximately 7:00 AM. We had to take a bathroom and coffee break. A coffee shop was open. At this time, downtown was full of people. It was our plan to secure a prime position for the parade route. One policeman told us to go to 14th street, but that was incorrect. We ended up at 12th st and we needed to be at 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. The line was already crowded. I seen some folks from Charlotte. The mood was excitement and anticipation. So, we joined the crowd waiting for the parade gates to open at 8:00 AM. It was our understanding that the District would be on lock down after a certain number of people were admitted.

The crowd was thick and packed tightly from one side of the street to the other. There were some self-proclaimed entertainers who attempted to sing, give shout outs to cities, etc. One guy offered to sell a can of vienna sausages for $10.00. Some people sang Obama songs and led Obama cheers! To make a long story short, we stood in this line until 11:30ish. There was a security gate that you had to pass. We seen the Presidential motorcade pass on their way to the inauguration. We were so close, but yet so far!

We could hear the inauguration on speakers. People were crying and hugging each other as President Obama spoke. Time seemed to stand still!

After the inauguration, we got some lunch. The parade was scheduled to start at 2:30 but was delayed due to the incident with Sen. Kennedy. Finally, the parade started and a long roar erupted from the crowd. I think everyone there had either a cell phone or camera. When the announcer announced that the President and First Lady were getting out of their car and walking, a huge wave of people rushed to get closer to Pennsylvania Avenue. It was unbelievable! The Obamas were very cool and you could tell that they were enjoying the moment! The girls were smart and remained in the limo!

People of all ages - with walking canes and strollers, Black, White, Asian, African, etc. were there to witness history. By now, the sun was setting, the temp dropping and we had seen the first family. It was time to head to the Metro for the ride home. If you can imagine, the metro was even more crowded on the return trip. It took maybe 15-20 minutes to get on the train. We finally made it to our cars and we decided to get some dinner while we were out.

We went to an Outback. When the hostess said that there was a wait of 55 minutes, those words pierced my heart like sticking a pin in a balloon. Wait - did she say wait? Thanks, but no thanks. We left and found a TGI Fridays with no wait!

U Street - Washington DC

U Street - Washington DC

An interesting site on the U Street Tour was the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum. Ed Hamilton's powerful The Spirit of Freedom sculpture is dedicated to Black Civil War troops. This bold memorial stands in the center of a granite-paved plaza encircled by a wall honoring the names of 209,145 United States Colored Troops who served in the Civil War.

U Street - Washington DC

It was getting late in the afternoon! We had a very late lunch at the Ulah Bistro Bar and Lounge, which was located across the street from Ben's Chili Bowl. The place was crowded so we opted to eat at the bar upstairs. A couple of drinks and a pepperoni/mushroom pizza hit the hunger spot. While we were at the bar, 2 ladies sat next to us. We exchanged greetings. They were from Milwaukee and I was excited to learn that one of the ladies marched with Marting Luther King. To participate in 2 historic events I thought was awesome! The people that you meet along the way!

U Street - Washington DC

When visiting a city, we like to go opposite from the tourist. Therefore, while everyone was going towards the Capital, White House, monuments, etc.; we decided to visit the "soul" of DC - the U Street District.

The historic heart of the city's African-American community, where name entertainers, black-owned businesses, and grand movie theaters made U Street the place to be.This neighborhood predates New York's Harlem as a mecca for African Americans. Civil War encampments in the area sheltered freedom seekers in the 1860s, and the mission churches they founded live on today. Howard University just north of this neighborhood began to attract the nation's black intellectual and artistic leadership in the 1870s. By the early 20th century, the area was the nerve center of the city's black community, home to businesses and places of entertainment, and the major social institutions of black Washington. Until 1920, when Harlem surpassed it, it was the largest urban African American community in the nation. All the great entertainers played at its lively theaters and clubs. The old timers say that U Street was so grand that to go there, “you had to wear a tie.” Duke Ellington is one of many national figures to call this neighborhood home.
Today, with a new subway stop, a resurgence of nightlife, and the renovation of many of its historic buildings underway, the neighborhood is seeing a renaissance.

The first spot that we located was Ben's Chilli Bowl. The place was crowded with a line that wrapped around the block! Everyone wanted to eat at the same place as Prez Obama!

• PRESIDENT OBAMA VISITS AND EATS AT BEN’S! (Saturday, Jan. 10th) Thanks to Mayor Fenty and President Obama for coming in.


• The Tom Joyner Morning Show will broadcast live at Ben’s on Jan. 19th


• Black Entertainment Television will broadcast live from Next Door on Inauguration Day from 11-4pm


• http://www.benschilibowl.com/

Monday, January 19 - Washington DC

To travel anywhere in the District, you ride the metro. Monday was a busy day at the Metro. Lines were long. We purchased our Metro tickets for Tuesday. We decided to venture into downtown DC.

Monday, January 19 - A Day of Service and Sight Seeing

Monday, January 19 was not only the day before inauguration, but it was MLK Day. President Obama encouraged everyone to participate in a day of service. I was able to locate a service project nearby. A local organization was conducting a food drive for the homeless. Renee and I stopped by the Giant grocery store and purchased some non-perishable items.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Pretty good timing! We arrived at the home of Lyndon and Beverly Wrighten in Woodbridge, Virgina approximately 2:15 PM Sunday afternoon. Beverly is Renee's oldest sister! The kick-off of the Arizona Cardinals - Philadelphia Eagles game was 3:00 PM. Excuse me Mr. President, but Sunday afternoon in January is PRIME TIME for FOOTBALL!

Football is a lot like Politics. It is competitive - You keep score - During the heat of battle, you do not like each other - At the end, there is a W-I-N-N-E-R!

I was surprised that the Cardinals defeated the Eagles, but; the Cardinals are a good squad. For myself, the game of the day was the Steelers and the Ravens. Along with the hometown Panthers, the Steelers are my team. Since I am old school, I reflect back to the days of the "Steel Curtain." One of, if not, the best team of all time. They had it all - Coaching, Offense, Defense and Special Teams! After the Steelers win the Super Bowl, they will have 6 rings! That will make the Steelers the greatest football franchise!

The Steelers will be first professional sports team to visit the Obama White House. For President Obama's sake, maybe a Chicago team will win some type of championship! How about the White Sox?

And by the way, President Obama is a Steeler fan!

Click on this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmiZs2stDRQ

But, we were back and forth between the football game and the 'We Are One" Concert on HBO

Check out Jamie Foxx (please click on link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLiPPiUnkvc

Presidential History

Presidents are engraved forever in th history of our counttry. As we entered Charlottesville, Virgina, I exited US 29 on to Interestate 64 West towards Richmond. This area was the home of 2 former presidents, Thomas Jefferson (3rd President) and James Madison (4th President).

We rode by Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson. Nearby is Montpelier, the lifelong home of James Madison. At this momemt, I wondered how, 200 years from now, what museum will people visit for President Obama!

Just before you enter Monticello, there is Historic Michie Tavern - A famous tavern of the 1700s. During the 1700s, travelers would stop at taverns much like we stop at hotels today. At the tavern, we stopped by the gift shop. They were dressed as they were in the 1700s and in the tavern, they serve meals just as they did during the 1700s. Needless to say, we purchased a bottle of Virginia wine. We made a quick stop in downtown Charlottesville and made our way back on US 29.

How Obama Won

Even in rural Virgina, there were signs of the Obama campaign!

The Little Church on the Hill

As we traveled on, I could not pass without taking some pictures of the church on the hill! When we stopped, they were just dismissing from Sunday School. The gentleman pictured, Charles, greeted me and when I told him who I was and where I was going he kindly posed for a shot!

Along the Way!

Unless I have to be somewhere at a specified time, it is very easy for me to make stops or make a turn down a road that looks interesting. Well, not only was this one of those trips, but; this was an historical trip and I wanted to enjoy the journey.

US Highway 29 follows the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. So, as we traveled north, we seen the serene rolling hills that served as grazing sites for cattle and horses. We seen a lot of farmhouses with smoke from the chimneys rising towards the blue sky. There were numerous icy streams and rivers.

Fired Up and Ready To Go!

It was a busy Saturday night. Last minute packing, etc. The car was gassed and packed and we started our trip to Washington DC at 5:15 AM. As always, I was driving and Renee was in the passenger's seat. This time she had a blanket, which was a minor concern to me. If I recall correctly, by 5:45 AM, Renee was sound asleep! Great! I can drive without any instructions!





My initial plans were to stop in Greensboro for breakfast. But, since Renee was still asleep, I decided to drive on! Just as President Obama took the train to Washington, I decided to take a different route. Instead of traveling I-95, I decided to take Highway 29 to Washington. So, in Greensboro, I took

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long i stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equals lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

There was a certain air of calmness on this Sunday morning. There was not much traffic and the day was slowly unfolding. There was a quietness in the homes that we passed as they began to start their day.

We stopped for breakfast in Lynchburg, Virginia at the Cracker Barrel. The food is good and Renee likes the fireplace! While having breakfast, my phone rang and it was my sister, Vera. Vera was in New York City and was calling to report that it was snowing there. She was to travel to Washington later Sunday. Unlike Charlotte and Lancaster, snow does not shut down the city. Vera made it to Washington safely.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

As with any trip, the first item on the to-do list is to secure boarding for our Boston Terrier, Truman, who is the real ruler of our household. Fortunately, Renee's sister, Diana and her husband, Anthony; agreed to dog sit Mr. Truman. They have a poodle, Dallas. How can you spot a Cowboy fan? Usually, they are quiet on Mondays and name their dog D-A-L-L-A-S!