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Inauguration Brings Many Together In Tampa Area

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 21, 2009

Like New Year's Eve, a church wedding or a young woman's quinceanera, the inauguration of Barack Obama was an event that begged to be shared.

In the Tampa Bay area, downtown office workers slipped away at lunchtime in search of a TV, sports bars clicked over to CNN, and cheering crowds gathered to experience history with friends and strangers.

'This Is Just The Beginning'

At Bible-Based Fellowship Church in Carrollwood, about 250 people - mostly black, but encompassing a span of ages - stared up at a huge screen with awe.

Some rocked back and forth as tears blurred their eyes.

When Obama first came into view, cheers erupted. And when Chief Justice John Roberts finished administering the presidential oath of office and said, "Congratulations, Mr. President," those gathered whooped, cheered and clapped their hands over their heads in jubilation.

Most agreed the inauguration of the first black U.S. president was a major milestone. The Rev. Eddie Jenkins, however, who works with young black men in Michigan City, Ind., said he cautions his flock to keep their perspective about the new leadership.

"People say Barack Obama is our savior," he said, during a panel discussion before the ceremony. "They are already setting themselves up for failure. He is not our savior; he is our servant."

Efforts to bring about change don't end because Obama was elected, said Jenkins, who stopped by the Carrollwood church while on a golfing trip to Fort Myers.

"This is just the beginning," he said.

Longtime Tampa lawyer Del Stewart agreed.

"Just because you win a victory," he said, "you cannot go to sleep. Racism will not be dead tomorrow because Barack was sworn in today."

Those discussions could wait for another day, however. This was an emotional moment spectators said they would remember for the remainder of their lives.

They savored it.

"America has grown up," said Natalie Alston of Tampa. "We never felt like we would ever see this."

'I Wanted To Share The Experience'

The youngish crowd at the Tampa Theatre couldn't bear to watch the inauguration at home alone in front of the television.

"I wanted to share the experience with people who felt as passionately as I do," said Debra Rocke.

The 82-year-old, beautifully preserved venue also was a draw.

"I wanted to see this historic event in an historic place," Sue Larocca said emotionally. "I brought a pocket full of Kleenex."

Although many presidents have taken the oath of office since the theater opened, this was the first time the ceremony has appeared on its big screen.

About 900 office workers, students and even a few homeless people escaping the cold filled all three levels of the theater for the free event.

The cheering, which lasted through "Hail to the Chief" and echoed off the ornate ceiling, sounded as if it could have emanated from a football stadium.

Everyone stood as Obama put his hand on Abraham Lincoln's Bible for swearing in.

The raucous cheers turned to jeers as outgoing President George W. Bush appeared on screen, and many joined in a rendition of 1969's anthem: "(Hey, Hey,) Goodbye."

They also cheered as cameras showed movers loading his belongings into trucks outside the White House.

Being part of a crowd seemed to reflect the new president's message, said Paula Davis, who took off work to attend.

"We're all together. That's what he was saying."

'This Day Is Beyond Words'

University of South Florida students, many of whom voted in their first election this year, gathered in the ballroom of the Marshall Student Center to watch on two big-screen TVs in a standing-room-only event.

The celebrants had diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Tampa resident and USF visitor Jason Douglass, who is of African and Indian descent, wore an Obama T-shirt he designed.

"This is beautiful because growing up, comedians would joke about our nation never having a black president," Douglass said. "When my father grew up he was part of the civil rights movement, so he's got to be totally thrilled as he watches this day unfold."

The rowdy crowd of about 500 stomped their feet and whistled, but became still and silent during Obama's speech, straining to take in every bit of it.

"This day is beyond words," said James Geiger, a senior theater major from New Port Richey. "We give President Obama our praises and he gives us so much hope."

Michael Palin, a graduate student studying adult education, summed up the event:

"This is most assuredly the dawning of a new beginning."

'Anything Can Happen'

Corey Miller, 28, has worked at the family-owned Big John's Alabama BBQ restaurant in Tampa since he was 10 years old. On Tuesday, he took a break from cooking ribs, brisket and chicken over a hot oak fire to watch the inauguration.

As the oath was administered, the lunch crowd of about 10 people inside the restaurant applauded.

"It's definitely a historical moment for everybody," Miller said. "With the greatness of our country, it shows that anything can happen."

Clifford Roach, a cousin of Miller who also works at Big John's, came in on his day off "to be with family and friends" on the special day.

"I just hope he can do what he said he wanted to do for progress, to turn this country around," Roach said.

'A Big Moment For Everybody'

A steady stream of customers moved in and out of the five chairs at Cole's Barber and Beauty Shop on North 40th Street on Tuesday.

The center of attention: a television in the corner.

Barber Darrell Hayes says a thousand opinions are offered every day in a barber shop. He is happy to share his:

"This is not just a big day for black people," he said. "A lot of people think this is a racial thing. We got a black president, but it's not about that. This is a big moment for everybody, no matter what race you are.

"I actually felt the atmosphere was different after the election. People were smiling more, people of different races.

"What we need in the U.S. is unity; not for most, but for all. I think it's great and I thank God I lived to see it."

'I Hope Things Get Better'

Students hovered outside the auditorium at the Brandon campus of Hillsborough Community College, playing the "Rock Band" video game and getting their faces painted. They expressed varying degrees of interest in Obama's speech.

Felicia Ramdour of Brandon, who sported an Obama T-shirt, said she hopes the community now can come together.

Amanda Baio of Valrico didn't vote for him.

"As long as it doesn't get any worse, I'm good," she said. "He's the president. I hope things get better."

Fred Ferrante, a student at the college's South Shore campus in Ruskin, joined about 50 students in the community room to watch.

"We had an essay contest not too long ago at the school and the topic had to do with what the inauguration meant to us," he said. "I think it's ironic how President Lincoln was also from Illinois and was sworn in while the country was at war, and we're seeing the same thing again today with President Obama.

"That was one of the most historic inaugurations in the country's history, just like today's."

Tribune reporters Donna Koehn, Keith Morelli, Neil Johnson, Joyce McKenzie, Rich Shopes, Yvette Hammett, John Ceballos and News Channel 8 reporter Yolanda Fernandez contributed to this report.

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