As Jan. 20 approaches and the country prepares to usher in a new era of American history, many Portlanders wait in excitement and anticipation for the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
The nation’s first black president is walking into the some of the toughest times in the past century: a record deficit, two wars and an economy in turmoil are just a few of the challenges Obama faces.
Many, however, remain optimistic despite the issues America faces, as hundreds of thousands flood into Washington, D.C., to celebrate the inauguration. Washington expects over one million attendees, and they are hastening to prepare for the influx of people in planes, bikes, trains, buses and cars.
Portland State students are happy to celebrate at home and reflect on what this historic moment means to them.:
“It’s great, it is a monumental point in history. I don’t think Obama’s a messiah or anything, but he represents some good ideas. Ideas that people in the Pacific Northwest really value.”
Henry Lem, 20, Junior English Major
“I am considered one of his biggest supporters, I even shook his hand at the big rally downtown at the waterfront. It’s an amazing day for me, and my whole family.”
Andrew Nealon, 27, first-year post-baccalaureate in film
“I’m a godless German who has no feelings. I am not a citizen, so I couldn’t vote, but I definitely think that the upcoming prospect is one million times better than what we’ve had.”
Sarah Orschel, 23, Senior Art History Major
“I cancelled my classes and asked my students to write a rhetorical analysis of the inaugural speech. My biblical literature class will also be writing about biblical references in the speech.”
Dr. Sherryll Maleynek, one-year appointment as an associate professor of English
“First of all, I am not a citizen. I’m from Saudi and I’ve been here for three years, I actually really like Obama though. It’s a fresh change for how people look at the United States. It’s also good for the black community, since some are treated badly here, to have a president who is half-black.”
Yara Al-Humaidan, 21, Senior Business Major
“It’s a long time coming. I just hope he doesn’t get shot, some cynical people were having a pool to see if he would last longer than Kennedy.”
Luke Barrett, 29, post-baccalaureate Accounting
Events around Portland
Obama Time! Inauguration Party with Bush Piñata
Ace’s Cleaners at 1022 S.W. Stark
7 p.m.
No cover charge
Goodbye George: The end of an error
Backspace at 115 N.W. Fifth Ave.
All evening
$5 – $15 sliding scale, proceeds go to Sisters of the Road
Portland Inaugural Ball
Scottish Rite Center Ballroom at 1512 S.W. Morrison
7 p.m.
Tickets are $75 – $85, proceeds go to Oregon Food Bank and Royal Rosarian Field Trip Foundation
Change is Here Dance Party
Holocene at 1001 S.E. Morrison
9 p.m.
Tickets are $8, 21-plus
Oregon Victory Ball
Tiffany Center Emerald Ballroom at 1410 S.W. Morrison
7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $129.09, provides entry to Change is Here Dance Party at Holocene