Chatting with some of the camera crews. ph: Linus Chen
The Green Inaugural Ball ambiance at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
The 5-minute rev-the-crowd-up stump speech
That gorgeous purple silk beaded dress is by Carasan.
Fellow Udallers: Tristan, Linus and I.
Udall Scholars make good arm candy: Suzanne, Linus and I
Clef brings down the house.
Double vision. Sneaking in a book op. Thanks Linus!
Summer Rayne Oakes in Carasan & Holter Graham in kilt.
Holter sporting his Scottish regalia
Holter Graham & Annie Howell
Wy Clef knows how to pump up a crowd
Man, I wish I could have stayed in D.C. for all the inauguration festivities, but took an early flight home today. I could have used a few days catching up with friends, but the Green Inaugural Ball was packed with familiar faces. I got to catch up with a bunch of friends from The Summit - (Eben, Ben H., Elliot, Brett, Garrett, and Graham to be exact). Yah, you can tell some good friendships were forged there. And of course saw the Discovery peeps and some fellow Udall Scholars – like Tristan and Linus.
I spoke at the event and got to plug Powershift 09 and the Economic Recovery & Reinvestment Bill that is currently being addressed in the House and Senate. I’m waiting for the FOX News piece to come out. The reporter casually mentioned O’Reilly and I inadvertently told him that, “I would eat Bill O’Reilly alive.” It’ll be a total hoot if they actually slip that one in there.
Summer Rayne and others to join Wyclef Jean at Green Inaugural Ball. Ecorazzi has pitted Gore Ball to The Green Ball. Check over there to see who has come out on top.
Grist asked me, if you had one minute in an elevator with President Barack Obama what would you say to him on energy and climate change policy? Check out my response alongside responses from Gavin Newsom (Mayor of SF), Vinod Khosla (Silicon Valley investor), Evon Peter (Executive Director of Native Movement), Terry Kellogg (1% for the Planet), and others. Check it out HERE.
Silvani and I headed to the streets after Obama’s victory only to find Bedford Avenue in euphoric celebration. Dancing, singing, and embracing all took place in the middle of the streets. Cars and buses detoured around the crowds. Chants of “Yes We Can,” “Obama! Obama!,” “USA!,” and the National Anthem filled the air. What an emotional uplift! Here is just a taste of the scene (video below).
Barack Obama is President. For African Americans and ALL Americans, this is a tremendously transformational moment in history. The world is rejoicing. Healing has begun. And our work is just beginning.
Barack Obama is President. For African Americans and ALL Americans, this is a tremendously transformational moment in history. The world is rejoicing. Healing has begun. And our work is just beginning.