Reflections on The Big Apple on Election Night 2008

Now, at just about the same time but one year later he is the 44th President of the United States and the first African American President. I am filled with so much pride, joy and hope for the future of our nation. 

 

I know that New York shares those same feelings as I. When the news declared that Obama had won, I was at a gathering in a 5th story apartment in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Almost immediately, you could hear cheering and yelling coming from the street below. Then just a few seconds later you could see blue and white fire works going off in the sky. All of us in the apartment rushed to the roof to join the cheering crowds as we enjoyed the crisp autumn air. I looked off in at the view and saw the empire state building in Red White and Blue. 

 

On the walk to the subway home the streets vibrated with the sounds of cab drivers honking with glee, people in the streets yelling "Yes We Can!' with joy, everyone smiling ear to ear. 

 

I heard a homeless man ask a woman walking behind me,

"Ma'am what time is it?" 

and she answers, "It's Time for Change!" 

 

 

This city has experienced the tragic pain of terrorism, the panic and repercussions of the crashing markets, and the hopelessness of rising debts  . . . but tonight New Yorkers had a reason to celebrate. And that is exactly what we did.