PCC Community Joins with Millions at Inauguration
Linus Shentu
Posted on: 1/22/09 Section: News
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"Oh my goodness it was phenomenal. It was something I've never experienced in my life," said Health Instructor Grace Apiafi. "There were people screaming, it was so enthusiastic, and so exciting. It was unbelievable, a once in a lifetime opportunity. One of the best experiences was when I met Michelle Obama and shook her hand."
On that significant morning, at a freezing 4 a.m., people from all over the country and the world, were covered from head-to-toe in scarves, earmuffs, gloves and beanies making their way to catch a glimpse of history-in-the-making.
Apiafi made sure she woke up early, left for the train station at 3:30 a.m. and waited with ticket in hand for about three hours in the cold at the silver ticket line at the Capitol. The silver section is the closest standing section to the ceremony.
The day before the swearing-in ceremony, Apiafi met the first lady when she participated in making care packages for U.S. troops along with 12,000 others at RFK stadium.
Sandra Hill, also a silver ticketed guest and the coordinator for Project Leap, was in Washington for the inaugural events. Hill lived in Washington during her youth and was an activist and organizer with the Free South Africa/Anti-Apartheid Movement.
"It's just amazing to come back at this historic moment to see an African-American man be the president of the United States. Because we fought so hard for Mandela to be free and for civil rights, it's extraordinarily emotional for me," said Hill.
Like Hill, PCC's Director for Media Services Johari Dewitt-Rogers was in town and has roots in the civil rights movements too.
"I'm here because it's such a historic moment in time that I could not pass coming. Also it was important to come and represent my parents who were civil rights activists in the '60s and '70s," said Dewitt-Rogers.
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