So I get a call early Monday morning from a friend telling me that Obama was in Detroit and that he was giving a rally at the Joe Louis Arena. My face lit up because I've been trying to catch him on the campaign trail during the primaries but couldn't because of school. Now that I'm on a break I was more than willing to make the drive. So I gather a few other friends and we headed to Downtown Detroit.
Earlier in the Local News broadcast they were telling people to go as soon as possible because the line was backed up for blocks. We made it and you could see the blend of cultures, nationalities and ethnic background. We all came together to see one Man and hear one Voice. Just by looking at the crowd you could see how successful his campaign has been when it comes to bring every kind of people together young and old, rich and poor, gay or straight, black, white, yellow. We engaged in a lot of conversations while waiting for the doors of the arena to open, learning about each other, expressing our political views about Clinton and McCain, bargaining t-shirt and pin prices with vendors.
By standing in line we looked different from each other but we shared the same common goal of watching the potential next President of the United States. Once inside and after going through a security check point set up by the Secret Services and local enforcement, we fought for seats that will give us the best view to the podium and the best angle for our cameras. Unfortunately we were beat by early birds and we settled for seats way up there (my pictures only gives you a silhouette of Obama). At the opposite of the stadium a group of young kids tried to start a wave and after many attempts it finally made it back full circle. You could feel the electricity in the air, people were impatient chanting "Obama! Obama! Obama!" it was contagious so we joined them.
Finally the first speaker was announced and at our surprise it was Chauncey Billups in his street clothes, their season is over and usually they get away from the city for the whole rest of the summer. He got the crowd fired up, expressed his support to Obama and urged everybody to register to vote and join him in making Change for the country. Next, Governor Granholm was up, she picked up were Chauncey left up and was a great cheerleader, praising Obama and his policies for the future of Michigan and the rest of the country. She also showed her support (she was a Clinton supporter) for Obama "Green vision" that could create a new industry and millions of new jobs for Michigan.
And there he was walking toward the stage with Vice President, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Academy Award Winner Al Gore. Before Governor could even finish introducing them, the whole arena was on its feet, screaming and applauding as loud as they could chanting all campaign slogans they knew. It felt like a Rock concert, women crying extending their hands just to be touched, proud parents lifting their kids on their shoulders to help them get a view of this moment. It was magic, I was on my cell phone calling everybody I knew just to brag about it. It was my first political rally and I'm so happy that I was able to experience this with friends and family. My cousin couldn't get his book signed by Obama (we were too far) but at least 15 or 20 years from now we'll be able to tell our kids and grand-kids, we were there and we were part of that movement of Change.
Another memory I'm taking from this is as were walking out of the arena after the rally, I eavesdropped into a conversation between a single mother and her young son, the son was tired and ready to leave a long time ago, but she insisted in staying and explained to him how this moment could change his future as a black kid and how important it was for her to share this moment with him so he could thank her later when he realizes it. She added, "I'll make sure we elect this man to the White House" showing to her son a volunteer sign-up sheet given to her earlier, he answered back by saying "Can I do it too?".
Obama not only convinced minds during that rally but also inspired new generations.
Al Gore Endorsement
Obama on Jimmy Kimmel
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