2009 Inauguration Blog

Join Michigan Chronicle's Senior Editor, Bankole Thompson, as he reports on President Obama's Inauguration! The Michigan Chronicle will provide frequent coverage and analysis of the events surrounding the first African American man to be elected as our nation's Commander-in-Chief.

Tell us your opinions of Bankole Thompson's coverage of the 2009 Inauguration. Just click the ADD COMMENT box below!

Comments

Comment #1 (Posted by John)

This is nice. Will come back to check your coverage.
Comment #2 (Posted by Cameron)

I grew up in a very rural community, where any race or creed were seen as nothing but a threat from the outside. At a very early age something inside of me come to realize the contradiction with my beliefs and my ultra conservative southern religious family beliefs. Out of this I became known as a “nigger lover” or a “white nigger boy”. I was the scapegoat for those who were filled with baseless hatred. Somehow it was acceptable to ridicule one of their own to direct their hatred at, so they might not be accused of blatant racial behavior. They turned my beliefs into a “chosen” affliction. At least blacks were “born” that way, but I had “chosen” this belief, so therefore their hatred was even more justified. You might say, I was a boy without a race or sense of belonging. This caused me to lose my love for my family and my belief in God.

As Barack Obama’s inauguration draws near, I feel a great deal of anxiety mounting. On one hand, I cannot wait for it to happen, but on the other hand I know it’s going to devastate me. Just as I watched the election returns on TV and at 11PM I heard those words that I knew were inevitable but was not prepared for it’s suddenness. All through the campaign I have been amazed as the outcome of this election were being peeled back like an onion. Each layer of revelation I feared it would somehow not be the truth, because it was too good to be true. Any victories would be swiftly followed by a sudden snap back to reality. Once those last words of Obama’s oath have been uttered and I can finally say, “It is done. The dye is cast.” I shall be vindicated and I then may just suffer a total breakdown.
Comment #3 (Posted by Bankole Thompson, Michigan Chronicle)

Obama's inauguration drawing back on civil rights

President-elect Barack Obama's historic inauguration Tuesday morning is creating high fever among thousands of people who have descended in Washington already.

Coupled with the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr the inauguration has become a high point for Blacks as well as everyone to reflect on the gains of the civil rights movement. Obama in many ways has similarities with King's approach to politics. Throughout the campaign he's been able to connect with ordinary people giving them ownership of the campaign. In the same way King was in Memphis fighting for sanitation workers when he was killed. Then came the Poor People's Campaign to bring attention to the underprivileged.

Four decades later after King made a case at the Lincoln Memorial, America stands to send a Black man to the White House.

Bankole Thompson is blogging from Washignton, DC.
Comment #4 (Posted by By Bankole Thompson, Michigan Chronicle)

Too much hope on Obama?

Almost everyone who descended on Washington for Tuesday morning's historic inauguration has a strong sense of hope in the upcoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama.Because the experience of the inauguration is one of such historic proportion Obama will be under heavy pressure to deliver. In speeches he gave in Washington since Sunday, he repeatedly made it clear that there will be challenges, misdirections etc on the road to recovering. But he implored the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial not give up because "anything is possible" in America. Casting hisc political triumph as an exmaple of the possibilities in America, Obama encouraged everyone including young and old to do the best for the country.

After the inauguration ends the new president will have to move quickly in addressing issues of the economy. News reports indicated that he may appoint an economic team to respond to the financial crisis and also addressed the stimulus package.
Comment #5 (Posted by By Bankole Thompson, Michigan Chronicle)

Desmond Tutu in town for presidential inauguration

South Africa's former archbishop Desmond Tutu is the latest international guest who is in town for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. Tutu who has been silent throughout the presidential campaign described Obama's candidacy in an earlier interview as a new chapter in American history.

Tutu was a vocal critic of the war in Iraq initiated by the outgoing president George Bush and he joined many rallies challenging the wisdom of such an attack. Unlike any recent president in history Obama has garnered favorable rating in the eyes of the international community. The fact is that many nations were wishing that such a political transformation could happen.

Is Nelson Mandela also attending the inauguration?

Don't know yet or if he is here.

Bankole Thompson is blogging from Washignton.
Comment #6 (Posted by an unknown user)

Mr. Thompson you are the epitome of a fawning journalist. Your lack of journalistic talent is a perfect fit for this out of touch, and soon to be out of busineess publication.
Comment #7 (Posted by an unknown user)

Question is this about the reader or thestroking of your own ego Bankole
Comment #8 (Posted by Mark)

Michigan Chronicle keep up the great job of informing this community. Mr Thompson you and the writers at the paper are doing an excellent job. My mother lives in New York and she makes sure to get her own copy of the paper every week.
Comment #9 (Posted by giannianine)

obama you rock
Comment #10 (Posted by Steve Goldsmith)

When thinking of the memories in your "Cycle" article you might include someone like Viola Liuzo (sp?) who was murdered by the Klan after the Selma march or Michael Schwerner who gave his all - it makes a more inclusive memory
Comment #11 (Posted by Helen Longmire)

I think this was the most interesting event since President Kennedy because president.Our new president viewpoints are very similiar to Kennedy. I believe that our nation will be blessed in many ways.All nationalities are going to be successful in this world. The nation is watching the United States in all areas. I am praying that these years will be prosperous for everyone.Praying for the next successful years of President Obama and his family.

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