Hello New Look Family,    

         Presidentially dressed in my suit, heels, long coat, gloves, hat, and scarf, I proudly walked out of the hotel with a new energy and a new appreciation for life. I knew that I was about to witness history in less than three hours. Internal conflicts and drama seemed to vanish as I got in the car with Shawn Wilson, Shavonna (Wilson’s wife), Dewey, Couture, and Supa. The diversity among the millions was a beautiful site. The transit system, Metro, was packed with pedestrians. The inquisitive mind may wonder about the attitude of the people in the crowd. Surprisingly, there was a mellow spirit. People were respectable and helpful in more ways than one.

                Supa, Dewey, Couture and I received inauguration tickets from the New Look Foundation; they were tickets within the Yellow Gate. Indeed the ticket holders were divided by sections: Yellow, Silver, Purple, Orange, and Blue. Wilson and his wife were ticket holders of another section therefore Supa, Dewey, Couture, and I were left to an unforgettable journey to the Yellow gate. Several officials stated that we take a tunnel and make a right in order to reach the Yellow Gate. Much to our surprise, a few tunnels were visible. We chose the tunnel directly in front of us and only hoped for the best. Indeed we were blessed to be in the correct one. I asked a kind man “Where is the Yellow Gate?” He replied “I have a yellow ticket. It’s this way.” My face was literally covered with a silver and black scarf. We began to walk with more momentum due to time and the cold. We finally joined others in the yellow ticket line. A two hour wait in the cold resulted to my right big toe numbing in my shoe. I hardly felt my left foot until I was able to insert one of Shavonna’s heat pads in my shoe. Indeed she gave all of us heating pads. Metal detectors and officials were visible at the Yellow Gate entrance. The time was 11:20 am.  The Inauguration was supposedly starting at 11:30am. I directed my attention to a perfect spot under a tree. I showed the others where I would be seated. A surge of joy rushed through me. I watched as millions patiently waited for the services.

                I visibly saw the podium surrounded with thick bullet proof glass and the US seal directly below it. Sadly, my camera did not pick it up.  A projection screen display was set up for viewing. The crowd stood on its feet to welcome President George W. Bush. Some people were not pleased, but overall he received a good response (I can only talk about my section). Aretha Franklin sang and musicians blessed the crowd with their talent. Senator Joe Biden stood and took the oath of office. It was a truly a blessing to be one of miiions to view the services. Now Vice President Joe Biden. Finally the crowd stood on its feet to welcome Malia. Sasha, Michelle, and Barack Obama. They were stunning. President elect Obama took his oath of office. Now President Barack Obama. He gave his inaugural address. He shared his outlook on America. He wants America to remember the unity that will help in change. I believe one of my tears froze midway down my face.

                I met up with Dewey, Couture, and Supa . This event was for all people regardless of status. Indeed I saw Yolanda Adams( I waved), Magic Johnson( We Love you!), Diddy, and of course Usher and his family( we hugged). President Obama is living a part of MLK Jr’s dream.  America has judged President Obama not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character. Thanks NEW LOOK for this lifetime experience!!!!!! This was not only a moment, but an initiation of a movement in America!

Chantia Robinson