I woke up this morning, before my alarm, with a song in my heart. I sing with total praise and I often wake up with our songs in my head. But this morning one of our songs was squarely in my heart, "Grateful." I sang it out loud and then excitedly got up to go vote. No grumblings about getting up early today. No complaints about all that I have to do. Just excitement for what I was about to do. At the Knightbridge Senior Center in Crown Heights, there wasn't much of a line. But given that I have never experienced much activity there, just seeing any kind of line made me happy. I had written down the names of my loved ones who had passed on a slip of paper and took them in the voting booth with me. I made sure to take a picture. Today we all made history together.

My voting experience was quite simple and not as emotional. A few months ago my best friend educated me on my civil duty. I will forever be grateful because I am normally a person who flies under the radar. I arrived at my voting poll at 10:00. Fifteen minutes later my vote was cast. SIMPLE. But, I know whatever the outcome -OBAMA- the job is never complete. We must fight for our children's education in bringing back the arts to public schools.

I stood on line for about 1 hour and 15 minutes in order to cast my vote today and I felt proud, happy and humbled to have the opportunity to do so. To think that people marched, bled, had fire hoses and dogs turned on them, and even died so that I might have the opportunity, not only to have my voice heard, but to elect an African-American President of the United States. They did the hard part. The least I can do is stand in line. (After all, I have stood in lines longer than this for lesser reasons.) I was encouraged by the large numbers of people who turned out to vote this morning. It says to me that the majority of us get the significance of this moment and the opportunity we have to effect real change through both prayer and action. As I pulled the lever, I prayed that God would bless my vote and bless this election. I think He already has. And now, we all need to follow the example that has been set for us and step up because the work continues, whatever happens.

Peace, EBC fam--


Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 7:57 AM
Naisha Walton

did you vote? go vote!
or go tell your American friends to get out and vote!

let's go make some history!

have a great day!

DSCN2785.JPG

-----
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 8:09 AM
Reply-

YAAAAYYY!! Love the photo :)

Yes, I voted!! I actually mailed in my absentee ballot for Florida a little over a week ago. I'm stilled registered there so I figured I'd place my vote there if I could help swing that state one vote closer to the left. Ohh it's a very exciting time to be alive (I hope)!

Peace,
**

-----
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 8:57 AM
Reply- *(friend from London, England)*

I only wish I could - he'll be my president, too!!

But I've worked hard to get the TiL and TiOx students to submit their absentee ballots so let's hope and pray that history will be made today. I can't stay up to watch overnight but will be rushing doenstairs tomorrow morning to see "Persident Obama" written in captals on the front page of my paper ....!!!

Fingers crossed!

Cheers

**

-----
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Reply-

I did. and saw *(mutual college buddy)* in line!

-----
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Reply- friend from France

I hope you vote for me and for all the people you can't vote but want some big change !!!
Make some history sister!!!!
I wait for the results....
Peace

**

-----
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Reply-

Hi Naisha..


Good to hear from you! How are you and things! Hope all is well!!

We are hosting an election party tonight to watch the ballots come in! We’ve got *(town in Canada)* rooting for Obama!!!!



**

-----
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Reply-

YAY! Me too!
-**

------
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Reply-

yes, I did - thanks!

-----
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Reply-
GREETINGS MY DEAR . I AM GOING TO VOTE AT NOON .THANKS AND BLESSED.


-----
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Reply-
You look great!
And...yes, I did vote early morning.
Love
**

My husband, our son and I were up early and went to our local polling site in our hometown of Lawrenceville, NJ. We vote in the local fire station which was exciting for our 3 year old son Greyson. His parents were excited for a different reason...we were very aware of the historical significance of this day and our actions.

We each brought Greyson into the booth with us to vote. After selecting our choices we let him push the red button with us. He may not truly understand the implicatinon of this seemingly simple action, but we have the attached photos to remind him of this moment and tell the story to his kids and his grandchildren.

No matter the outcome, just being able to make the choice we made, is in and of itself one of the most significant moments of our lives.

We had breakfast after voting at a local neighborhood bagel shop. And as we left to head for daycare and work, Greyson said, "I want to see Barack Obama." He thought the man we voted for would have been there in person. I assured him that we would see Mr. Obama on the television that night. Maybe one day he will meet President Obama.

Deborah Aubert Thomas

Shamefully, this is the first presidential election I have voted in. Being 28, and living in 5 cities over the last 10 years I've been such a nomad and just established residency in New Jersey a year ago.

Either I would miss an absentee ballot date or forget to register. In 2000 when I missed it.. I thought... Who in their right mind would vote in George Bushs' son... Like "read my lips" part deux.. FOREALS?!

But they did, and we all watched. That's all I have to say about Dubya! Blessings to him and his!

In 04' I basically played myself by forgetting to register.

To be honest, at times Barack makes me feel uneasy and at times inadequte as a Black Man.

I've spent much of the last 3 years trying to settle down, settle in just figure me and my life out and.... like... have a good day.

Barack and other outstanding African Americans who are rising to prominence in the world are the monkey wrench in my plans that keep me....subconsciously... stretching myself, exhausting all possibilities, ministering to others when I can meet a need when LORD knows... I'd rather be doing for self.

While it is inspiring, it does get on my nerves a bit and wear me out.

Thanks Prez....

Just Kidding!

GO BARACK!

Got to PS 11 this morning at 6:35 a.m. and finally voted at 8:10 a.m.
Surprisingly enough, people were not loving the wait, but there were few
complaints because everyone seemed to understand the impact their vote
would have on this year's historic election.

The mood and spirit reminded me of 9/11 when folks understood the need to
put others before themselves and come together to accomplish something as a
body that made them proud (again) to be born in this country. It was a
sweet experience!
Lisa M. Curtis

In my dashekey, green converse and my afro pick- standing in line at Crown Gardens, picturing my fist in the air and my afro pic in my hair- the REVOLUTION is being televised. I am ever so grateful to my ancestors and know that every soul lost for my/our freedom is now rejoicing. GOD is so totally awesome- make no mistake he rules. How ironic a black man as president with a name that is undoubtingly that of an African- this beats reperation (they got the acres but now we have the mule and we will ride with pride and joy) Peace, much love and much joy_ Sharon Ife Charles- A CHOSEN Woman.

You are so right in so many ways.

No matter what the outcome after we have voted, God is still on his throne. Jesus is still his only begotten son. The Holy Spirit is ever present; and no doubt, the world is unfolding as it should.

Praying that you continue to realize God's; love, grace, and mercy, in the name of sweet King Jesus! Walk in strength with the Holy Spirit.

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

My fiance' and I got up this morning @7am to go vote. This is my fiance's first time for a long time voting. We thought the lines were going to be long, but to our suprise they were not bad at all. There was only 10 people or less in front of us and that was just wonderful. To see everyone out and about was wonderful especially seeing the Senior citizens. They were willing and ready to wait it out, but luckily they didn't have to wait long. There was a person in line trying to stir up a comotion, but others just let him continue to talk and kept it moving. Once the person reached the table to show the voters registration card, he didn't have one nor did he have an ID. He also stated he didn't have an address, and was asked to stand on the side. What goes around comes around and we all still voted with a smile. I'm so glad I was part of this historian election.

This morning I started my day with prayer around 5:30am..... It's funny though because I really took my time getting to the polls (I guess because I only live 5 minutes away)... When I got there around 7am there was a line outside (about 60 or so people), but everything went really smooth.. much like my vibe this morning....

About a half hour later, my district area was called and I walked past the long line ahead of me, past the multi lines inside (which really looked like a room filled with people standing around) and walked right up to my district table, signed my book, walked past another group of people and less than a minute later.... I cast my ballot for Barack......

It was a surprisingly smooth experience for me......

I walked down the block toward my car ... clapped my hands and claimed Barack for President!!!!!


Best,
Nikke Gant
A Contributor to Making History in '08

I awoke this morning and bolted out of bed, already feeling a sense of
urgency. It was 7:40 A.M. Would the lines be winding around the
school yard on Willoughby Ave the place where the polls were set up.
Washed up, quickly checked my coat for any stray Obama buttons,
grabbed my camera and rushed out the door. I wanted to record the
masses as they waited to vote our first Black President into office.

I had a smile for everyone I saw, a cheery hello and good morning as I
moved with a sense of purpose. Going to vote! One of my neighbors
said, yeah, I went at 6-am. As I rounded the corner of Pulaski onto
Thompkins, I quickened my step to get to my place in history. I
called my daughter in Maryland, Obama time I shouted! She said "you
go Mo, how are the lines out there?" As I got to Willoughby, there
was not only no line, there was no one there.

When I got to the polls, I took pictures of what was not happening, as
opposed to my capturing images of eager people waiting to vote. I
caught one person leaving the place and took a picture of the sign
that said "vote here".

It was a sad commentary of what I knew from voting in the past. In my
neighborhood not too many folks, vote. They still hold onto
conspiracy theories that if they vote for Obama, he'll be assinated,
or somehow they'll spook his chances of winning. There is this
feeling of pessimism that a Black man couldn't possibly make it as
President. The new face of my neighborhood are the whites that have
moved in. They were at the voting polls, making their voices heard.

I drew some hope from one of the people on line that said they lived
right across the street, and earlier they saw a longer line.

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus strength and
righteousness. I know that God has this in his unfailing hands, I
believe a change will come.

Denise Drayton
Total Praise

Hi EBC,

I went to vote this morning at 7:15am. I have never seen this many
people before. As a result, I waited on line for about an hour and a
half (1-1/2) before I was able to vote.
While on line, I spoke with other Obama supporters. We was all
surprised with the turn out for this election, young and old alike
came out.
No one complained about the amount of wait time. Things appeared to
be progressing nicely at the polls.
We all agreed to being committed to voting for Obama today regardless
of how long we had to wait in order to do so.
This was the best voting experience I have ever had. This year's
voters demonstrated unity, determination, and kindness towards each
other.
I sure hope Obama wins.

Regards,

Yolanda Chatham's
IPhone

I woke up this morning at 5am so my kids and I could share this historic voting experience. I reach the poll site at around 6:15am. The line was out the door around the corner. I work with a voter service organization so I knew to ask for my election district. Please note your election districts before going to the polling sites, it will eliminate a lot of the wait time. Also, NO one should leave without voting even if their name is not on the rolls. EVERYONE is entitled to a affidavit (paper) ballot.

http://gis.nyc.gov/vote/ps/index.htm poll site locator

I could hardly sleep last night, I was so excited to see 11-04-08.I felt just as giddy and thrilled (even though I can't vote) as the first time I was able to cast my vote in my country.It was a blessing to see this moment. I thanked God for keeping me alive to witness what I never thought possible in the United States of America. I am not a citizen, nor am I a permanent resident, however as a West Indian citizen who came from a country where slavery was rampant on the sugar plantations and where the slaves had no rights, I know exactly what this historical day means.
HazelG

I have several nicknames for my 2 boys but the one I use most often is MIT 1 and 2, (Men In Training) lol. Imperative for you to know the significance of what this affectionate lil' term represents in this incredible moment of history for my family.

Although most would call me a single mother of two, I co-parent with their dad who lives literally a block and a half away. We share physical time equally from week to week and THIS week they are with me. Last night, as I put the boys to bed my oldest, (8 and youngest 5), told me that at school he had asked one of his friends 'If he went to church' after they finished copying their homework to be dismissed for the day. They had time for "free talk" and he felt that it was an opportunity to pray for OBAMA. He said, "He knew it was election day tomorrow, (Today, Tuesday, November 4th, 2008), and he thought they should pray for him." For me this is HUGE because this moment wasn't brought on by his mother's prompting but his own spirit and action. Yes, prayer is indeed a part of our daily lives and yes, he was aware of his parents support for this Obama man but for my son, without hesitation or fear just say and do what HE felt needed to be done at 8? Can we all be as faithful to what we believe is right?

I know for me it's hard sometimes to stay committed and honor what I believe God is saying to me to do or not in my life. Some days are frankly harder than others. However, it seems to me it's in those days that are most challenging, you have a moment like I had last night listening to my son witness what God can really do if you just let him. YES WE CAN!

Thank you, my EBC family for being a part of my family and helping me grow my MIT's.

--
Tanya Fly
Founder/CEO

I have several nicknames for my 2 boys but the one I use most often is MIT 1 and 2, (Men In Training) lol. Imperative for you to know the significance of what this affectionate lil' term represents in this incredible moment of history for my family.

Although most would call me a single mother of two, I co-parent with their dad who lives literally a block and a half away. We share physical time equally from week to week and THIS week they are with me. Last night, as I put the boys to bed my oldest, (8 and youngest 5), told me that at school he had asked one of his friends 'If he went to church' after they finished copying their homework to be dismissed for the day. They had time for "free talk" and he felt that it was an opportunity to pray for OBAMA. He said, "He knew it was election day tomorrow, (Today, Tuesday, November 4th, 2008), and he thought they should pray for him." For me this is HUGE because this moment wasn't brought on by his mother's prompting but his own spirit and action. Yes, prayer is indeed a part of our daily lives and yes, he was aware of his parents support for this Obama man but for my son, without hesitation or fear just say and do what HE felt needed to be done at 8? Can we all be as faithful to what we believe is right?

I know for me it's hard sometimes to stay committed and honor what I believe God is saying to me to do or not in my life. Some days are frankly harder than others. However, it seems to me it's in those days that are most challenging, you have a moment like I had last night listening to my son witness what God can really do if you just let him. YES WE CAN!

Thank you, my EBC family for being a part of my family and helping me grow my MIT's.

--
Tanya Fly
Founder/CEO

I awoke with a burst of energy at 5:30AM with the intentions of being the first to cast my vote. Instead, I was number 25 lol. As I walked towards the entrance of my voting site, I was filled with nerves and excitement. My first time voting was at the age of 19, so it wasn't my first time, but I just knew that this time it was going to be history in the making. It was more of a duty, than a right for me, especially, if it is going to help in electing our new African-American president.

At 6:15AM, I said a prayer for Senator OBAMA and said a prayer that the decision I made today to vote for him would not be in vain. At 6:16, I cast my vote with slow shaking hands. I had to make sure that I was clicking the right levers (lol).

I didn't sleep much last night because I kept looking at the clock to see if it was time to get out and vote yet. So around 5:30 I started getting ready. I had decided to take my three year old son Luke and My fourteen year old July who is staying with us from South Africa and leave my 1 year old with my husband John who would vote later. But July's mom called from South Africa around 6:00 and he and I started talking about how historic this election would be. We spoke about what an amazing experience it was for his family to vote in 94 for Nelson Mandela, which was the year July was born. John and I then decided to all get ready and vote as a family. We figured we would be in and out in about half an hour. The polling site is just down the block. When we walked out the door we saw the line and couldn't believe it. It was wrapped around the corner and up the next street and around again. We saw some of our neighbors from the Obama party earlier this month already in line. I was just frozen and overwelmed by the emotions of the moment. People on line were waving at us to join. So I decided I would have to be late for work and get on the line. I couldn't imagine waiting until after work for fear of a machine breaking down and having to fill out a paper ballot. I really wanted Luke and July to pull the lever. So we joined the line and took lots of pictures. At some point Daniel went home with his nanny and July left for school leaving John,Luke and myself. But that was the most fun I have ever had on a line. All two hours and six minutes of it. My husband does not stand on lines for ANYTHING. But he was not complaining. It was the kind of experience that is so amazing that you know even while you are going through it that you will not forget it. When we finished Luke was kicking and screaming saying he wanted to vote for Barack Obama again. One day we will have to explain the idea of one person one vote because he actually pulled the lever twice. He has been singing about Barack Obama all day. I have lots of pics which I will try to share.

I voted this morning in my Jersey City neighborhood at around 6:45 a.m. I wanted to go early to beat the crowds, not a chance! But I was more than proud to wait as long as needed to cast my vote. I being a South Side of Chicago native remember being told stories over and over by my great aunts and my parents of their childhood experiences in the states of Mississippi and Alabama respectively. In spite of the racism that they experienced in those states, all went on to do very well in life. Always keeping God first, and maintaining a hard work ethic. So I feel not only should I vote because of the historical significance of this election but because I am grateful for my family members who endured much to see this day and to have instilled these same values in me. I am grateful to be able to share this day with my own daughters as well. While standing on that line this morning, surrounded by the other voters who were just as inspired as me to make their vote count, I actually started to cry.
What a beautiful day!

GOD BLESS YOU,

i went out at 6:15 a.m. myself, along with my son. This was so overwhelming for me for 2 reasons, (1) we could possibly be making history tonite (2) this was my son's first experience voting. The mere fact that obama is running for the President of the US, give hope to my son, that he can do and be whatever he want to do or be. I will always cherish this moment. i was sorry to here that obama's grandmother passed. i beleive in my heart that she carried him up to this point, and now she could rest in peace. because he will prevail.


carolyn

I was up early this morning, bright-eyed and unbushed, and thankful that God had enabled me to rise for the occasion in timely fashion.

I was at the polls by a little after 6am and the line was about halfway down the school gate. I was smiling as I was walking by the people, and as I saw the people coming from all directions(all praises to you God). A short time later, we were told that we did not need to be on this long line if we knew our district number, and to go directly to our district lines inside.

Well, I vaguely remembered my district #, and to avoid staying on that long line, I decided to trust God (please Lord let this be the right line). If I was incorrect, I would just have to rejoin the line that was now extending from the gym to around the corner...outside.

As I waited on line, I was admiring the masses of people who were huddled in excitement, waiting patiently without incident. They were quietly anticipating their turns to vote, taking photos, and trying desperately not to yell out Obama's name. I sensed the urgency on their faces. One man said he flew in from California just to come and vote.

My insides were jumping with praises for this day, as I reminisced about how far we have come, and how we've stepped up to the plate in such a mighty and powerful way. This day will be an unforgettable day in history, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day will reach a new plateau in recognition of this very moment in time.

As I reached the position of #2 on line, I started praying again. The lady in front of me, her name was Evelyn Carter...not far from Maxine O. Cooper. As Rozzy (she told me her name while we were conversing) was turning the pages, I spotted my name before she did and said, thank you , Jesus, signed my name, and began running towards the door. Then it occurred to me that I had not yet voted. I quickly ran back to the line and waited for the person in front of me to leave the booth.

After I voted, I made it to work early.

I am not a first time voter..I usually wait until I return home from work but a paranoid feeling came over me.
"WHAT IF" I stub my toe and I have to go to the ER..this is not the time to be stuck in ER... so I was up and about at 5:30am and out the door @ 6:15am in route to PS 17. Where is everybody??.. no long line I was in and out...hmm.....Usually when there is an election my fellow neigbors are scurring to the polls, young men on all four corners of the block passing out flyers rain or shine, there is a car circling the block spewing anouncements from a bullhorn in another language ... Ok, maybe it is too early...I returned home from work @ 5:45pm walked to PS 17 where I voted earlier this morning; Where is everybody?? no young men on all four corners handing out flyers but there was that car circling the block spewing an anouncement from a bullhorn in another language...Oh! I fail to mention, I live in Williamsburg between Bedford Ave and Wythe Ave on the other side of the Navy Yard...need I say more....

I got to the polls mid-afternoon after spending the morning just praying and being reflective. All the “Vote!” text messages were getting me antsy. I had this nervous energy from the night before and could barely fall asleep. I wrote a few blogs and posted some bulletins on my last minute thoughts. Still I could not sleep for more than two hours. It felt like one of the nights before a memorable lifetime-changing moment – the first day of school, Christmas, etc. – and I was so excited. When I arrived at the polls I was glad it wasn’t crowded. However, there was an issue with the voting machine being broken since early morning, and people having to fill out hand ballots. Despite the inconvenience, people were good-natured and accommodating. It was great to see New Yorkers not bring the drama and focus on electing Obama. They didn’t have my name on the voting rolls because of my recent change of address (?). I was about to go ballistic, and then I said a silent prayer. I realized that there wasn’t anything going to steal the joy of this once in a lifetime moment. I turned to the poll worker and said, “What do I need to do to cast my vote?” And they smiled and said, “Young man, come right this way.” I ended up casting my vote by pen, which actually made it more personal. I thought about those that have gone before me casting their ballot by hand. I felt connected to their votes of hope that one day change would come. My hands went into the soil, so to speak, to touch the change I desire. God is so awesome!

One of the things I was struggling with was how do I pray about this election. No doubt, I knew what I wanted and it was for Barak Obama to be our next President; however, how would I know this is what God wants. As Christians we are to make every attempt to line our prayers up with God's Will and as much as I wanted to do that, deep down I still wanted Obama. I believe the Holy Spirit helped me to finally ask God for a fair and accurate election then this way no matter who won,it would be through fair game. Praise the Lord, it appears the election was fair and we got Obama. The other thing, of course, I am happy, thankful and grateful to be alive to be a part of such a historical moment. A time when, who in their right mind would think we would ever be able to see an African American in the highest office in the USA considering where we've come from. It's also a bittersweet moment for me because though I'm happy about the results, I'm sad that my mother, who worked the trenches in the Far Rockaway community to get people registered when Jesse Jackson was running for president, was a part of the Jesse L. Jackson Democratic Club, and later became the chief of staff for Congressman Gregory Meeks, is not alive to see this day. Yes, praise the Lord, I believe she's in Glory and nothing on earth, no matter how great, could ever compare to that; however, I could only imagine the delight she would have experienced this day. And how ironic it was that when my husband and I finished casting our vote, who do I run into at my voting poll but Congressman Gregory Meeks himself. We just hugged and hugged and hugged because I know we were both thinking about my mother. Let us definitely lift up President-elect Barak H. Obama and his family in prayer--praying that he will allow God to provide him guidance in leading this country and to keep him and his family safe from harm.

Here's my voting story...which was by absentee ballot on October 28th. I spent 6:15 AM to 8 PM on November 4th as a volunteer in the Voter Protection effort in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the Obama campaign.


I arrived at the Kings County Board of Elections at 4:30 P.M. It looked like the whole process was going to be swift, until the man calling people into vote took a twenty minute break right when he got to my number. Just when I was growing impatient, along with the people who had numbers higher than mine, six of us were directed to the back to vote. After we were seated, the workers collected our paperwork and disappeared for a while. The man next to me, Ali, told me he had just been called up to be deployed on Saturday. Ali said that based on his prior military experience, he was being recalled. Voting today, he said, was his "shot back" in response to his deployment notice. He served in Iraq in 2003 and is scheduled to serve again in Iraq for a year. The election, he said, would be his ticket home. Ali recalled listening to Michael Baisden's show, in which Baisden questioned why anyone would enlist in the military. Ali said that where he was from in South Carolina, there were only two options, jail and the military. He enlisted in the military as a means to go to college. He still hasn't been to college, but hopes as a result of the election, he can return home and finally go to school. When the election worker finally returned with our ballots, Ali kissed his ballot before filling it out...

Voting for Change: My 21-year-old daughter, Sydney, voted in a presidential election for the first time. My 88-year-old mother, Mary King, was determined to vote for Barack Obama. And, I, at 46 years old, felt empowered by my vote for the first time in my life.
At Choir Rehearsal: I went to choir rehearsal, arrived a little late because it was hard to pull myself away from the election news. Most of the choir was present, but it was apparent everyone was distracted. Some of us were checking the results on blackberries and iphones and updating each other of how many states Barack Obama took and how many electoral votes he was racking up. Whispers would go through the crowd with the numbers, until one person announced that he had won Pennsylvania.
Final Outcome: I rushed home to hear the results with my boyfriend. We were switching between channels 7, CNN and Comedy Central's Indecision 2008 with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert -- which is where we heard the news first, Stephen Colbert stating that for the first time we have a president from Hawaii. We looked at each other, uncertainly, then they posted Barack Obama's picture with the caption President-Elect. We switched back to CNN for verification and then started celebrating. I ran down to check in with my mom, then we left the house, got in the car and blew the horn and shouted all through Bed-Stuy. Then we headed into Fort Greene-Clinton Hill and ended up on Myrtle Ave between Waverly and Clinton, in front of the Five Spot. There was a huge, diverse crowd of mostly young people, shouting and dancing in the street, clapping and chanting, slapping the hands of drivers and passengers as cars crawled through -- then, everyone spilled into the street and blocked the street altogether shouting "Obama!" and "USA!". It was great! Eventually, the police came by and asked everyone to get back on the sidewalk so traffic could pass by. Then we came back home and watched President-Elect Obama's Victory Speech. The best night ever!

I was on line at 6:05 am, and didn't finish until 7:20 am, not one time did I even think about leaving, it wasn't an option. I was so proud to be able to take part in history, I cried when it was over, I haven't stopped thanking GOD for allowing me to be alive in this miracle. Sister Dee Sledge

November 4th 2008 signaled a change. I also was a first in so many ways, from the pride of my people enduring long lines to voting with 3 generations of our family.

This election represented the "passing of the baton" to my daughters who voted for the first time and who will someday instill in their families the legacy of our ancestors who died for us to be able to one day vote for Barack Obama.

Praise Him!

Dan and Dee Matthew