Torontonians play hooky to watch historic inauguration
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'I just had to be a part of it'
Torstar News Service, January 21, 2009 05:15
When her bus trip to Barack Obama's inauguration in Washington got cancelled, Shirley Opaleke was devastated.
"I just cried and cried and cried," said the 62 year old Winnipeg resident, who had interrupted a vacation in Jamaica to come to Toronto and board a chartered bus that had to be cancelled when a number of passengers dropped out at the last minute.
But yesterday, as the noon hour ceremony approached, Opaleke found solace in Yonge Dundas Square, where hundreds of Torontonians flocked around two big screens to watch the 44th United States president take the oath.
"The joy I'm feeling ... I just can't explain it," Opaleke said, proudly displaying an Obama button pinned to her beret. "The energy from everyone, it's not just for black people, it's for everyone."
Throughout the city, people played hooky, some for an hour, others for the day, gathering in bars, restaurants and schools to witness the historic event.
At YongeDundas Square, the bundled up spectators stared intently at the screen, shielding their eyes from the glaring midday sun. Some huddled with coffees in hands and shuffled their feet in an effort to keep warm.
Each sighting of Obama set off deafening applause, echoing the crowds in Washington.
"It's a great historic event, not only for Americans, but for everyone around the world," said Donia Kelyana, 21.
"I just had to be a part of it."