Pre-election tensions gave way to celebration as students gathered at the Memorial Student Center Tuesday for an election watch party. News of Obama’s victory across key states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio filled students with anticipation as they waited out the final word on the presidential race.
Several organizations came together to organize the election party, which was spearheaded by the Young Democrats. Other groups which assisted with the party included SGA, the Office of Student Activities, the faculty planning committee, and several members of administration.
At the opening of the event, President George C. Wright said a few words along with SGA President Johnnie L. Jones III. “This is an historic occasion, the possibility that an African-American can be President of the United States of America. Until a black person was at this level, we were not equal. However, there are challenges left, we all have a reason to be optimistic. I wasn’t sure if I would be alive to see such a great event,” said Wright.
As word of Obama’s election to the presidency came out around 10 p.m., the ballroom erupted in ebullient singing and dancing. Some more rambunctious students even tossed around furniture as cheers of Obama’s name rang out throughout the building.
“I’m feeling really excited,” said Mark Carter, a junior animal science major, “First black president? Damn right, my friends, damn right.”
“I am really filled with genuine patriotism and I really feel like I made a difference” said sophomore marketing major Jonathan Gholston, who was soaked with sweat as he celebrated in the packed lobby of the MSC.
Several students particularly invested in this election, such as those who helped organize efforts on campus such as early voting and the march to the poll last week also attended.
“Students can gather and watch as results come in and also learn about the next phase of the political process,” said Charli Cooksey, senior political science major and director of governmental affairs, as she ecstatically explained the purpose of her efforts to organize students.
Available at the event, which quickly ramped up into an energy-filled party atmosphere as Obama inched closer to victory, was food, patriotic decorations, music, door prizes, T-shirt giveaways, spoken word, and commentators who explained the process of the Electoral College.
Senior history major John Walton said, “There has been a bigger increase of voter turnout for African-Americans than ever before, this is like a reverse Tom Bradley effect from 1982. Everyone is looking for a change, men don’t make movements, movements make men.” Walton was assigned by political science professor Michael Nojeim to inform the student body about voters’ rights and the electoral process.
Several members of the faculty mingled with students, setting a good example for students to be engaged in the political process.
“It is imperative for students to see we faculty can walk the walk, and not just talk the talk. Also, I teach civil engagement and I want students to see I support efforts to be good, responsible, and active citizens,” said English professor Tonya Scott.
Several students gathered in the lobby adjacent to the SGA office, watching live coverage of the election while a white board positioned near the DJ booth tracked the election results. Students also used the election party to discuss the issues that most influenced the way they voted with their peers.
Regarding Obama’s tax plan, Daryl Rohilliard Jr., a junior management information systems major said, “From what I’ve observed, Barack Obama’s tax plan is for people like me-middle-class citizens.”
Claudia Muñoz, a senior political science major, said, “Everyone else is deciding my future because I am an international student, not a U.S. citizen, so I can’t vote. After I graduate, I plan on becoming a U.S. citizen. Also, to know that Obama’s parents were immigrants, just as mine are, makes me feel like I can go just as far.”
The election party was not just held for Obama supporters, though there were only a scant few students who said they voted for McCain. Though the general mood of the night was light-hearted and celebratory, the optimism of some students was tinted with caution, a few voicing their concerns about the difficulties of getting stalwarts in the conservative movement to support Barack Obama’s presidency.