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STAFF Denise W. Barnes, Editor Shantella Y. Sherman, Editor, Special Editions Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor Khalid Naji-Allah, Staff Photographer John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor Brian Young, Design & Layout AssureTech /www.scsworks.com, Webmaster Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist
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PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. De Freitas, Roy Lewis, Khalid Naji-Allah, Shevry Lassiter
INAUG-2 | January 24, 2013
Presidential Inauguration Supplement
I
t may have been sheer coincidence that as President Barack Obama stood before the nation being sworn in for a second term as Commander-in-Chief, several PBS stations broadcasted episodes from the Eyes on the Prize documentary series, and Sam Pollard’s documentary Slavery by Another Name. Whether coincidence or not, the ability to witness the ardent, frightening metamorphosis of Black manhood proved overwhelming. For instance, as a diverse group of Freedom Riders were seen being pummeled on one network, the Greyhound bus they road firebombed in an effort to burn them alive, several other networks provided live-feeds of even more diverse crowds -- in the hundreds of thousands -- cheering on a Black president. Tears, hope, and a sense of triumph over injustice were present in both. The parallels do not end there. All eyes were on the Deep South in video reels of Freedom Riders and Civil Rights protesters in both documentary series. It was only fitting, some 50 years later that the sons and daughters of the South, particularly the Great State of Mississippi – with its savage and systemic code of white supremacy – take center stage at Obama’s inauguration. Home of Gov. Ross Barnett, and a host of law enforcement and prominent citizens who served as de facto members of white-rights organizations, Mississippi was also home to NAACP (MS) Field Secretary Medgar Evers and his wife, Myrlie. Evers was assassinated in the driveway of his Jackson, Miss. home for his efforts to register Black voters and his murderer, Byron de la Beckwith, convicted in 1994, after the case was reopened. “It was simply in the air. We didn’t talk, we didn’t have to. We communicated without words. It was a touch, it was a look, it was holding each other, it was music playing,” she said. However, on June 11, 1963, his widow said “[The kids and I] heard him get out of the car, and the car door slam. And in that same instance, we heard the loud gunfire. The children fell to the floor, as he had taught them to do. I made a run for the front door, turned on the light, and there he was.” Five decades after his assassination, with Barack Hussein Obama, poised to begin his second presidential term, Myrlie Evers-Williams offered the ceremonial invocation. Her prayer was eloquent and knowing. “We ask that You grant our president the will to act courageously, but cautiously, when confronted with danger and to act prudently, but deliberately, when challenged by adversity. Please continue to bless his efforts to lead by example in consideration and favor of the diversity of our people,” she said. Evers-Williams presented a platform that the President, then, followed, stressing that whether it was the efforts to emancipate, liberate, educate, or completely transform, America succeeded individually and collectively when working together towards common goals. “Together, we discovered that a free market only thrives when there are rules to ensure competition and fair play. Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune. Through it all, we have never relinquished our skepticism of central authority, nor have we succumbed to the fiction that all society’s ills can be cured through government alone. Our celebration of initiative and enterprise, our insistence on hard work and personal responsibility, these are constants in our character,” Obama said. The Washington Informer 2013 Presidential Inauguration Supplement represents the diverse cultural and regional influences that converged to make President Barack Obama’s second inauguration, a memorable one. Political and social scientists Wilmer Leon and Avis Jones-Deweever sat down with WI staff writer Barrington Salmon to offer analyses of Obama’s first term and projections of the second. Freelancer Ronda Smith bit into a tasty “Obamamania” Good Stuff Eatery serves up daily; and WI staff writer Michelle Phipps-Evans examines the nation’s love affair with Michelle Obama’s wardrobe. Please join in the celebration. Enjoy, Shantella Sherman Editor, Special Editions
Together
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Presidential Inauguration Supplement
Appetite for Obama
One local restaurant satisfies taste for Obamamania
Obama fans line up for Good Stuff Eatery’s Prez. Obama Burger. Manager Max Albano shows off the presidential burger before passing it to one of his cutest customers. / Photos by Shevry Lassiter and Khalid Naji-Allah.
By Ronda Smith
A
line of people spill from the doors of the Good Food Eatery onto Pennsylvania Avenue most days of the week, sometimes as early as noon. The draw: one of the most successful product brandings the region has witnessed in years – the Prez Obama Burger and the Michelle Melt, named for the President and First Lady. Jordyn Lazar, Marketing and Media Relations Manager at Good Stuff Eatery said the Obama burger was added to the menu during the 2008 election. “Good Stuff Eatery decided to have our own burger election that year to coincide with the presidential race. So, we had the Obama Burger vs. the McCain burger. Our proximity to the Capitol and the politically-charged environment led to a lot of competition. We would have customers coming in to order the McCain burger, but with the Obama toppings. Our customers were determined to make their votes count.” Lazar said the Obama burger won by a landslide and after the election was added as a permanent menu item, the Prez Obama burger. The hometown favorite has applewood smoked bacon, Roquefort cheese, onion
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marmalade and a horseradish mayo – ingredients famed chef Spike Mendelsohn, “thought reflected the president’s personality and might be what a Chicagoan would want on their burger.” Demonstrating the similar popularity of First Lady Michelle Obama, Good Stuff Eatery also offers a Michelle Melt. “The Michelle Melt was a nod to her Let’s Move! campaign. Our chef, Spike, has been very involved with the First Lady’s initiative and works to teach young students about the value of healthy eating. The Michelle Melt is a turkey burger on a whole wheat bun with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese,
lettuce and a ruby red tomato. We wanted this burger to reflect the healthy eating initiatives that Mrs. Obama dedicates her time to promoting. The Michelle melt features a Southlawn Herb Garden Mayo. This sauce features many of the herbs that the First Family grows in their Southlawn garden,” Lazar said. Mike Bonner, a Nebraska supplant and regular at Good Stuff Eatery, said he was drawn to the burger after the 2008 election and has since lunched on the Prez Obama burger at least three days each week. “When I first moved to D.C., I was open-jawed and wide-eyed about everything political, but
I was also homesick. The first time I bit into a Prez Obama burger, I forgot how much I missed home – I had a piece of politics and a reminder of home. It was surreal. I kept looking at the burger after each bite, trying to figure out if it was really that good,” said Bonner, 32. The Prez Obama burger and the Michelle Melt are two of Good Stuff ’s most popular menu items – Barack is more popular than Michelle – and Inauguration weekend 2013 saw an increase to even the regular lines. Some said they came after reading positive food reviews; others came with their sights set squarely on the Obamas.
“I love, love, love the Michelle Melt,” said Debra Roberson, 47, who traveled from Atlanta for the Inauguration. “It’s a great turkey burger for sure, but I also get a kick out of feeling like I’m a part of the Obama legacy while I’m eating it. I know it sounds silly, but the President and First Lady have that type of impact on people across the country.” Lazar agrees, but insists that with the development of strong recipes that combine wonderful, fresh ingredients, “you end up with a complex and delicious burger.” “The Prez Obama burger and Michelle Melt exemplify how Good Stuff Eatery isn’t just another hamburger joint, but rather a chef-driven restaurant that consistently serves delicious burgers,” Lazar said. If there were any doubt about that, Debra Roberson has already planned a return trip to Good Stuff Eatery for another Michelle Melt to enjoy on the plane ride home to Atlanta. PI
January 24, 2013 | INAUG-3
Presidential Inauguration Supplement
2
The number of Bibles President Obama used during his swearing-in ceremony. One, a black leather King James version, belonged to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The second Bible was used by President Abraham Lincoln at his first inauguration.
The number of attendees to the Commander in Chief Ball in 2009
The percentage of decreased demand for hotel rooms at Obama inauguration between 2009 and 2013.
16
The number of people representing 58 groups, almost 200 animals, floats, high school bands, kids on unicycles, folk dancers and military units following the President and First Lady in the Inauguration Parade.
8,800
2,000
The number (in millions) of people who blanketed the National Mall to witness Obama’s first inauguration.
1.8
The number of man-hours Hargrove Inc. put in to build the floats for the 17th presidential inaugural parade in a row.
3,000
The Inauguration in Numbers “The Washington Teachers’ Union proudly embraces President Barack Obama’s leadership and vision for our country. We stand at the vanguard to keep the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. alive by fulfilling the commitment to
”
build great minds through public education.
—NATHAN A. SAUNDERS, PRESIDENT
WWW.WTULOCAL6.ORG
INAUG-4 | January 24, 2013
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Presidential Inauguration Supplement
courageous
[We stand] on the shoulders of many Moses. They are the men and women who and fought and bled for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. They have taken us many miles over an impossible journey.
marched
But you are members of the Joshua Generation. And it is now up to you to the work that they began. It is up to you to the river.
finish
cross
-Barack Obama, President of the United States 140th Howard University Opening Convocation, Oct. 1, 2007
twitter.com/HowardU facebook.com/howarduniversity
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January 24, 2013 | INAUG-5
Presidential Inauguration Supplement
WI File Photo
President Barack Obama takes the Oath of Office. / Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah
A
vis Jones-Deweever planned to be one of the estimated 800,000 people who will descend on the National Mall to witness the swearing in and Inaugural Parade marking the beginning of President Barack Obama’s second term. Jones-DeWeever, a political analyst and executive director of the National Council of Negro Women, said Obama’s ability to secure four more years is sweeter the second time around. “It does feel different this time,” she said. “[In 2009], it was historic. I never expected it [a Black man becoming president] to happen in our lifetime. In some ways, this is more gratifying. His re-election wasn’t a sure thing. Often, something that you have to work for is indeed more gratifying.” DeWeever, 44, said she gives Obama a grade of “B minus” for the first term and said she’s encouraged by signs that he’s learned from past experiences and his willingness to confront the Republicans who have done all they could to bring his presidency to a standstill.
The Second Time Around Analysts project legacy of Obama administration By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer She said Obama maintained what she described as a “a super-human level of dignity, strength, and thoughtful leadership within a political environment that has been nothing short of toxic, rife with vitriol, clear instances of race-based hate, and a carefully plotted unprecedented level of partisan stonewalling, relentless opposition, and plain old-fashioned disrespect.” Wilmer Leon, a teaching associate at Howard University and a nationally syndicated columnist, said his disappointment in Obama’s first term is palpable. Four years ago, Leon said he was
INAUG-6 | January 24, 2013
enveloped in the euphoria that many Americans experienced when Obama was elected in 2008. He also said he felt the hope that Obama expressed and seemed to embody. Four years later, Leon shared a list of concerns: the permanent incarceration of American and other citizens; warrant-less wiretapping, the development of what he termed a “precariat” class of people who face uncertainty and a lack of job security because of the economic meltdown and other economic factors nationally. “He’s become more Bush than Bush,” Leon explained. “As this “precariat” class gathers and un-
rest spreads, the president can sign martial law and squash any unrest. People need to have a discussion about these and other issues. This is the president who ran on hope and change and we’re still waiting for change.” To be fair, Leon said, too many people have placed an undue amount of responsibility on him. As president, he’s still a functionary of the U.S. government. To a certain degree, there was only a certain amount that he as president would be able to do. Obama’s successes far outweigh his failures. Among his successes, passage of universal healthcare through the Affordable Care Act; he has brought all veterans back into the VA health care system; increase availability and use of renewable electricity sources nationally; decreased the country’s dependence on foreign oil; began the process of withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan; he used an executive order to stop the deportation of young people who don’t have U.S. citizenship. He has promised comprehensive immigration reform during his second term; protected the middle class from higher taxes; and established what he called
“a credit card bill of rights.” The bill of rights will prohibit banks and other companies from exploiting consumers. Jones-DeWeever said Obama would have had a more substantial record if he wasn’t thwarted at every turn by the GOP. She spoke of the meeting by 15 top Republican lawmakers and strategists, including vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan who she said “assembled to plot the destruction of this administration from Day One.” She said she loves Obama’s forcefulness, his confidence and a new-found willingness to mix it up with his Republican foes. “I’m encouraged that his tone is a 180-degree turn. He’s making better use of the bully pulpit.” Leon said he expects little to change over the next four years. “Unfortunately, I think we’re going to see a lot more of the same for a couple of reasons,” he said. “I don’t see the Republicans having learned any real lessons from the outcome of the last election. I expect them to be more obstinate than ever.” PI www.washingtoninformer.com
Presidential Inauguration Supplement
Clockwise: The President and First Lady wave to crowds during the official Inauguration Parade. / Courtesy photo; President Obama embraces his eldest daughter Malia, following the official swearing in ceremony held, Sunday, January 20. / Courtesy photo; The President and First Lady dance with members of the U.S. Armed Services, Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt. Timothy D. Easterling and Air Force Staff Sgt. Bria D. Nelson, during the Commander-in-Chief Ball. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter; and During rehearsals for the Inauguration, students from the area were used as stand-ins for the President and First Lady. / Courtesy photo
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January 24, 2013 | INAUG-7
Presidential Inauguration Supplement
Alladin Cherkaoul, manager of Absolute Screen Printing in Northeast screen prints t-shirts for the 2013 presidential inauguration events. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter
While there may have been a decline in Inaugural attendance when the 2009 numbers are compared with those of 2013, the business of Obama – selling merchandise with the likeness of President Obama and the First Family – remained steady. From bobble-heads and mugs to calendars and clothing, vendors made up for the decrease in numbers by increasing prices and haggling less. In the end, consumers paid top dollar to ensure their own small piece of Obama history. / Photo by Roy Lewis
The Business of Ob
ma
An employee of Absolute Screen Printing in Northeast sorts t-shirts to be sold during the 2013 presidential inauguration events. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter
44 A winning number.
Congratulations again to our 44th President.
INAUG-8 | January 24, 2013 DCL1436 Community Pubs [Inauguration]_Examiner | 9.5” x 6.5” | Bleed: No | 4C
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January 24, 2013 | INAUG-9
Presidential Inauguration
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Fashion Takes
Center Stage at Second Inauguration By Michelle Phipps-Evans
All eyes were fixated on Jason Wu’s 2013 Inauguration gown design. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter
F Isabel Toledo poses with the Frist Lady’s 2009 Inaguration dress, now housed in the Smithsonian Museum. / Courtesy photo.
INAUG-10 | January 24, 2013
irst Lady Michelle Obama’s fashion sense has been described as “fashion-forward,” “timeless,” and “arresting.” As Inauguration 2013 kicked off, as much speculation was had over the First Lady’s wardrobe, as was on her husband’s swearing-in ceremony. The fashion buzz began with Mrs. Obama’s birthday appearance, sporting a new coif, replete with daring bangs. In addition to offering a softer look for the 49-year-old, Mrs. Obama’s bangs immediately spawned visits by other ladies to the salon for a similar look.
“I love it. I think she can rock any hairstyle,” said stylist DeJuan Burns, 42, owner of Essentials Soul’on LLC in Temple Hills, Md. The National Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 19, saw the President and First Lady join volunteers across the country in projects that gave back to the community and honored civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mrs. Obama donned a navy blue and black geometric form-fitted shirt, black pants and boots, while staining shelves at Burrville Elementary in Northeast. The love affair with fashion continued Sunday, Jan. 20, when President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were officially sworn into office, marking the beginning of the second term. The Constitution mandates that the President takes the oath that day. For the private ceremony, the First Lady wore a dark blue dress by Reed Krakoff, the creative director at Coach since 1996. However, all eyes stayed on the family as President Obama took his second oath of office on the
steps of the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. At the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Swearing-In, Mrs. Obama wore a presidential blue Tom Brown dress, patterned after the jacquard fabric of a man’s necktie and J. Crew shoes and accessories, while four years ago, she chose a chic pale yellow gown by designer Isabel Toledo. For weeks, onlookers predicted which designer Michelle Obama would wear for this year’s inauguration. Fashion insiders waited eagerly for the Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center and watched in awe as Mrs. Obama returned to the designs of Jason Wu, for her ball gown. This time, Mrs. Obama took the First Dance in a red halter top velvet gown with chiffon overlay. “It enhanced every wonderful part of her figure – arms, her natural curves, everything. Wu’s design was flowing, bright and vibrant – quite a contrast from days of presidential blues, blacks,
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Presidential Inauguration
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“Wu’s dress enhanced every wonderful part of [Mrs. Obama’s] figure – arms, her natural curves, everything. Wu’s design was flowing, bright and vibrant,”
– Fashion Student Brit Highland fashion continued from Page 10 and grays. Coupled with the Jimmy Choo-designed shoes and Kimberly McDonald-designed diamonds, Mrs. Obama’s fashion was worth the wait,” said Brit Highland, 27, a New York fashion student, who traveled to D.C.
for the inauguration. In 2009, the relatively unknown 26-year-old Wu seized the honor and cannonballed into fame. Many people fell in love with Wu’s winter white one-shoulder gown flecked with organza flowers and crystals. Today, that gown is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History on the National Mall.
According to insiders, nearly 20 designers offered samples for the weekend’s festivities in response to requests from East Wing staffers. Those names included Michael Kors, Derek Lam, Naeem Khan, Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, Prabal Gurung, and Bibhu Mohapatra. PI
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Industrial Bank
Industrial Strong
Since 1934
January 21, 2013 On this special day, the nation takes a moment to commemorate a great American - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a transformational leader who dared to dream and whose vision helped to change the course of this nation. How fitting then, that on this day America would also have occasion to celebrate the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Proof that, as providence would have it, we are living at a time when faith and fate have collaborated to create a day of destiny. A day in which a promise made is a promise kept and that though there may be much hard work ahead, the voice of this democracy was uplifted and heard. Industrial Bank is proud to stand and celebrate the Inauguration of President Barack Obama.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.� -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
MEMBER FDIC
INAUG-12 | January 24, 2013
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