Day 28 (X8): Obama Rally Grant Park, Chicago Nov 4 2008
On Day 28 of my eighth cycle of giving, I gave my presence at the Obama Rally in Chicago's Grant Park on election night since I happened to be in town. This is some video I shot during the evening.
Grant Park was only a couple blocks away from the hotel I stayed in, so I decided to walk down Michigan Avenue and check out the rally rather than watch it on tv in my room. The sidewalks were full on both sides of the street and there was a river of people heading to the park, most of them wearing Obama t-shirts and pins. There were people singing and dancing in the streets and the energy was jovial and peaceful. There were American flags waving everywhere you looked and people with their faces painted red, white and blue. I actually saw Obama's motorcade as it turned off of Michigan Ave and then looped around to where they entered the park. The cheers that swelled up on the street as they drove by were deafening.
I didn't have a ticket so I knew I wouldn't get into the temporary arena where the main stage was, but I totally lucked out that near the entrance I came through there was a huge LCD screen with a live CNN feed playing. Not many people had noticed the screen yet so I managed to get a prime spot. There was a huge flower pot with the tree growing in it about 100 yards from the screen so I had someone help me climb up into the pot so I could lean against the tree.
I arrived right before the California returns came in and Obama officially received enough electoral votes to be declared the winner. By that time, I was surrounded by several thousand people who cheered during McCain's concession speech and then Obama's address to the nation. I could hear Obama's real speech echoing out of the arena as I watched and heard it coming from the CNN feed. I walked home back down Michigan Avenue to more singing and dancing in the streets and swells of celebratory cheers that would rise up spontaneously from the crowds who filled all six lanes of the street the sidewalks AND the center median on Michigan Ave. I'm so glad I decided to go out even though I was tired. I got to witness what was likely one of the most historic events in my lifetime--the election of our first African American president. I can honestly say that last night was the first time in my 35-year-long life that I felt proud to be an American.
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Comment by Yvonne on November 13, 2008 at 7:17am - Aw! I was there too! Wish I could have met you. We were also by the CNN screens (and were the ones that started the final countdown as the California polls closed). It was such an amazing night. *sigh*
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Comment by CHOKMAH.COM on November 11, 2008 at 5:47pm - Hi Cami, Thanks for the video. The DNC in Denver was a true movement for positive change. The rally in Chicago was a true blessing to have had a ticket and to witness history in the making. Let's keep in touch if you make it to Washington - Val
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Comment by Tere on November 8, 2008 at 5:18pm - Truly amazing is in it. Although not being American myself, but a citizen of the universe as I truly believe we are all one. I feel Obama will set an example to all countries capitals, like Moses he shall lead us all to the promise land, a place of peace, love, happiness, gratitude, health, wealth, harmony and abundance. Thank you for this great cami. It's so positve and if we can get more of this joyess energy into the world, only more joy can come about, making a positive change in the world. You have given so much by posting this and may not have realised it? Thank you again! Here in the south pacific we are all too wearing and supporting our leader Obama, as he shall lead for our leaders! Peace & Love to you & the universe. : )
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Comment by Kate- 29 Gifts Creative Director on November 6, 2008 at 10:19pm - So amazing. I cried all over again. This is such an amazing victory. Thanks for posting this Cami. Hooray for hope, change and OBAMA.
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Comment by Michelle Olsen on November 6, 2008 at 9:15pm - Amazing Cami! GREAT video on such a magical day. Thank you for sharing, I had so wanted to be there being a supporter of Obama and a born and rasied Chicagoan so watching this video helped me feel the energy that was there. THANK YOU!!!
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Comment by Eileen Bradley Tanfani on November 6, 2008 at 8:58pm - What an absolutely thrilling and historic opportunity to be there for Obama's acceptance speech. I watched the whole video and felt like I was there, too. What an incredible experience, Cami. Thank you for filming this. It reminds me in many ways of a young President Kennedy some 45 years ago who inspired a nation as Obama is doing now. This is the first time in a long time where there's been a reason to hope and a chance for change and renewal. It makes me proud to be an American, too.
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