Last week, news about Barrack Obama coming to North Carolina A&T State University traveled through word of mouth and all throughout social media. I was so excited to find out that I would be able to see the president himself. I figured it would be open to all students, considering this is a monumental day, but I was rudely awakened when they said it was invite only and the only people getting invites were athletes, SGA, and sports science majors, none of which applied to me.
I later found out there would be one more opportunity to see Obama. I got an email saying he would be at a rally supporting Clinton at the White Oak Amphitheater following his recording at A&T of Undefeated Convo on ESPN. The doors opened up at 3:30 and Obama was scheduled to speak at 6:00. My friends and I arrived at the Amphitheater at 12:00 and began our long and hot day of waiting to see Barrack Obama.
When we arrived, there were probably about 50 people there and we were at the front. As 2:30rolled around 50 shortly turned into more than 1,000. I called my dad at about 3:15 and told him "Dad, I'm at the front of the line to see Obama!" A phone call my father and I probably never expected to have. 3:30 hit and they begin to let us in, but before we were let in we of course had to be searched by the secret service. After being searched and patted down we ran to find the closest seat available. We were on the left side about 6 rows back with an awesome view.
After waiting 3 more long hours, my beautiful president came out and I've never been filled with so many emotions. The first thing I thought to myself was "Is this real life?"
He began to speak and I sat there and immersed myself into every single word that came out of his mouth. The basis of his speech was that we've got work to do and there's only one candidate that's going to fulfill this work. He went in depth about the respect he has for Hillary Clinton. He said despite her losing to him in the 2008 primary, she continued to work on his campaign, leaving behind her own motive and helping Obama instead.
He mastered wisdom and grace with every point he made while brilliantly mixing humor. When discussing Donald Trump, President Obama still remained respectful while making the audience laugh about Trump's incapable ability to run this country. He talked about his lack of stability, temper, and knowledge. He then sent the crowd into a roaring laughter when he said although Trump claims to be the world's best business man, Obama knows a lot of successful business people who didn't lose a billion dollars and pay their taxes. Although he didn't go into much depth about Trump's disgusting comments made in the tape recently exposed, he still made it known that Trump's misogynistic views are not acceptable.
The way he handled ignorance and disrespectful protesters was a sight to see. Despite two of them running down to the front of the stage with shirts that said "Bill Clinton is a rapist" he just stood there and smiled as the secret service removed them and the crowd swarmed with boos. He reminded us to not stoop down to their level by saying, "Don't boo...VOTE!"
As he began to make a point that he really felt passionate about he spoke faster, every word was intensified, and his voice filled the amphitheater. I became overwhelmed because I knew no other presidential family will probably effect me the way the Obamas did. As he finished his speech and did his final wave to us, he reminded us to vote and stand with her united not divided. I just smiled.
Who would've thought I'd be at a rally for our first female president conducted by the first Black president? This day, this event, this moment is something that will stick with me forever. President Obama I'm with her, but I will forever be with you. Thank you for inspiring young Black kids. Thank you for everything you've done for this country. You will truly be missed.
