'Yes we can' and 'Yes we did'
President-Elect Barack Obama unites city, nation

By Kyle Charland

The unseasonably warm night drew a crowd of more than 250,000 supporters. Each standing shoulder-to-shoulder, stretching to see the big-screen TVs positioned around Grant Park.

With each projection that was announced by CNN's Wolfe Blitzer, the crowd went wild. As the map increasingly went blue and the number of electoral votes ticked up, the pattern was becoming clear to everyone, he was going to win.

Around 10 p.m., the culmination of a well-disciplined campaign and the support of the diverse millions was realized. Senator Barack Obama was named the first African America president-elect.

The crowd wept and cheered in complete elation over the highly anticipated victory. The historic significance was palpable.

What was most impressive was the diversity of the crowd. There was no obvious divide. Young, old, black, white, rich, poor, famous and not. Everyone came together as one to bear witness to this truly awesome night.

Shortly after his victory was announced, the crowd started chanting "Yes we did."

When Obama took stage, the excitement was near hysteria. He was joined on stage by his two daughters Malia and Sasha and his wife Michelle.

As he spoke the crowd went silent. Every word rung through the city as the massive audience listened on.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of founders is still alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy," challenged Obama. "Tonight is your answer."

After all was said and done, the people took to the streets, embracing each other, honking horns and jumping up and down shouting "We did it."

For many, this historic night will be remembered for the rest of their lives. A night when so many joined as one and chose change over experience and youth over time-tested age. A night that will be written about for generations to come as a symbol of post-racial America.