SU lifts voices at Smith-Brown

The historical election night of President-elect Barack Obama lead to a celebration for Southern University’s students, faculty and staff Wednesday.
Eva Baham, an associate professor of history, organized a “Lift Every Voice and Sing!” rally on Wednesday afternoon for hundreds of Southern students and local media.
The program was held on the patio of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union to commemorate the election of the nation’s first black president.
“I felt that there was a need to celebrate the candidacy of Barack Obama, I had hoped it would turn out to be what it is now,” said Baham.
The Southern University Pep Band entertained the crowd with musical selections, while students gathered around with the Southern University Chamber Ensemble to sing the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
In 1919, the NAACP adopted the song as the black National Anthem. This song signifies a way for black patriotism and hope for the future.
“I really wanted to make sure that the students know the meaning behind the song and understand the nature of the song for Barack Obama,” said Baham.
Before the “Life Every Voice and Sing!” Rally, students on campus began the celebration of Barack Obama’s win the night before in the cul-de-sac of Totty and Shade Hall.
“There was no better place to hear the results at the finest HBCU in the nation,” said Student Government Association Interim President Stasha Rhodes. “I was just overwhelmed about the amount of students that took passion in the election. Students were in the hallways hugging each other, jumping up and down. It was the first thing to be proud of together, in our generation, like other generations have Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King Jr., we have Barack Obama and that’s something to be proud of.”
Many students were in disbelief that Americans voted for a black man to lead the nation for the next four years.
“I am totally overwhelmed, it is truly history that was made and I feel that Barack Obama has paved the way and made change,” said senior political science major Alexis Price from Beaumont, Texas.
Some students were emotionally shocked and elated to celebrate the new beginning.
“I felt more pride in my race, I was very enthused when he was announced as the winner, and the rally turned out to be fun,” said senior elementary education major Alisha Burrell from Plano, Texas. “I still can’t believe that he won.”
The focus of the rally was to provide a positive outlet for the campus after a grueling election season.
“This time is a great opportunity for black people and the country; Barack Obama has showed that the sky is the limit,” said senior criminal justice major Donald Steele Jr. from Selma, Ala.
Some students also feel that with Barack Obama in office, change will affect the economy in a positive way, especially senior criminal justice major Myles Williams from Upland, Calif.
“I feel great about Barack winning and I feel change will happen, such as taxes are going to go down and that we will have better health care.”