Howard University

Yes, we can, and indeed we did.

History was made last night as Barack Obama was elected as the first African-American President of the United States of America. The

Howard's Blackburn Center ballroom was filled with excitement and anticipation as students gathered for the election viewing party.

The Famuan

Michelle Obama at FAMU

Senior hospitality major Cordell Nelson said, “I feel like this is going to change my life, my children’s lives, and my grandchildren’s lives. I feel like this historic moment is going to change not only America but the world.”

This year’s election was a historical moment for people of all ages and races. Years ago, people fought for the right to vote when voting was denied based on skin color and gender.

Four-year-old Deja Jackson tagged along with her mom to the polling booths and let her be voice be heard without even being old enough to vote. When asked who she thought would be the next president, she answered, “Barack Obama.”

For freshman English major Tiana Montague, this election was not only her first time voting, but also the first time for her 62-year-old grandfather to exercise his right to vote.

“My grandpa registered to vote this year, and he stood in a long line in the rain in Virginia to vote and make history with his voice,” Montague said.

“Someone can look at their children and tell them that they can be anything they want to be and mean it,” she said.

However, due to age restrictions, some students were not able to vote but still participated in the night’s celebrations.

“I didn’t vote,” said Jerez Giles, a freshman marketing major. Giles will be 18 on Dec. 23, but still celebrated with his peers.

“I’m upset at the fact that I couldn’t take part in the biggest event in U.S. history,” Giles said. “But, I am happy that I was able to witness this historic moment.”

There was music, food and two large projectors along with periodic moments of excitement when announcing which state the presidential candidates won.

“There was no way that McCain could win,” said Dr. Carr, associate professor of the Afro-American Studies department. “He needed to win Ohio and Pennsylvania to win the election.”

Carr said, “I feel like for most of the people in this room, you will never know a day when this isn’t normal.”

Along with it being historic, for many Howard University students this was their first time voting in a presidential election. There were students that cast absentee ballots, while those who were registered in Virginia, Maryland, or District of Columbia voted in person.

“Well, besides it being my first time voting, I’m so inspired to think that someone not only of color but from such humble beginnings can work their way to greatness,” said Ashley Anderson, a freshman history major.

“It was invigorating to vote for the first time and in person,” said freshman civil engineering major Maurice Dukes. “I want to be a better black man.”

Tears of joy ran down the faces of both men and women as Barack Obama was elected the next president. Students were screaming at the top of their lungs when the news was broke that “their president was black.”

“I believe again,” said freshman biochemistry major Afia Wilson, in tears. “He did it; I’m so proud.”

Tressa Blockett, a freshman sports management major, said, “I’m happy that people in America can look past our past generation’s ignorance and we can vote for a candidate not because of his skin color, but because of what he can do for us.”

“Anything is achievable, never say never,” said Alan Henderson, a senior architecture major. “Obama exemplifies what Ghandi said –– to ‘be the change you want to see in the world.’”

According to HUSA President Nicholas Owen, voting is only the first part in seeing change in the world. He said we now must put forth an effort to make sure our needs are met.

Tahirah Hairston writes for The Hilltop, the Howard University student newspaper, which originally published this article.

Florida A&M University

FAMU students were ecstatic about the announcement Tuesday night of Sen. Barack Obama's historic victory over Sen. John McCain.

In Leon County, which includes Tallahassee and the FAMU campus, Obama won by 24 percent, according to the county supervisor of elections Web site.

The Famuan/ file photo

Obama with FAMU Marching 100

Kevin Cate, Obama's spokesman, said Florida was an important state in the election.

"Florida's role in the election was crucial for Sen. John McCain," Cate said. "Sen. McCain was forced to do a lot of campaigning in a state that should have been given to him. It was no way he could win the White House without Florida. Obama had several avenues to the White House."

The Obama campaign was confident going into the election. He said volunteers and supporters worked hard for Obama to win.

At a Democratic election watch party at the Moon Nightclub on Tuesday night, supporters grew emotional as key states were announced in favor of Obama.

"This is a long time dream that a black man could be chosen as president of the United States," said Annette Thorpe, 88, a retired FAMU employee.

"I began to dream this could happen [during] the civil rights movement," she said. "What I've dreamed for has become a reality."

The reality was disturbing for some Republicans. Dan Abel, Leon County Republican Party Chairman, was not happy with the news of Obama's win.

"I was very disappointed," Abel said. "I would have liked to see the opposite happen."

The Democratic watch party was hosted by chair of the Leon Democratic Party, Rick Minor.

Mayor John Marks told the crowd of Obama supporters that eight years of no change had to end.

"We're going to take back this country," Marks said. "The eight years of nothingness in this country has got to go."

The crowd cheered as Marks repeatedly said, "Fired up and ready to go."

"We're going to have to work with Obama, support him, and make sure that he is the best president ever in America," he said.

Kamaria Rogers writes for The Famuan, which originally published this article. Erica Butler and Mark Taylor II contributed.  

South Carolina State University

A sea of SC State students poured into the street in celebration of Barack Obama's decisive victory over Republican nominee John McCain.

Obama's win inspired a midnight procession from the Andrew Hugine Jr. Suites toward the Plaza where the Marching 101 band led students in the victory celebrations.

Students danced, screamed and chanted "Get up for Obama," transforming the popluar bulldog fight song to an Obama praise hymn.

The informal party followed the NAACP "election watch" party held in the K.W. Green Student Center.

SC State's local chapter of the NAACP took no chances this Election Day in their quest to usher in the first African American President.

Led by chapter leader Preston E. Zimmerman, volunteers descended upon residence halls knocking on doors, encouraging students to vote, making phone calls to resolve problems with voting and even providing shuttle services to and from polling stations.

The students were joined by high school students from Orangeburg Wilkinson Memorial who were not eligible to vote but who saw the importance of this historic event and joined the cause.

Campus activites board adviser Ariel Singleton who helped organize all of the events said she chose to get involved because of the historical significance of this election and the unprecedented number of young people coming out to vote. "Even one extra vote will make a change," said Singleton.

Freshman Political science and pre-law major Ajanee Laningham said she chose to attend so that she could encourage people in her age group that may not be interested in politics to come with her. " It is a social event that they could come to and have fun, but they will still be able to see the real reason behind it."

SC State proved that while the state of South Carolina still remains Republican territory, the Bulldogs belong to Obama.

Dervedia Thomas is editor in chief of The Collegian, the South Carolina State University student newspaper, which originally published this article.

Tennessee State University

Cheers rang and tears flowed as hundreds of students marched throughout TSU's campus shouting Obama's name, just minutes after U.S. Senator Barack Obama was projected as the next president of the United States.

Starting on the first floor of the Floyd-Payne Campus Center, traveling to the library and Hale Hall, and chanting through campus to settle in the Amphitheater, students marched in unison and embraced what many call a historic day.

"I am so happy, Obama won!" one girl shouted, as others followed, clapping and running.

Some began popping balloons, tearing down posters and knocking over trashcans, while others simply marched and cheered.

One student fired four gunshots, causing several students to run for cover.

TSU police shut the activities down by making everyone disburse around 11 p.m.

Many students proceeded to Jefferson Street to finish celebrating, marching to Fisk University to continue the festivities.

"It's Homecoming, part two," a marcher was heard saying.