‘The dawn of a new day’

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It was a defining moment in the American civil rights movement.
On Tuesday, four and a half decades later, more history will be made when Barack Obama is inaugurated as the nation’s first African-American president. “This is a great thing for our country,” said Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise. “I never thought this would ever happen. The inauguration will be history in the making.”
Others in the Five Towns shared their excitement about what will no doubt be a memorable week. “I couldn’t be happier with Obama becoming the next president,” said 84-year-old Inwood resident Doris Israel. “He will make a wonderful contribution to our country. We have definitely come a long way, because after King’s speech, there was a standstill due to negative things happening to African-Americans. I am glad to see someone who is articulate, smart and knows what he is saying who will be inaugurated.”
King delivered his speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, to a crowd of more than 250,000. His oration is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history. Obama's inaugural address, to be delivered at the U.S. Capitol, to a gathering that may number more than 1 million, is likely to go down in history as well.
“It’s certainly going to be of historic value," said the Rev. Lawrence Duncklee of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Inwood, “but not as much as people are making it out to be. We already have African-Americans like Condoleezza Rice and General Colin Powell in high positions. We are moving forward, but this is not earth-shattering, like King’s speech was. It is still going to be amazing because so many people from different backgrounds voted for him.”
Some residents said they believe it was King’s speech — and his legacy — that paved the way for Obama’s success. “Barack becoming president brings a tremendous opportunity for this country,” said Jeff Burns Jr. of Inwood. “Dr. King helped set the tone for Barack and gave him the chance to be where he is today. Barack couldn’t exist as president without everything King did.”
Though the Rev. Gregory Stanislaus of St. John’s Baptist Church in Inwood shared Doris Israel’s sentiment that the civil rights movement slowed in the years after King’s death, Stanislaus said that with Obama's election, the dream is renewed. “It feels like the dawn of a new day,” Stanislaus said. “The dream is alive for not one person, but for everybody.”
Greg Nunn, president of the Inwood Community Group, said he believes Obama’s triumph in the presidential election shows the direction in which the country continues to move. “It shows the change of generations and how much the country is interested in [Obama’s] ideas ...,” Nunn said. “Obama will encourage everybody, not just one segment of people.”
Others said that Obama’s assuming the presidency will benefit the nation in ways that many haven't thought of. “He brings positive energy and a good vibe to the office, and everybody can pick up on this,” Burns said. “His message is all-inclusive, and he brings a wholesome family image. It’s also time for a change. He has a strong education and is able to handle this position.”
Stanislaus agreed that an Obama presidency will be good not only for minority groups, but for the country as a whole. “After the election, I let things settle down and thought about what happened,” he said. “Now I am proud not just for African-Americans, but for everybody. Barack’s legacy could be his integrity to return us to who we were. He has the energy and has a dream for all of us to believe, protect and take care of everyone. That is the greatness which describes our nation.”
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