January 20, 2009 a day that will live forever in history. We, the people, swore in our first African American president. Tears of joy, smiles and laughter filled the air as hope and change finally became a tangible reality. This day, Barack Hussein Obama and Joe Biden were sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States of America.

The week of Tuesday, the 20th, was filled with celebration. On Sunday, the 18th, the “WE ARE ONE” concert was held at the Lincoln Memorial. This site holds particular meaning to these inauguration festivities because of its dedication to the President who signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves. It is also the site of a concert by Marian Anderson, a young African American woman not permitted to sing in a federal building due to her race. She was invited to sing at the Lincoln Memorial by Eleanor Roosevelt. The musical line-up of “WE ARE ONE” included Bruce Springsteen, Usher, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncè, Garth Brooks and assorted choruses. This event also included appearances and commentary by Forrest Whittaker, Jamie Foxx, Tom Hanks, George Lopez, Steve Carrell, Queen Latifa and Jack Black. George Lopez, Queen Latifah, Beyoncè, Usher and Jamie Foxx also made an appearance at the children’s “WE ARE THE FUTURE” concert the next night, Monday, the 19th. At this concert also appeared Miley Cyrus, Billie Ray Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.

Barack Obama is a symbol of hope and change. His promises fill our hearts and minds with optimism. So far, nearly a month into his presidency, Mr. Obama has kept his promises. He has flaws, and does not maintain the pretense that he has none. He shows his flaws and strengths to the population, in order to bring him closer to the population and in order to be truthful to the population. And thanks to this we can once again have a government of the people, for the people and by the people, yes … YES WE CAN.