Students and faculty members gathered in Lee Hall’s auditorium to witness U.S. President Barack Obama’s inaugural address.
Students were impressed with the address and were pleased with Obama’s success as the first black president.
“I think it’s a very exciting moment. Probably one of the most amazing moments I’ve witnessed. I’m in awe about what’s happening. Maybe the world might change a little,” said Chantel Reed, 20, a junior nursing student from Miami.
In front of more than one million people, Obama gave his speech at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
He talked about the change to come to America, the nation’s undying hope and the giant tasks that we must face in a time of many errors
“Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred,” said Obama.
As he continued, he highlighted several issue facing America.
“Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age,” he said. “Homes have been lost, jobs shed and businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet,” Obama said.
While Obama did mention America’s current hardships, he balanced out his speech by showing full confidence in our future.
“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met,” Obama said.
FAMU student Tiffany Thomas echoed Obama’s confidence and believes in his platform.
“I believe in our president. Over time, I believe change will come,” said Thomas, 21, a junior elementary education student from Tallahassee.
Students were also impressed with Obama’s humbleness as he assumed his position as president of the United States.
“It was amazing. And I’m happy that he said he was humble. He said he was going to work hard to put us on the right path,” said Ezekial Muse, 19, a sophomore criminal justice student from Deerfield Beach.
FAMU student Shanelle Hall, a junior nursing student from Lordstown, Ohio, said the president’s inaugural address was symbolic to blacks.
“It was a wonderful experience. It was somewhat emotional because to see our people come from slavery to this is amazing,” said Hall.