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
Michelle Obama at FAMU
"When I heard the results, all I could do was run and shout," said Willie Hayes, 18, a freshman computer engineering student from Tampa. "This opens up a lot of doors for black men … as long as they put their mind to it."
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.
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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.
This article was originally published in The Meter, the Tennessee State University student newspaper.
Article courtesy of the Black College Wire.
