Ohioans to party, reflect on Inauguration Day

Tuesday will be a night of celebration for Obama volunteers, Democrats and even Republicans.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Ohioans unable to go to Washington to see President-elect Barack Obama take the oath of office don’t have to sit at home and watch the ceremony on TV.

Colleges, museums and churches will broadcast Tuesday’s event on large screens, and people who want to celebrate in style can attend formal inaugural balls around the state.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is offering free admission to those wanting to watch the inauguration on a big screen in the 300-seat Harriet Tubman Theater — named after the black abolitionist who led slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Afterward, guests will be interviewed about their thoughts to be podcast on the center’s Internet radio talk show.

“We obviously feel that the election of an African-American as president is an historic event for the United States, especially in light of the centuries-long struggle to deal with the effects of slavery,” said center spokesman Paul Bernish. “We are hoping for a sense of community — a ‘let’s share the moment’ feeling.”

The Urban League of Greater Cincinnati is planning a festive yet serious approach. The group will stream the inauguration live to a large screen, then ask attendees to form groups and come up with proposals for solving problems facing government.

“We are going to do more than just celebrate the inauguration of the first African-American president,” said Jenny Laster, of the Urban League Of Cincinnati. “We are trying to live what he has talked about — that with freedom comes responsibility.”

Black churches around the state also are planning events. Many pastors intend to get a head start with Sunday sermons focusing on Obama’s inauguration, while some churches will hold gatherings to watch him take the oath of office.

“Many of us didn’t expect to live to see this day,” Barbara Rosser, a member of Greater Allen AME Church in Dayton, said of the inauguration of the country’s first black president.

Rosser, 70, says the community is invited to view the events Tuesday on a large screen and have lunch.

“We are excited and we wanted to have an event where members of the community can share in that excitement, especially seniors who otherwise might have to watch it alone at home,” she said.

In Cleveland, even Republicans are getting involved.

Republican students at Case Western Reserve University are co-sponsoring an event for faculty, staff and students with a free lunch and large-screen viewing of the inauguration.

Angela Ferranti, president of the Case College Republicans, said the group debated about whether to get involved since Obama is a Democrat.

“We decided it would be wrong not to acknowledge the inauguration of a new president — something that’s celebrated around the nation — even if we don’t support everything he does,” said Ferranti, 20, a sophomore from Pittsburgh. “We don’t want to be the bitter people in a corner.”

Those wanting to dress up in style can pay to attend balls such as one Saturday at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton or one hosted by the Hamilton County Democratic Party at the Hartwell Country Club in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

Other Obama supporters will hold private parties.

Tam Dalrymple, of Columbus, is holding a watch party for co-workers and friends.

“I had already planned to take the day off and watch the inauguration because I was for Obama the entire time,” said Dalrymple, 59, a librarian. “I’m going to watch as long as there’s something to watch.”

In the Dayton suburb of Beavercreek, Sylvester and Olivia Kindred were planning a party Tuesday night for other Obama campaign volunteers.

“We all worked real hard, and this is a way for us to enjoy some of the fruits of our efforts,” said Sylvester Kindred, 59.

The Kindreds plan to tape inaugural events so partygoers who had to work can watch the replay while munching on ribs and potluck dishes.

Kindred said he and his wife, both retirees, hope Obama can do something to protect pensions and other retirement funds.

“I think everyone — no matter who they were for — is just hoping he can help get us out of this economic depression we are going through,” said Kindred.