Very Rococo

Originally posted December 2007 on Annual Gymkhana

There were no Hillary supporters in sight in Harlem on Thursday evening as hundreds of people lined 125th Street in anticipation of Barack Obama’s first official address to Harlem at the Apollo Theater.

“We’re here to see the first truly viable black president of the United States,” said Debbie who, along with her husband, braved the cold to stand in line for almost two hours, “It’s a history making event.”

The queue, which stretched around the block and into a car park on 126th Street, was more suggestive of fans waiting to see a platinum-selling musician than a politician.
“I support Obama and I wanted to see him at some point,” said Anthony who had queued for an hour, “I don’t know what he’s going to talk about. Maybe some jokes- it is the Apollo.”

Obama, who was introduced by Princeton professor Cornel West and comedian Chris Rock, didn’t need jokes to warm up the enthusiastic crowd of supporters that filled the venue to capacity. They applauded and chanted his name as he paced the stage repeatedly saying “Thank you.”
Oprah Winfrey, who recently pledged her support for Obama’s campaign trail, was not present at the event.

The choice of venue, the timing, and talk of racial injustice were perceivable attempts at canvassing for black votes amidst reports of Senator Clinton’s popularity with the black political establishment.

“I’m tired of reading about a justice department that doesn’t understand justice,” said Obama, “Your next president will believe in the constitution. That’s why I’m in this race.”
He also promised affordable and accessible college education and higher salaries for teachers, “I don’t want to wake up in four years and find out we still have more black men in prison than in college,” he said.

Senator Obama ended his address by asking the audience to stand up with courage and confidence for change. “Stand up with me New York,” he said, “I need you standing up.” The audience responded by rising to their feet, cheering.

Outside on the sidewalk, two women were selling t-shirts with the message: “Let the People Decide! Committee for a Harlem Debate between Clinton and Obama.”

The committee is protesting the lack of dialogue surrounding the Democratic presidential primary election, scheduled for February 5th, 2008. They are calling for both senators to participate in a forum at the Apollo, where they would discuss the issue of black political empowerment and who it makes sense for black voters to support.

“We want to encourage a debate,” said one seller, showing the flipside of the t-shirt that read, “Who decided Hillary is best for the Black Community?”

Whether Senator Clinton would be willing to participate, and whether Senator Obama would return to Harlem for the event, remains to be seen.