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January 20, 2009

Obama invokes spirit of civil rights movement in inaugural speech

Posted: January 20th, 2009 12:50 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Obama, the nation's first African-American
chief executive, invoked the spirit of the civil rights movement during his
inaugural address, noting that, in previous generations, his own father might
have been denied service at a restaurant.

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. walks with supporters during the 'March on Washington' in 1963. Afterward, King delivered the 'I Have a Dream' speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

"This is the meaning of (America's) liberty and our creed – why men and
women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across
this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago
might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to
take a most sacred oath," Obama said.

Filed under: Inauguration

6 Comments | Permalink


richard		January 20th, 2009 4:40 pm ET Even Martin Luther King would not of voted for Obama.

gene		January 20th, 2009 4:40 pm ET I want to know why the media is treating this like obama is a president for the black people. obama is part african american , the media talking about blacks overcoming is just fueling more hatred and making the white people feel like we do not matter. the way i see it he is not the first african american president, he is half white half black, this is not a victory for black people, i wish you people would tell it like it is

Obama is not my Hero!		January 20th, 2009 3:41 pm ET Yeah right! That speech was full of hate towards Bush!

American45		January 20th, 2009 3:40 pm ET He is not the first president with black blood...there were others before him. It is just not discussed.

Tricia Alberta Canada		January 20th, 2009 3:17 pm ET Today is history in the making. The world is watching the FIRST Black President. He won't be the last but he will always be first. I would love to have seen how Martin Luthern would have felt today. It's a proud day for everyone. Lets hope America can now rebuild relations with the rest of the world ......... God Bless

Martrice Bellow		January 20th, 2009 1:03 pm ET I believe that it' imperative to remind us where we've been so we wont forget, and know what we can achieve and realize there is no limitiation's on what we can do. God bless America and, the Cheif Executive in charge of the United States of America the 44th president "Barack Obama".
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