On The Move In D.C.

Joy Bryant, Nicola Vassell

You will agree that some moments in life are truly awe-inducing. A few make you tear up repeatedly, and others make for proud reflection with your grandkids 20 years from now. The Inauguration of America’s 44th President, Barack Obama proved top on that list, and was a memorable happening indeed.

Actress Joy Bryant and I hopped on a bus to D.C. in the wee hours of Sunday morning and began a whirlwind of activities that slowed down only Wednesday afternoon. Here are the highlights:

Monday, January 19:

MoveOn.org and Manifest Hope Inauguration Party

Shepard Fairey, known for his iconic portraits of Obama, and Yosi Sergant of Evolutionary Media organized a kick-ass pre-inauguration bash in Georgetown. It included an excellent exhibition of Obama portraits by young artists, but the icing on top was provided by Santogold who tore up the place with a full set of her reggae/hip-hop infused rock hits. When the totally amped crowd begged for more, De La Soul brought down the house with a long list of much loved faves. In the stage wings were actors, Rosario Dawson, Heather Graham, Josh Lucas, Tim Robbins and musicians Moby and Michael Stipe.

Santogold

Moby, Michael Stipe, Sheperd Fairey, Heather Graham, Rosario Dawson

Tuesday, January 20:

Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America

Two million people gathered on the National Mall, behind the towering Corinthian columns of the Capitol, and weathered icy temperatures to witness the swearing in of our 44th President, Barack Obama. No less brave, Joy and I joined the troops in our quest for a sliver of history. Waiting for over 5 hours without seats in the “Yellow Section” (unless you count an occasional plop onto the dirty, grassy mound — backaches included) we got the show we paid for. The passing of the torch was hiccup free until Chief Justice John G. Roberts’ bungled the presidential oath, an error Obama corrected. A stirring speech brought tears and emotion aflow. It was a spectacular occurrence for the people by the people.

A sea of people on the Mall

A view of the parade

Wednesday, January 21:

Americans for the Arts Post-Inaugural Arts Brunch

Americans for the Arts is the most politically active arts entity in the nation, so it was no surprise when Robert L. Lynch, President of AFTA and Kerry Washington, actor and AFTA Artists Committee member, hosted a Post Inaugural Arts Brunch at The Studio Theatre. The buzz topic at this tête à tête—besides the performance of Peter Yarrow from the renowned folk group Peter, Paul and Mary—was the forthcoming Arts Advocacy Day where key activists approach congress about plans to further the arts and arts education. In the crowd were actors Tracey Ellis Ross, Michael York and art heavyweights Robert Storr, former Curator at MoMA, Dean of the Yale School of Art and Kerry Brougher, Director and Chief Curator of the Hirshhorn Museum.

* Nicola Vassell is a Director at Deitch Projects in N.Y.C.