Inauguration Day Breaks Barriers and Gives Americans Hope

By Naniyah McClain

Student Lifestyle Editor

We are living in a world like no other with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging on, but yesterday’s Inauguration broke the glass ceiling and gave hope to many for the future of America.

From Madam Vice President, Kamala Harris being the first female, black and southeast asian person to become Vice President to Amanda Gorman (age 22) making history as the youngest inaugural poet, according to MSN news.

Welcoming Douglass Emhoff as the nation’s first second gentleman, to President Joe Biden (age 78) becoming the oldest President of the United States after having a 50-year political history, CNN reports.

The 2021 Biden/Harris Inauguration certainly made American history.

Harris took the oath of office with two bibles, one that belonged to her second mother and one that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, MSN continues. Harris was sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic member of the Supreme Court.

Biden’s moving inaugural address stressed unity and hope. “As we look ahead in our uniquely American way: restless, bold, optimistic, and set our sights on the nation we can be and we must be,” Biden said, according to The Washington Post.

At the ceremony, Lady Gaga gave her rendition of the National Anthem while Jennifer Lopez performed “This Land is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful,” Variety reports.

Lopez then addressed the nation in Spanish by stating “Una nación, bajo Dios, indivisible, con libertad y justicia para todos,” translating to: “One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all,” according to CBS News.

Biden’s inaugural committee held a virtual parade, where Biden and Harris walked to the White House beside their family members, CNN reports.

Even though former President Donald Trump did not attend the Inauguration, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama praised the peaceful transfer of power to Biden, The Washington Post reports.

“Inaugurations signal a tradition of a peaceful transfer of power that is over two centuries old,” Obama said, according to The Washington Post.

The Inauguration night ended with a star-studded concert hosted by Tom Hanks, with moving performances from Katy Perry, Foo Fighters, Demi Lovato and Bon Jovi, according to the BBC.

COVID-19 Numbers

The following is the latest COVID-19 cases for yesterday and today.