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The Grant Park Experience

CHICAGO (Howard University News Service) — “Obama! Obama!” was what the crowd in Grant Park chanted all night. More than 100,000 people gathered around the park in downtown Chicago, awaiting the opportunity to enter the rally for Barack Obama. Excitement, joy and happiness filled the five-block stretch of the park, and the energy was evident.

Some supporters came out as early as 9 a.m. When the park opened at 6 p.m., they ran as close to the stage as they could, overjoyed to be at this momentous occasion. A group of people who were first in line roared “Yes!” when asked if they were excited.

Throughout the entire night, the crowd cheered and waved American flags as the projection screen showed Obama winning states, one by one. This was also a star-studded event, where many celebrities mingled with everyday supporters. Notable names included Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas, TV mogul Oprah Winfrey, filmmaker Spike Lee and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who ran for president in 1984.

Pandemonium breaks out when 10 p.m. finally comes around and Obama has won the election. People young and old are jumping with joy and shedding tears of happiness for an event that will go down in history.