Event to celebrate historic '08 election

JANESVILLE — Blackhawk Technical College officials hope to walk a fine line as they host a celebration of the recent presidential election.

They call the event America Unites, and they want to focus on the positive without promoting Democrats, Republicans or any other political view.

The event grew out of discussions among Blackhawk staff members who thought people felt constrained from expressing themselves in their workplaces in the wake of the election of Barack Obama, said BTC diversity coordinator Wanda Sloan.

Organizers hope for an event that recognizes the historic significance of America electing a black president.

"Clearly, this is not political. We recognize this is a political environment, but this is not a political event," said Denny Wright, computer-networking instructor and one of the event organizers.

"There are people who were dead set against Barack Obama getting elected. That's not what I'm talking about," Wright said. "This is a moment to stop and reflect: Where have we come in 200 years, in 400 years?"

For Wright, the election means America is closer to living up to the dream of all men and women being treated equally.

Sloan found the mood at Blackhawk subdued on the day after the election. People didn't think it was the time or the place to express themselves.

"You didn't know whether to say anything, to show your enthusiasm," Sloan said. "… We're saying, from 4:30 to 7:30 (p.m. on Tuesday), that you can have that space, and you can have that time."

They plan for a panel discussion on the historical significance of Obama's election, and then they'll provide a microphone for others to express their thoughts.

Wright said the panel should set the tone, and people will be told that the focus is on history, not politics.

"It's not a debate. It's not a political rally," Sloan said.

"I think it's about the spirit of unity, regardless of who got elected," said Sloan, who noted that black people voted for both Obama and McCain.

Think of the people who were denied their voting rights in years past, Sloan suggested. Think of the people sprayed by fire hoses during the civil right struggles.

"So there are lots of reasons for people to be expressive, not necessarily because one particular candidate won, but because it showed no matter what side you're on, that people believed, finally, that their votes made a difference, no matter who they voted for," Sloan said.

Sloan noted that everyone is hurting from the economic downturn, which is one more reason for uniting to solve the country's problems.

IF YOU GO

America Unites, a celebration of the historic meaning of the presidential election, is set for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the North Commons of Blackhawk Technical College's central campus, 6004 S. County G.

The free event is open to the public. It will include a panel discussion, video clips, music, food and an open microphone.