By Ivan Pereira
Jamaica residents got to view the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama in Hollywood style Tuesday at the Jamaica Multiplex.
The theater presented the ceremony live in three auditoriums for adults and students from Briarwood who gathered in downtown Jamaica to share the moment.
Wanda Archer, 43, of Tarrytown, N.Y., who came all the way to Jamaica to attend the showing, was one of several audience members who cheered when Obama entered the presidential motorcade and was on his way to the Capitol.
“It’s so amazing. I’m so proud. I migrated from the South and today I’m so proud for the country,” the 43−year−old mother said.
When the lights dimmed after Vice President Joseph Biden took his oath, the theater went silent, but the silence did not last for long. Immediately after Obama finished his oath, the crowd gave a standing ovation that did not end until he gave his speech.
Michelle Andrews, 38, who emigrated from South Africa, said she liked how the president openly acknowledged his heritage as an African American in his inaugural address and promised to improve America’s image around the world.
“It shows that anyone can achieve anything. With the help of the people, he can do good,” she said.
Cheers and praise also rang out at the Central Library, which showed the inauguration on the branch’s auditorium movie screen. A diverse crowd of Queens residents said they were amazed that they were seeing a minority president take office in their lifetime.
Justine Aghwana, 31, a lawyer from Jamaica who took a day off from work to watch the inauguration at the library, said she was moved by the power of Obama’s speech since he addressed the issues that affect all Americans.
“He said we have to come together and he’s right,” she said. “It was such a beautiful speech.”
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e−mail at ipereira@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 146.
