VIDEO: WELCOME TO MY INAUG BLOG!

Tuesday, January 20: INAUGURATION DAY!

This is probably the most emotional day… next to the birth of my younger sister that I have ever had. Olivia Fox from WMMJ was broadcasting live from the JW Marriott right along the parade route. During his Oath and first speech as President of the United States of America you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was filled with pride, emotion, hope and tears. Once the parade started Olivia gave a play by play of the parade.

From the high stepping band of FAMU to the crazy looking Illinois float that had a giant Lincoln Head character we had a “bird’s eye view.” As I’m writing this to you now I just feel an overwhelming sense of pride to be an African-American woman today,but not only that… a proud American!

Monday, January 19

Tom Joyner broadcast live from Ben’s Chili Bowl on “U” Street. . J. Anthony Brown from the Tom Joyner Morning show was there, CNN’s Roland Martin, and George Wallace came though. George and J. Anthony got in their cracks on each other just like family.

Sheryl Underwood & I at Ben's Chili Bowl

Jamie Foster Brown (Sister 2 Sister) & I

Yolanda Adams & I

Speaking of family and friends… you never know who you might see in Ben’s.

I met the Spears family who happened to be from my hometown of Maywood, Illinois. It’s a small suburb just outside of Chicago. They were in town for the Inauguration and stopped by Ben’s.

Of course just 2 weeks ago, President Obama stopped by for a Chili Half-Smoke.

Now there’s a Presidential Seal in the booth where he ate. You know the sign at Ben’s that says “The only person who gets a free meal here is Bill Cosby?” Well President Obama’s name has been officially added…. In ballpoint pen! Of course I sat in the seat for a quick second just like any other DC tourist.



MONDAY NIGHT

Tonight, we're headed to the Illinois Inaugural Ball at the Renaissance Hotel! The night started with a toast to Michelle Obama. The entire venue had an Illinois theme - The Magnificent Mile, Chicago Style Pizza, Hyde Park (Where Barack and Michelle used to live), and Chicago's State Street including the Marshall Field's clock. I was really missing home right! The then President-Elect Obama stopped by for a few moments. I caught a glimpse of him.

My Inaugural lifesavers!

I left there and went to the BET Ball!

T.I. and Jeezy were holding it down as the hosts. COMMON, Akon and Jazmine Sullivan rocked it.

After the ball I made one more stop at FLY… had a champagne toast… or TWO OR THREE and cabbed it home. I got in just in time to shower and change clothes before heading out at 5 in the morning Tuesday… got to get to our last broadcast!

Sunday, January 18

I had little time to rest but still in planning mode for the inauguration.

Saturday, January 17: THE BIG CONCERT: A Salute to Tom “Fly Jock” Joyner

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

What a lineup tonight: WOW! From start to finish, there was plenty of energy at the Hennessey & Moet Party at the historic Lincoln Theatre. Hollywood came to “U” Street to honor Tom Joyner. Our favorite “Fly Jock” was truly instrumental in helping raise awareness and voter turnout in the 2008 election. Radio-One Owner Cathy Hughes and Huggie Lo Down co-hosted the event.

The “A” list of entertainment seemed endless. Jamie Foxx made us all laugh and sing along with him. When he broke out with his Ray Charles Medley the crowd was went crazy… but it was his duet with The Godfather of Go Go Chuck Brown that set it off! Everyone was on their feet partying.

Raheem DeVaughn took the stage and the ladies couldn’t get enough. Eric Benet and James Ingram held their own with their performances.

We were all crackin’ up when some of Tom’s favorite comedians rolled through the party. The Tom Joyner Morning Show special correspondent, Sheryl Underwood was there. Yep, she had her purse with her on stage! DC’s own Tommie Davidson came through with some of his impersonations. And you know fo’ shiggady Huggie Lo Down was in the house! He wasn’t about to miss this party for “Brother Beige.”

We got our praise on with JeffMajors and Reverend T.D. Jakes.

The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin graced us with appearance. Actresses Lynn Whitfield and Tatyana Ali were in the house.

As I looked out at the massive crowd, it was clear how big Obama’s win was for DC, the country and the world. People from all over the city were on “U” street.

Today was more than a concert, it was a face to face meeting with supporters from across the country--- a moment for those who knocked on doors, donated money, and made hundreds of phone calls --- today was their moment.