Inauguration 2013 – What An Amazing Experience!

A week ago today I was just getting back from Washington, D.C.. I attended the 57th Presidential Inauguration for Barack Obama! Can you say exciting!? It was such an amazing experience, one I will share with my children, grands, and beyond! The weather was absolutely PERFECT! I attended the 2009 Inauguration and it was so cold it felt like your face would crack at the thought of wind. My prayers were answered with the nice weather. It stayed in the mid 50’s during the day, and there were times I felt I needed to strip down—especially with those Hot Hands kickin’! Our group arrived around 8:45 a.m. and stayed out there until approximately 1:00 p.m.—then we made our way around the city, eventually making it to a few historical sites.

Here are few pics from trip:

My Boo, Anderson Cooper! If you know me then you know my love for Anderson!

I was so excited to FINALLY make it to Ben’s Chili Bowl! I heard nothing but great things about this place. The food was great and I LOVE the spiciness of the chili. Mmmmmm! There was also art was on the outside of the building of the restaurant and many pictures were along the walls inside from actors, celebrities, fans, and friends.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

I ordered the Bill Cosby Original Chili Half-Smoke and Chili Cheese Fries! I know…I had a total Mikey Moment!

I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Mrs. Virgina Ali, Owner and Wife of Ben’s Chili Bowl Founder, Ben Ali! She was very sweet to us and made her way to each table with a smile on her face! She’s absolutely beautiful and I will always remember her kindness. I was so excited to visit a place with so much history. Many may think it’s just about the famous chili, hot dogs, burgers and shakes, but it goes beyond that.

In 1968, the assassination of Dr. King lit a fuse of rage. Riots ensued. Most of the city closed down; Ben’s remained open. Stokely Carmichael of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which was located across the street, obtained special police permission to allow Ben’s to stay open after curfew to provide food and shelter for activists, firefighters and public servants desperately trying to restore order. After the riots, the area was in shambles. Businesses shut down. But there was some glimmer of hope in the neighborhood as the concept of “Black is Beautiful” emerged. Ben’s continued to serve an eclectic crowd of Regulars.

Ben’s Chili Bowl is a landmark restaurant on popular U Street in the heart of Washington, D.C. It is known locally for its great food and it’s integral part of the neighborhood’s history since it was founded in 1958. During the Washington D.C. riots, it was frequented by protesters, police and visited regularly by celebrities. The founders have been inducted into the D.C. Hall of Fame. To this day, you will see pictures on the walls from celebrities and regulars who visit, including President Obama! Read more about it here.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

 

Only thing I missed out on getting were more Go-Go mixed CDs. *Super Sad Face* If you didn’t know, Go-Go music is dance hall music that originated in Washington D.C. If you’re familiar with Chuck Brown, then you know exactly what it sounds like! I’m going to have to do a little research to make sure I get my hand on some new ones.

Throwback pic from Inauguration 2009!

 

January is such an awesome month because there are so many celebrations! My favorite pretty girl, My Mom, celebrated her birthday, we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, and my Sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. celebrated our 105th year of Service! Sorors came out in abundance for the Inauguration festivities and it was so great meeting all of them!

Great times all around!