Time ripe for Obama win locals say

By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

Whatever their politics, Senator Barack Obama’s winning campaign to become the first black president of the United States has Southeast Texas people talking.

Like him, or not, most agreed the time was ripe for a change, and hope the president-elect can continue to inspire that change.

“You better believe it. The nation was ready for a change,” Willis Dore, 85, of Groves, said.

Dore was one of 44,854 Jefferson County residents casting their votes for the Democratic presidential candidate. The day after Obama won the election, Dore said he is confident of the new president-elect’s ability to lead the country.

“I think he is going to do good — he has too. The nation is in a mess right now. But, he’s smart, educated and has good common sense, so things ought to get better,” Dore said.

Port Arthur Mayor Deloris “Bobbie” Prince, the city’s first black mayor, said she was proud of the outcome, and hopeful for the nation’s future.

“I am elated. I think President-elect Obama will bring this country together. My prayers are with him, his family and his presidency,” Prince said.

In a racially diverse city such as Port Arthur, Prince said Obama’s win would inspire others to reach toward their goals.

“I am so thankful to God that I lived to see this election. This is how God wanted it. In his own time, he has allowed this to happen, and I am just overwhelmed by it,” Prince said.

Port Arthur residents Mary Braziel, 60, and her friend Barbara January, 60, were shopping for Obama T-shirts Wednesday. Both said they were proud to be an American during this historical time.

“I am so glad and overjoyed that we have a black president, and I hope things change for the better. I’ve been hoping and hollering, and up all night, Braziel said.

January said she was planning to craft a scrapbook for her granddaughter that chronicled Obama’s campaign from the time when he first announced to Tuesday night when he stood in front of huge crowds in Chicago’s Grant Park to acknowledge the win.