“I cannot tell you the historical significance of this race. It goes all the way back to Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dr. King, JFK, Jesse Jackson and so many others. It’s what so many activists fought for. The Lord has blessed me to allow me to live to see this happen,” January said.

Though she was ecstatic that a black man had been elected, January said race was not the deciding factor in her decision to vote for Obama.

“I would have voted for him anyway. He is such a strong man, and brings a message of hope to this country during a time when there are so many things are going wrong,” January said. “He’s taken on quite a load, and we, as Americans of all race and all color, have to get behind him and do our part to make this change happen.”

Not everyone was so optimistic. Kathy Butaud, 49, of Groves, said she did not believe Obama had the experience behind him to solve the nation’s problems.

She said race had not factored in her dislike for Obama, but did think the country was ready for a black president — just not Obama.

“I don’t like his arrogance, his smugness and the sound of his voice bothers me. I think the country was ready for a black president, but I think Colin Powell would have been a much better choice,” Butaud said.

Bill Lively, 80, of Port Neches, was not happy with the outcome either. He worries that Obama does not have the requisite experience to lead the nation at this difficult time.

“I did not vote for him, not because of race, but because he just did not have the experience. I don’t vote for a party, I vote strictly for the person, and I just don’t think he has the qualifications that are needed right now,” Lively said.

Melanie Wood, 37, of Port Neches disagreed.

“I’m excited by what he has to offer. Race was not an issue at all with me. I did not look at color, but rather at the man,” Wood said.

Minnie Tran, 40, of Port Arthur, described Obama as “exciting.”

Though she voted for John McCain, Tran said she enjoyed seeing the many people come together in unison.

McCain’s speech, she said, also helped bridge the gap between the parties.

“McCain gathered Americans together to be on Obama’s side. His speech was beautiful,” she said.

Kim Beauman Jr., 35, of Port Arthur, voted for Obama for many reasons including his family values.