On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States and Kamala Harris as the 49th Vice President set forth a new page for the United States. For some, the inauguration served as a turning point after the chaos of 2020.
From COVID-19 to the DC riots, many pressing issues surrounded this transfer of power. This year’s inauguration saw a far different dynamic than those from previous years. Most notably, the event was heavily fortified with a substantial amount of security, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the streets lacked the usual inundation of citizens.
Despite these untraditional circumstances, Biden demonstrated a sense of dignity and remained calm and collected throughout his inaugural address. Biden emphasized the importance of restoring unity throughout the nation, especially given the recent political upheaval the nation has witnessed. He stated that “to overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: Unity. Unity.” By reaching out to those who did not vote for him, Biden called for collective action from the American people to continuously improve the United States. He also established urgent priorities and discussed thorny issues such as COVID-19, racial injustice, climate change, domestic extremism, and white supremacy.
The inauguration welcomed a variety of singers and politicians who captivated the public. Artists such as Lady Gaga, Garth Brooks, and Jennifer Lopez took the stage with breathtaking music and style. Former Vice President Mike Pence attended, while Former President Donald Trump chose not to. Previous presidential families such as the Obamas, Clintons, and Bushes also made notable appearances. The strikingly bold and elegant attire of several of the attendees received positive reception from the general public.
Unforgettably, Amanda Gorman, the youngest ever inaugural poet, impressed the public with her fervent poetry. The poem she presented, “The Hill We Climb,” rapidly became a talking point of the inauguration. While Gorman exclaimed, “When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?,” she battled with topics of grief and recovery, themes heavily prominent in America today.
Within the GA community, the impact of the inauguration radiated throughout the halls. The GA library and some teachers broadcasted the event. Many GA students were allowed to watch the inauguration in class and discuss the event throughout the following week. This transfer of power serves as a historic moment for America as the nation perseveres through the challenges ahead.
Works Cited:
https://www.npr.org/2021/01/21/958981628/6-takeaways-from-president-bidens-inauguration
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2021/01/20/biden-inauguration-speech/