Lynn groups celebrate Obama inauguration

LYNN – Gail Thomas could hardly hold in her excitement Tuesday night at the Franco American Club when asked how she felt about President Obama’s inauguration.When asked if she was happy about having a black president, she replied, “Hell yeah!””This is history made today,” said the 49-year-old Lynn mother. “They don’t teach black history in schools. It’s about time we got some color in the White House.”Thomas joined hundreds of people, young and old, across the racial spectrum at the Western Avenue club to celebrate the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.The party featured a video replay of the afternoon inauguration speech and several speakers. It was sponsored by the volunteer group Lynn for Obama, North Shore Labor Council, Neighbor to Neighbor and the IUE-CWA Local 201 union.”I think people are ecstatic,” said Isaac Simon Hodes, a Lynn for Obama volunteer. “They feel like this is a victory and important milestone in the struggle for civil rights, but it’s not the end of the story. People are hungry to continue the movement.”Lynn School Committeewoman Maria Carrasco, who volunteers for Neighbor to Neighbor, said Obama’s election win highlights the possibilities open to today’s youth.”We all have the opportunities. If Obama can make it my grandson can make it,” Carrasco said. “I can see the hope.”Her comments were echoed by Josh Zoia, principal of KIPP Academy charter school, who attended the party with his wife Sharon and their two children.”He (Obama) represents one of our kids grown up,” said Zoia, whose children, like Obama, are biracial. “If someone puts the work in and makes good choices, the possibilities are limitless.”State Rep. Steve Walsh, who was among a handful of elected officials in attendance, including Lynn city councilors Peter Capano and Paul Crowley and school committeewoman Donna Coppola, said it would be great if the excitement for volunteering fostered through Obama’s leadership can continue once the inauguration enthusiasm wears off.”Those who haven’t been active for years or ever before are here tonight and we need their spirit,” Walsh said. “I hope their service and spirit continues on.”While speaking with Thomas, she took a moment to look around the hall and acknowledge how far our society has come.”Look around here. Black and white people are all here united,” Thomas said. “I wish Martin Luther King was alive to see this because he had the dream.”