By Ida Brown
CNHI News Service

MERIDIAN, Miss. - As hundreds of thousands of people flock to Washington, D.C., to witness the swearing in of the United States' first African American president Tuesday, one civil rights activist has decided to savor the moment in the comfort of his Meridian home.

Editorial: The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.

When Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office on March 4, 1861, he faced a nation torn by ideological differences and economic turmoil.
The newly elected president, recognizing that a civil war was imminent, understood the moment before him.
His inaugural address reflected both his concerns for the future of the country, and his realization that more could be accomplished through working toward common goals than through pointing fingers over areas of disagreement.

Photography and Video by John Flavell. Interviews by Tim Preston and Mike James/The Independent, Ashland, Ky.

By TIM PRESTON
CNHI News Service

ASHLAND, Ky. - The Rev. Harold Moore says Barack Obama's election transcends black and white issues Moore has witnessed throughout his life.
And the coming together started before the presidentidal election.

Two large-screen televisions broadcast an NFL football game Sunday night on the front lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., about 36 hours before Barack Obama will step on stage to take the oath of office as the nation's 44th president. Photo credit Fredie Carmichael/CNHI News Service