The Inauguration

By Sabine Atwell

I was at home watching everything on television. I came to this country as the young German-born bride of an Afro-American soldier, Fred Atwell, whom I married in Germany in 1963 where he was stationed. Our marriage would not have been legal in many states at that time, something that was not clear to me nor did it matter much. I came to this country in 1965 and through my husband became very committed to Democratic politics. My husband went to college after his service and became very active in Nevada politics of the early 70ies. He was the youngest and only black delegate from Washoe County, Nevada to the convention in Miami where Mc Govern lost, disastrously. He always believed that such a day would come and was committed to peaceful change. He died of leukemia in 1973 at the age of 32.

I have a son, Brian F. Atwell, who is a successful businessman now, married with two wonderful children. Just as Barack, I raised Brian a very international climate with many trips to Europe and other parts of the world. He was also lucky that my second husband raised him like a son and they are very close to this day. I credit Fred for getting me interested in politics and understanding its significance it can make in peoples' lives.

My entire family including the grandchildren were thrilled and moved that day. We will never forget it.