Ida Edwards of Petersburg, Virginia was picked as one of just eight citizen co-chairs for the inaugural events.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee chose eight Americans whose personal stories represent a policy President Obama is championing. Besides being an advocate for the president’s health care law, Edwards is also a bridge to a sad chapter in the nation’s history.
“I lived through the civil rights movement and that was a lot of experiences that I don’t want anyone else to have to go through.”
Edwards says the president’s story is inspiring for generations to come.
“And so you know he gives hope. I have grandchildren and great grandchildren, and I want everybody’s children to have the fair chance to realize their dreams.”
Edwards was here for the 2009 inauguration, but as a citizen co-chair she’s getting a closer seat this time…riding in the parade and even getting some face time with the president last week.
“I’m just so honored to meet him, and because of my parents never realizing or believing a black president – that we could have one – and then I get to be a part of it and be in the Oval Office with him. It’s overpowering.”
–Matt Laslo
Virginia Public Radio 