2008 Election Night at Seattle’s Oldest Private Black Social Club
posted by on November 5 at 16:35 PM
When the Stranger Election Control Board asked me to go to Columbia City, to watch the election results come in at The Royal Esquire Club, um, I have to admit, I was a little nervous. The Royal Esquire is Seattle’s oldest-running members-only black social club. As we were driving there, I wondered what a room full of African American men (who might look like THIS, only in front of a television) - I wondered what they might think when I came be-bopping into the room.
I mean, I look like this. That’s me in the middle…
I was on assignment with Lindy West. Also female, also blonde. It definitely didn’t help matters that when we stopped at Wendy’s on the way there, to grab some quick fast food, an angry Native American in a wheelchair rolled up to the drive-thru, up our to car window, and yelled “HONKYS!” super frickin’ loud.
But all the nervousness was for not. It wasn’t just a men’s club - there were women, kids, old, and young. Everyone was kind and friendly, and when those results came in, and Obama took the Presidency, I couldn’t think of another place I would have rather been, anywhere. Two ladies with tears streaming down their faces grabbed me and we alternately held hands and jumped up and down, then hugged and kissed each other like great old friends. It completely surprised and absolutely inspired me. I couldn’t believe no one batted an eye when I blurted out “WE DID IT! WE DID IT!”
But then again, I suppose we ALL did do “it”.
There’s been a million videos on SLOG, I know. But here’s the video we made there last night. Please watch it. I promise, it’s a pretty good one…
"who ordered the chalk?"
What's your shirt say?
I fucking love Wendy's. Also, you're fabulous.
"Was for not" is not a real phrase. It should be "was for naught."
I bet you think that the second word in those yellow "Deer Xing" signs is a word, and is pronounced, "Zing."
That is all.
kelly, is that cum in your eye?
that video made me cry again. oh happy day!
So wonderful - thank you!
Did anyone else see George Jefferson?
OK, I did lose it just a little bit at about 2:57: "...'cause I remember my teacher telling me I could grow up to be President, and I was like 'yeah, right.' "
#2 - Friends in NYC made the shirt. MORE HERE. It's a play off of THIS...
great job kelly.
Thanks Kelly, like I haven't cried enough over the last two days...
To bad the website only takes PayPal. Otherwise I would have purchased one.
I've cried more in the past 24 hours than I have in a long, long time. Good grief! What a day it's been.
The fact they played one Stevie Wonder song makes them better than 70% of the clubs in this town.
And I loved "girlfriend." He's fun.
I was just thinking about what the young man was saying and thought about all those kids who will be 18 by the next election. If we can continue this generational shift and get them as excited as all the other young folks were about this election, just imagine the impact. I felt it last night, truly, this is a generational shift. Gen X, you have elected one of your own, along with the tremendous support of the Ys and Millenials. Stay involved people, rest up and continue the effort of last night. This is a beautiful beginning.
Awesome Kelly O.
You look amazing Kelly!
Excellent Job Kelly!