WMBD/WYZZ— Bloomington/Normal— In the Twin Cities, hundreds of people came together at inauguration watch parties.  One of them was at Illinois State University. People filled the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center to witness the event. Students we spoke to say they are excited about the change to come in America.  Others say they hope Obama's inauguration  will encourage diversity.  People also gathered at the UAW Hall in Bloomington, where Obama visited twice during his campaign for U.S. Senate.

"This has truly brought a whole new meaning to African Americans to me," LaDonna Watts said.
 

"I obviously will never forget where I came from or where I was when this happened and it's just phenomenal and I do believe with God’s help he's going to do wonderful getting America back together," Maleka Coopwood said.
 

Everyone we spoke with today says Obama's speech is a step forward for the country, and many say Obama's sentiments made them feel proud to be Americans.