Peoria Reacts to Historical Day

WMBD/WYZZ-TV—PEORIA-- K.A.K. Barbershop staff say they did not have to be in Washington, D.C.  to be a part  what they call a "tremendous" new dawn, that's adds new meaning to civil rights.   

For some, the Inauguration marks a day they never expected to witness.

Garrie Allen shares the sentiment.

Allen says his feet are deep rooted in the days of Jim Crow. Spending his younger years taking part in sit-ins, and fighting for civil rights.

 As for whether he expected the notion of a black president to become a reality, “Oh, hecky naw, not in my lifetime! This is a large step, this means you won't look at people color before you look at the issues.”

While President Obama sounds ready to brace our economic, healthcare, and war-related storms, it’s hard to find doubt his ability to lead at K.A.K.

 “I see him as Superman, I think he can do it all, I don't feel like his plate is too full… he can do this, he's free to do these things, to lead us to them, he can't make us, he can take us to the water but we have to drink it,” nodded Allen.

  So as they look to the days ahead with our first African American Commander in Chief, they can't help but think about what this says about racism in the U.S.

“It won't end racism, but it's a big step toward ending racism,” advised Kelly.