Why It Matters

Posted January 29, 2009 at 5:43 pm and filed under City. Updated March 12, 2009 at 10:26 am.
Ed Wiley Jr.

Ed Wiley Jr.

Ed Wiley Jr.

Garner resident for two years. Owns Prime Smokehouse restaurant with wife, Yalem.

“It marks a time of unity for the American community. I think for many people like me, as an African-American, at one point during this process it was a big thing to be able to see an African-American president in my lifetime. But most people, at this stage, are to the point where they’re just glad to be able to get on with the problems that face us all: white, black, Asian, Hispanic, whatever their background is. It’s not a Democratic event; it’s not an African-American event-it’s an American event.”

pete-briefs2

Pete Briefs

Pete Briefs

Garner resident for three years. Registered black and Latino voters at Sunny’s Salon in Raleigh, where his wife works.

“The country is in need of serious change. Barack represents that change. I’ve been disappointed in the direction our country has taken. …There is so much corruption. The poor get poorer, and the rich get richer. People get stepped on all the time, and it’s very frustrating to watch. Barack represents a turn from the status quo, and not just because he’s a black man. He inspires people, in the way that you hear about [John F.] Kennedy inspiring people.”

Fran Smithson

Fran Smithson

Fran Smithson

Garner resident since she was 3 years old. Provided sign language interpretation for the Obama campaign through her company, Accessible Languages.

“It’s history in the making, and I’m part of it. I think he will be the one to look at us not as separate groups like Democrats, Republicans, white, black; he will look at us as one people. He’s got a lot to do, but I do believe he’ll get it done. We’re desperate, and we need hope, and he provides that hope. Can’t you see it in people’s faces when they watch him?”

Roddrick Henry

Roddrick Henry

Roddrick Henry

Garner resident for 21 years. Owns Alpha Barbershop on Main Street.

“I hope he addresses the economy first. With the number of people losing their homes, businesses going under and people being laid off, he has got to turn it around for everyone.”

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