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Students gather on Broadway and West 115th Street outside Columbia University (Photograph by Daniella Zalcman on Flickr)
On this historic night where Barack Obama was elected the next president of the United States, New Yorkers celebrated in some organized and some spontaneous gatherings. There was a planned gathering at Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and 125th in Harlem--and thousands were there, cheering and celebrating (one reporter said sanitation workers were joining in the revelry). We're hearing about large crowds up by Columbia University (Broadway & 115th), Times Square (47th & Broadway), and the East Village (Avenue A & St. Mark's) and some bottle throwing major revelry (see below) in Williamsburg (N 7th & Bedford).
Rikomatic took this video of a huge American flag that was unfurled in Union Square. He writes that afterwards, "I rolled my bike home to Brooklyn, people were cheering and celebrating on the streets everywhere, cars were honking their horns, restaurants and bars were full of revelers."
Update: We've added more photographs of celebrations to the gallery. Here's video from Harlem Hybrid (who has more photos, too)--taken in Harlem at the moment when Obama was declared the winner--we dare you not get teary!
And reader Stephanie tells us what happened in Williamsburg:
Just wanted to give you a heads up - there wasn't any bottle throwing in Williamsburg. We did light fireworks and sparklers, some people got naked on top of phone booths, we hit a pinata and collected the candy, danced in the street, followed a trumpeter around the streets, and blocked traffic.. but the only bottles that broke were ones that fell out of an overstuffed garbage can.And Brian at FreeWilliamsburg gives this account:
Some would call it a riot, but even the cops tonight realized that things were cool. It was the most celebratory street take-over I've experienced, sans-broken shit, and up until I left there was no threat of police violence, overturned cars, broken bottles, or anything. I hope I don't wake up and see that changed. (Ed note: When I left, there was a definite impending police presence that threatened to turn uncomfortable, should the crowd had chosen to stick around...)Here's video of cheering in Park Slope, via Brit in Brooklyn:The thing is, though, everybody was having a great time. There were the bongo kids, hanging just off the southeast corner of No. 7th and Bedford, with a healthy crowd of improvisers keeping things going. There were the wealthy roofians, perched out on their 50k a foot overhang porch cheering the crowd on. The bodega dudes couldn't be missed - they sold out on tall-boys shortly after I grabbed my Bud. I spoke with a few screaming people, but in general, our conversations were drowned out by the constant refrain of "Obama! Obama! Obama!". And who the f*k is gonna mess with that?
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Anyone know if anything is planned for tomorrow? (Wednesday)
What a glorious mood. It reminds me of the euphoria and elation of almost 20 years ago, the night the Berlin Wall fell. Ich bin ein Amerikaner.
While there was a couple of bottles thrown at Bedford and N.7 St, it was totally precipitated by the NYPD showing up in full riot gear, ready for battle.
There was a celebratory crowd, cheering in the streets for Obama, the USA and generally very positive. When the NYPD decided to shut the impromptu street party down, they were violent, obnoxious and entirely out of line.
I, for one, will be filing a complaint with my councilman.
It is tragic that the city feels the need to put down peaceful, happy celebrations like this one. Have we learned nothing since the "police riots" of 1968 that took place in the very park where our first black president spoke just a few hours ago?
Terrible.
this goes down as one of the best nights, and easily one of the most memorable, that i've had in new york city. the mood on the streets was pure jubilation.
Finally America didnt F-uck this one up
I'm writing from Germany, stayed up all night to see the results. I sent my absentee ballot to Scranton, Pennsylvania and now at my desk at 9am, I am holding back tears.
Words fail me, I wish I could be there and just scream with everybody.
It took 8 years for common sense to prevail. Finally an exciting politician.
Fuck you Ides of March, Fuck you Ides of March, Fuck you Ides of March
I was up in Harlem and it was the shit!
Funny story though, I saw a jam band on the sidewalk at 1:50 AM, with a trumpet and a bunch of drums and stuff like that… lots of dancers, lots of people… they seemed to be going strong so I took the ten minute walk back to my apt to grab my trombone, ten minute walk back and at 2:10 AM the streets were EMPTY and everyone had gone home. Apparently the "fuzz" had decided that 2 AM was the cutoff for the party and they sent everyone home. Seems reasonable to me, actually, since people live around there and kids need to get to sleep… I don't think there were any altercations with the law.
our bar had the BUSIEST NIGHT EVER! obama!!!
I live in Harlem and I'm just glad I can sleep through anything. A few gunshots woke me up though. Somebody should have told them to keep it down; the middle class has got to go to work today to pay for the socialism the poor, lazy, and wealthy just enacted.
It was awesome in union square. fucking awesome. Did anyone notice that fox brought out all the liberal pundits and had a really soft tone last night? all the right wing dicks were cowering in their boots.
Bye Bye Wingnuts...so Glad to see you Go
You Lost East River
Oh Happy Day
To have been back in Harlem last night, or anywhere in the city for that matter, would have made an already amazing event that much more special. But I think no matter where you were, November 4, 2008 is a night to remember for a very long time.
Congrats Obama and America!
Nice scene in Harlem around the state office building. People were dancing, crying, cheering
G_d Bless America
In Bed Stuy -
The neighborhood celebrated with cheers, horns, and victory gun shots.
The phones tied up so it took 50-some tries before any call of mine would go through.
Finally, we're overwhelmed with victory and hope!
All of a sudden, I'm very calm. I guess it's because the cowboy will be gone soon and the country will head in the right direction.
Fritzdecat said
You Lost East River
You just reconfirmed your moron status. Not that it's any of your business but I voted for Obama.
I had a feeling Fort Greene was going to be another great neighborhood to spend election night in and, not surprisingly as soon as the election was called for Obama (towards the end of the live Daily Show coverage, before 11pm, we almost thought it was a joke when Jon Stewart called it) people ran into the streets cheering and jumping. There was a really great environment in the air, people of all ages, races, social classes, etc; it was a real demonstration of the spirit of oneness and unity that Obama stands for and it was definitely the most exhilarating thing I've ever experienced in New York. The cops were really respectful and even MTA busses and Garbage Trucks were driving down Dekalb and honking their horns. There wasn't anyone on the streets who wasn't celebrating and had a giant grin on their faces and there was some serious celebratory smooching going on too...
I wonder if anyone got any One Election Night Stand action?
I voted for Obama but let's celebrate when there's ACTUAL change. Right now it's nothing but political lip service. When I can buy health insurance for $200 a month, when my taxes are lowered and when the economy rebounds I'll actually believe the hype.
I voted for Obama but let's celebrate when there's ACTUAL change. Right now it's nothing but political lip service.
This is what I have been saying for almost a year. Around these parts the intellectual giants equate this with being a neocon.
I wouldn't hold my breath on that tax cut. Even George H. W. Bush said "no new taxes" and he ended up raising them.
(top of story) President of the United StateS (plural)...
your exhausted but happy de-facto proofreader
#21, this is still America, not NeverNeverLand.
#21, this is still America, not NeverNeverLand.
I like how Obama started to ratchet down expectations during his speech last night. Things like "it might take more than one term" made me chuckle.
It's National Be Late To Work (Or Don't Even Come In At All) If You're An African-American Day!
When you don't get your way in an election writing racist comments on a messageboard is a good way to make oneself feel better.
125th St. was off the hook! Jeremy Piven, Rangel and DL Hughley were awesome...pics and vids on the blog:
http://harlemhybrid.blogspot.com
Congrats to all!
@#27
where are people writing racist comments? i can't find them anywhere.
a black man was just elected president and you're gonna pull the race card? really?
weak
congrats to obama. he ran the superior campaign and has much more to offer. and this from a right leaning independent voter.
I knew I shouldn't have logged in this morning to read the reactions. Now that I have, my state of euphoria will not be tarnished by the negativity that is already surfacing. America has waited a very long time for something to be happy about. There have been terrorist attacks, wars, and economic upheavals that have depressed this nation. I am so grateful that the nation voted the way it did. I am thrilled that there was celebration in the streets. People have had enough, I know I have.
I'm going to explain this in star wars. Last night emperor palpatine was thrown into a fiery reactor chasm were he blew up into a blue mist and then luke and leia celebrated with bunch of midgets in monkey costumes! that's how it felt.
all negativity comes from the losers -oh surprise...
Change is difficult specially for those the breath cynicism and have made all political choices supported in fear.
It is probably very frustrating that after launching their best effort ever in a POINT OF SALE vice-president strategy it did not stick
Matty, if that was meant for me, you're horribly wrong. Nothing I said was racist. It was just observational from what happened in my workplace this morning. Even though I voted for the Libertarian candidate, as an American born in the South, I'm proud to have a black man as President. This country has come a long way in 40 years, but there is still a long way to go. Just look at the political map from last night. It looks a LOT like a map of the Civil War.
Well this white man is also going to be late for work.
Well, Obama has his chance now. Dems have control of congress and the white house.
No one to blame but themselves if they fuck this up.
^ #36, we're 8 years into the mess that bush lead us into. I hope we can get out in four.
Congratulations Obama, and congratulations America.
The Republican Party is shrinking badly now. I predict third party status by 2016.
Oh, so now the work begins. No excuses now...
now begins four years of liberals partying, drinking, whoring and not getting any work done. Goodbye economy, hello the dawn of the 'mad max' era.
Go to hell East River
You never offer anything compelling with your Right Wing nastiness
re: #41:
Wait...Dad, is that you? I think my 71 year-old father in Montana has signed up as a Gothamist commenter!
#28: Jeremy Piven? WTF?!
I raced down to Times Square last night to hear President-Elect Obama's acceptance speech (. Traffic was at a standstill.
The mood was jubilant, lots of high fiving and hugging everywhere! The police (not in riot gear) were firm but respectful. The only time there was a problem when they used a bullhorn to tell people to get off a crane.
The failed Republican Ideology expired officially last night!
Massively, the educated, aware and progressive americans of all circles, said no to republicans and their "ways".
Lets hope now Obama and the democrats do a good job for the country. It cannot get any worse than the GOP, right? We can only go up from here.
Piven was hilarious! But DL Hughley's speech was hair-raising. Just an awesome, awesome time!
PS BabyHitler you are hilarious!!!
now you are all making me feel bad cause I did not step out into the street.
I celebrated by myself, shed a tear or two, saw the speech, went to be... with a smile on my face for a change.
This white guy was late to work this morning because he was drinking champagne with his neighbors and then staying up half the night to read overseas newspapers online.
The streets of the UWS erupted with noise at 11PM even though it was obvious hours earlier that Obama had it in the bag. People were in the streets. Even the cops were celebrating, rolling four at a time down Columbus Avenue with lights and sirens on (and no, not to bust anybody).
The light just appeared at the end of the tunnel. Bye-bye Republican assholes!
These spontaneous celebrations were definitely breaking some disturbing the peace laws. I had to call 311 so many times and tried to put a halt to them with threats of citizen arrests! Hardworking and decent people have to get up early to work you know, unlike the moronic hipster artists and jobless welfare recipients making noises all night long!
Liberals better enjoy the next 4 years while they can, that's if BHO doesn't get impeached first!
Down in the East Village, it was nuts. Good nuts, not scary nuts.
The best moment was this whole flock of cabs-- maybe 10 of them, honking and waving to the people in the street.
I have never seen anything like last night in my whole life. Incredible.
#37 I hope we can get out of the hole in the next _20_ years. This wasn't just Bush's doing (though he certainly made it worse). I was pro-clinton (and never voted for Bush -- any Bush) but even I realize Clinton managed to get out right before shit hit the fan. So really, this is kinda similar to the situation Bush was handed (economically) except that its much, much worse now.
So, good luck Obama. I hope you are as good as everyone thinks you are. Also, remember that the phase "well it can't get any worse than it is now" is the ultimate in hubris. It can _always_ get worse, no matter what the situation.
#43: It's me son. How are thing going at work? Are you still seeing that nice Italian girl? Are you coming home for Thanksgiving?
You all are idiots. Yep wanted Obama now you have him good luck with that by the way. He will take you for the ride of your life. I have never seen such a bunch of uninformed unknowing and really uncaring people forever. I am ashamed of us as Americans and the ones who voted for him blindly not caring who he is or what he stands for. What the heck is wrong with you. well now we can watch the Great Obama take us to hell. Can not wait to hear what you have to say then. I believe we have reached a low. Unbelievable. I am so sick and shocked. I will never say anything good about this freak. I have put hours into reading about him his past what he believes in and what he wants, too bad you all did not do this too. Well when the koolaid wears off and reality sinks in, it will be hahahaha on you. But unfortunantly me too. If by chance you do believe in God, nows the time to start praying....
#55
What policies and beliefs do you have problems with? What'd you read? We know it wasn't Strunk and White, b/c that post doesn't even have complete sentences.
yep the one up there that said 3rd party is right we will be a communist country in no time. and as for this stupid comment. really speaks for itself.....
t's National Be Late To Work (Or Don't Even Come In At All) If You're An African-American Day!
up on top there some one put God Bless America! But wait Obamas good friend Rev Wright said God Damn America! Remenber. I hope you all are celebrating in the streets in about a year when this all goes to hell.
Whew, you're right. Good thing nobody voted for Reverend Wright for president or we might be in trouble.
se8332, my comment was not supposed to be anything other than a flippant joke. I can't help it that your hate and bile have taken over your entire mind, body, and soul to the point that you won't listen to reason and be a patriot who will support the President. You would rather fling feces at those you disagree with than sit down with them and find a middle ground to work out your differences. It's sad.
Ok listen I will go slow. I am not full of hate. I do not spew anything. I research about these people and what I came up with about your president is scary. Thats just facts. I love my country unlike your president,in his own words. And we mise well have voted for Rev Wright, he will be right there advising, you can put money on that. I am a lover of debate so no I like to hear other peoples opinions. Thas what they are is opinions and beliefs. I am all about it but unless we address the situation then how do we discuss it. And by the way NO I will not support this president. I stick by my beliefs. This guy is going to take us all places we sure do not want to be. Lets remember this and in a bout a year we can discuss it again.He has too many associates of not good character. But you of course will not even take the time yourself to go and read some facts. Thats all I am saying is just read about stuff. I have my problems with McCain also. We should just clean out the whole bunch of the government and start over. Take the control we are supposed to have. So when you are sick and tired of having less money, more socialism and control of us then tell me how you feel. This is your future.And I am from Minnesota and we are the worst non thinking saps ever. Thats why we are called the nanny state. So I am a patriot, love my country and "So Far" we still have freedom of speach. But just give them a minute we won't have that either. So if I am wrong I sure will be big enough to say I am. OK.I do not hate anyone. I am concerned for my future and country.So agian please look up Bill Ahrs, Rev Wright, Saul Alinsky and what they believe and if they are associated with Obama. Well Alinsky is dead know but what his beliefs were. If you can read and think they are good people and Obama should be associated with them then I guess you just are going to think everything is ok. So if I led you to believe I am a hater I am not. I am a learner. I like to be informed before I jump into something. So I read up and looked into past writings and did not jump.
se8332, I didn't vote for him. I voted for Barr because I COMPLETELY AGREE with you on this point: “We should just clean out the whole bunch of the government and start over.” To me, the only way to vote in real change is to go a different way than the norm, which are the Democraps and Republicants.
Am I happy Obama won? Not as much as I would have been had Barr won. Am I happy that it wasn't McCain? Yes! I'm sick of Republicans saying they are for less government and lower taxes when all they want to do is use government to control us (Patriot Act) and others (higher taxes to pay for whatever war they are funding at the moment). I’m also sick of Democrats being whiners and .
I know Obama has some shady acquaintances. Hell, who doesn't. He hasn’t even started yet and you are judging him based on who he knows. If we were all judged because of who we know, we’d all end up in some corner of hell. Being wary of him is good and smart, but this country needs for everybody, no matter what political party or philosophy or whatever, to come together and support him so that we can try and heal what has happened to us over the past 8 years. Wait until he’s in office and has fucked something up. Then you can jump up and down and say “I told you so.”
Hey this is to Zackly..I want to say that our police as you can hear will be the first to be cut, so when crime goes up "MORE" then whine then, as for the police doing their job, they do great. It is always people like you Liberals that complain about their actions well let something happen to you or your friends or family.Then what. We need more police and to let them do there jobs. Remember they are reacting to people doing something wrong in the first place.And for your first Black president well thats why racism continues, you can't just say president. And actually he is white also. If you want to get technical. And I have to say again good luck with him. Cut some more police. And take more of our money. You will see. It will be quite the ride. And how sad for the ones who saw him for what he is, we have to suffer along with you. So cheer in the streets. I would like that much passion when 911 happened or people every day get killed here in America. The money he spent on his so needed TV ad 3 million he could have helped a lot of people and problems. How nice of him. Bow to your king. I can bow to more deserving people than him. So of course it does not surprise me you guys are already whining about police brutality or some such crap. Liberal idiots. Blinded by the ho hum of it all.