Much of history has been written in the form of letters. So how will future generations remember the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States? It is sure to be the most recorded presidential swearing-in ever, captured by a million cell phones and cameras of every sort. But what words from the day will survive, beyond Obama's address? NEWSWEEK asked descendants of key figures in civil rights history to write letters to their ancestors describing their thoughts and feelings about Jan. 20, 2009. And to add to the record, we've collected letters from students and notable figures to Obama, and discussed the power of words with will.i.am and the inaugural poet. Be a part of our time capsule, by writing your own letter to your (current or future) grandchildren below.
BEYOND WORDS
NEWSWEEK asked readers to submit letters describing their feelings on Jan. 20, 2009. A selection of those reflections.
BEYOND WORDS
NEWSWEEK asked readers to write letters to their grandchildren describing their feelings on Jan. 20, 2009. A selection of those reflections.
BEYOND WORDS
NEWSWEEK asked readers to submit their thoughts describing their feelings on Jan. 20, 2009. Here are some of the poems we received.
INAUGURATION
A poem for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration.
BEYOND WORDS
Though it's been eclipsed by new technologies, there is nothing as valuable or revelatory as a good letter. So how will future generations remember this moment in history?
BEYOND WORDS
The abolitionist's descendants write to the ancestor on the occasion of Barack Obama's inauguration.
BEYOND WORDS
Descendants of educator Booker T. Washington write to their ancestor on the occasion of Barack Obama's inauguration.
BEYOND WORDS
Students at an elementary school in Harlem write letters to President-elect Barack Obama.
Q&A
NEWSWEEK talks to Barack Obama's inaugural poet about the new president and crafting a poem for his swearing in.
BEYOND WORDS
Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am talks about Barack Obama, inspiration and that legendary slogan, 'Yes We Can.'
LETTERS
The author of 'The Color Purple' cautions Obama not to lose himself, or his soul, to the burdens of the office.
BEYOND WORDS
A descendant of Dred Scott writes to her ancestor on the occasion of Barack Obama's inauguration.
BEYOND WORDS
A descendant of Sally Hemings writes to Thomas Jefferson on the occasion of Barack Obama's inauguration.
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Rapper and actor LL Cool J's advice to Barack Obama.
HOW HE DID IT 2008
BEYOND WORDS
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