Only Obama Supporters Allowed

Only Obama Supporters Allowed

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There were a lot of election night parties around Chicago yesterday. At Amazon Salon and Holistic Health Center on the South Side, patrons and friends gathered to watch Barack Obama. Supporters call this just the beginning of an Obama winning streak.

About two dozen people showed up at the natural hair-care salon on 55th and State Street. Most donned Obama buttons and there were no Hillary Clinton supporters in sight.

Amazon Smiley is co-owner of the salon. She said because racism still exists, even an Illinois win for Obama is surprising.

SMILEY: Just to see a black man rise to the heights that Obama has risen. It’s surprising. I guess the nation really does want change and I’m happy about that.

Obama supporter Kojo Hughes was counting the delegates.

HUGHES: We still have a long way to go so I’m a little anxious. I’m not sure what’s going to happen so that’s how I feel right about now.

He added that Obama has a good chance of winning the White House.

The night wasn’t all TV-gazing. Organizers called it a pre-victory party and prepared collard greens and guacamole.

Instead of watching commercials, local jazz singer Maggie Brown and her sister Africa sang about “truth.”

Music fades up and out

I’m Natalie Moore, Chicago Public Radio.