On November 4, 2008, nearly a quarter of a million people filled Chicago Illinois' Grant Park chanting "Yes We Can." From a gigantic television screen, Wolf Blitzer announced that "CNN can now project that Barack Obama, 47 years old, will become the president-elect of the United States." He added, "This little-known U.S. Senator ... will be the first African-American president of the United States."
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Early arrivers to the Election Night event, cross Michigan Avenue in Chicago IL to wait for the election results in Grant Park.
Night falls in Chicago prior to announcement of the election results
The Chicago skyline is the background for people arriving at the Grant Park event.
Merchandise for sale at the event.
The moment the Obamas appeared on stage, the crowd reacted with shrieks of delight and raised hands.
The Stage in lower right where the Obamas appeared to greet the crowd.
A blogger writes her story as the live events unfolded.
Above photos by Sherry Hutson