Classroom Publication

In one of the most aggressively contested elections -- the Achievement Academy Charter School didn’t disappoint. New York State polls for this Presidential Election were open from 6 A.M. to 9 P.M; the school couldn’t lock their doors until 9:30.

Outside of the building is “Achievement Academy Charter School”; a noble title encased into concrete with the words illuminated in fluorescent red. Beyond the two main entrance doors stood the two voting booths.  The floors were made of orange and white tiles and the hallway had different college pennants pinned to the walls as if to encourage all who enter to aspire to greatness.  Two fold up tables were set in front of the booths, flooded with papers, all which are filled with voting information.  At some points during the night, eager voters wrapped around the tables waiting for America to hear their voices.

Operating the two booths were four middle-aged African American women.  “Hi, what can I do for ya?” was what the women said constantly to all of the dedicated voters.

Virginia Williams who is from Albany, was the woman taking the most initiative and her outfit said it all before she even spoke.  She was dressed with an all bright orange sweat suit and had her hair cut short and dyed to an auburn color.

“It’s all in the hands of God,” proclaimed Virginia, as she spoke with voters.  “Whatever happens is approved by God and he knows best.”

After the voting was finally closed, all of the women took their time closely counting each and every single vote.  They broke up into groups of two, although Williams was still overlooking all of the vote counters. 

At 42 South Dove St. Senator Barack Obama received a whopping amount of votes, 84%. According to AOL News, Albany County voted 63% in favor for Senator Obama.

When packing their things up, they had the television on CBS News.  At this point in time the room was silent and all that was heard was the voice of the news anchor.  Obama had just won Pennsylvania; one of the “swing” states.  The four women obviously interested in the election all let out a cheerful scream.  At that point in time the four African American women knew that this could be one historical night in American history.

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