I had the privilege of having a role in the Election Night Rally last night in Grant Park. Being given the opportunities I have been given this past year and a half has been a profound honor, and I can only say that last night was a beautiful commencement of the next chapter in American history.

My job last night was to work the entrance of the VIP area, coaching the attendees on getting through security and on to their appropriate tents. The people who walked past included a who's who of politics, music, Hollywood, and of course, Oprah, who has a category entirely unto herself. What surprised me was the way these celebrities conducted themselves last night. Everyone saw Jesse Jackson sobbing on TV as the first African American was elected, but what you missed was Oprah asking one of our Advance team members for the returns like a giddy school girl, Brad Pitt standing on his tiptoes with his arm raised high over his head to take photos of Barack from a less than advantageous viewing spot, and any number of recognizable guests grabbing the strangers around them in hugs and high fives.

As I sat there sobbing, particularly when Barack spoke of his grandmother and the other people in his life who did not live to see his triumph, random people came up to me with matching tears of joy. We hugged, we laughed at how maudlin we were, and we congratulated each other on our triumph. This solidarity was echoed throughout Grant Park and onto the streets of Chicago, where hundreds of thousands of people spilled out to participate in history.

Prior to the rally, there had been speculation as to how our fair city would respond to the election results. Forty years ago, the Democratic Convention in Chicago escalated into a riot in the same spot where Barack gave his acceptance speech. Sports championships have resulted in flipped cars and looting. Last night, though, the weight of history being made sat on the shoulders of all who attended and peace prevailed.

Last night, Barack Obama reminded us that this election was about all of us-not just those of us who cast votes for him, but for every American. I truly hope that those of us who were inspired by him to participate in this election in any capacity maintain the momentum we have created and continue to change the world.The reaction of the crowd gives me hope that we will.

I have always viewed myself as racially sensitive, but having adopted Teagan just two weeks ago, I have found myself looking at this election differently. When the election was called, I found myself immediately thinking about how Obama's presidency will affect my African American daughter. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" echoed through my mind and I believe that this election has brought my daughter closer to being judged on the content of her character rather than the color of her skin. She will be able to grow up in a country where the citizens have chosen an African American President and will not have to grow up believing that her race will prevent her from accomplishing anything.

This year, January 20 was the worst day of my life when Seamus died. Next year, January 20 will be one of my best, when Barack Hussein Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America.