South Coast supporters of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris celebrated with signs and music at a Route 6 intersection in New Bedford Wednesday morning, a few hours before the inauguration.
Carleen Cordwell, of New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard, said she feels victorious.
“I feel that we are on the healing side of hope,” she said, “and that we will become — because we're not there yet — become the America we are intended to be.”
She joined a group of about 15 people at the corner of Routes 6 and 140 by Buttonwood Park.
Paula Fletcher of Fairhaven could hardly contain herself.
“This is a wonderful day of change,” she said. “I am just so excited and so hopeful.”
From a phone connected to a speaker came songs of empowerment: Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”; Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up”; Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”; and “Just a Girl” by No Doubt.
At least two-thirds of the group were women, including Jeanne Costa of New Bedford.
“I'm feeling more powerful,” she said. “I'm feeling more secure in this wonderful election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. And I just hope — and I know — that they'll be able to bring this country back together again, the way it was when Obama left.”
Mike Miller of New Bedford said he was glad to see the day come.
“I feel like the war is ended, and now we can get on with our lives,” he said. “I really do. This is amazing.”
Passing drivers honked their horns — most apparently in support, although one raised his middle finger. Joggers from the park waved and pumped their fists.
The event was organized by local Democratic committees, the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council, activist group We Won’t Go Back, and the Coalition for Social Justice.
