Hate has left the building: A new, respectful (and civilized) era of the U.S. presidency has returned.

A truly peaceful transfer of power

In an inaugural ceremony that seemed as normal as possible, in not-so-normal times, Joseph R. Biden has become the 46^th president of the United States.

Kamala Harris became the country’s first female vice president. 

Harris also become several other ‘firsts’ on Tuesday, January  20, 2021 becoming the first African-American; the first Asian-American; the first graduate of Washington, D.C.’s Howard University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), to become a United States vice president.

It was just two weeks prior that insurrectionists stormed the very place where both were sworn in as servants to “all people” of this country.

Said President Biden,

"From now, on this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago, violence sought to shake the Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power, as we have for more than two centuries.

As we look ahead in our uniquely American way: restless, bold, optimistic, and set our sights on the nation we can be and we must be."

Star power galore

In a day-long (and into the night) inaugural ceremony, those watching from home (due to safety and corona virus protocols) could enjoy the likes of Lady Gaga singing her very theatrical version of the National Anthem;  Garth Brooks singing Amazing Grace;  John Legend’s nighttime, soul-stirring rendition of Nina Simone’s, ‘Feeling Good’ (we believe he truly was), and ending with Katy Perry spectacularly singing her Firework song to the backdrop of fireworks that rivaled any PBS Capital 4^th firework display.

Inaugural Fashion

Fashion will forever be a talking point in any presidential inauguration, period and yesterday did not disappoint.  It’s where a single belt buckle worn by former first lady Michelle Obama; it’s where the color purple (and Harris pearls) was on full display by the new vice president Kamala Harris and another first lady - Hillary Clinton – worn to honor the women’s Suffrage movement; it’s where to the stylish yellow coat and red hair adornment and braids of poet laureate Amanda Gorman set the stage.

// Listen: Oh, the Hill We Climb //

We cannot forget the fashion (or lack thereof) of the men of Inaugural 49.

While president Biden, former presidents and other male dignitaries wore traditional formal attire (suits and classic overcoats), former presidential running mate, Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) opted for a more casual, “keep warm” attire, wearing knitted mittens (not leather gloves) and his going-to-Walmart-to-shop beige, hooded jacket.

Biden cabinet members

As with every new administration, the president selects cabinet members he (or she) feels will best assist him with carrying out the priorities and policies of his (or her) administration.

President Biden has made history, selecting more women and people of color to be cabinet members than any other president. It is reported that Biden has selected more than 60% female and 50% people of color – a notably sharp contrast to the last administration – to serve as members of his cabinet.

Biden has nominated Gen. Lloyd Austin as secretary of Defense; Rep Marcia Fudge (D-OH) as secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Gina Raimondo for Commerce secretary and Janet Yellen for secretary of the Treasury.

All must be confirmed by the Senate.

The president has vowed to fire any of his nominated members if they step out of line, saying, “I will fire you on the spot” if any of them fail to disrespect of the office, and each other. (Wow.)

// Related: Biden replaces Trump nominated Surgeon General Jerome Adams //

You can view the Biden cabinet member list here.

 The First 100 Days in office

President Biden has executed nearly 20 executive actions in his attempt to get the country moving in the right direction.

Per the Biden website, “President Biden will deliver bold action and immediate relief for American families as the country grapples with converging crises.” 

Biden’s list of first priorities as president include healthcare, climate control, racial equality, a COVID-19  plan of action (non-existent in the previous administration), rescinding the Muslim band, immigration and others.

// READ ALSO: What the Biden presidency means to Muslim women | Richmond mayor calls for 'recurring $2,000 monthly checks' until the pandemic ends. //

See the list of items the Biden-Harris administration has already begun addressing, here.

Psaki Taki: A briefing every day, “except Saturday and Sunday.”

A return to normal, daily, press briefings can be expected from the Biden administration, beginning with Wednesday night’s inaugural briefing where Deputy Press secretary Jen Psaki took questions from media to brief them on what is happening and what will be happening within the current administration.  

For months, the former administration deprived media of press briefings and lauded them as ‘fake news’ and ‘enemies of the people.’

Psaki assured the attended media that the Biden administration would have daily press briefings, saying, “We will have daily press briefings, except for Saturday and Sunday. I’m not a monster.”  

Another stark contrast from the previous administration that grew tired (or disinterested) with providing truthful, accurate, (and policy-filled), information.

Take a listen to Psaki as she addresses the media (albeit, maskless) and (not lying about inaugural crowd size. Period).

 Worth noting

The presidential license plate has a LOUD nod for DC statehood.

It should be written that the mayor of D.C. will have a much closer view of the inaugural festivities, and that she (or he) also walk the parade route.  After all, it is her / his city.

Warnock, Pidilla, Ossoff sworn in.

Biden got an awesome November birthday gift; the United States presidency.

Pretty sure this person is eating crow. (Don't they know you don't EVER bet against a Black woman? Especially, an HBCU BW.)

Updated 1/23/2021