Local News
Kenyans excited about Obama presidency
By Patrick McCreless
staff writer
When Steve James called a missionary over in the African country of Kenya to tell him Barack Obama would be the next president of the United States, he was surprised by the response he received.
James, who is director of the Cullman-based Kenya Relief organization, said he called just two minutes after Obama’s win was announced and expected to be the bearer of breaking news.
“Usually communication is delayed over there,” James said. “But when I called, there was screaming and yelling in the background. They (Kenyans) were watching it on BBC and CNN. They had stayed up to watch it ... it was early in the morning for them.”
Kenya Relief is a non-profit organization, the sole purpose of which is to improve the lives of Kenyans. Over the last several years, the group has completed several projects in Kenya such as the construction of an orphanage and a medical clinic.
To the people of Kenya, James said Obama, whose father was Kenyan, is practically their president.
“He could certainly get elected president Kenya,” James said. “They are so proud. They love America and they love Obama.”
After the election, James said the country declared a national holiday in honor of Obama.
“They had a day of celebration,” he said. “They let all the children out of school.”
James noted that Kenyans across the board are united in their love for Obama, which he said is an unusual situation for a country known for its tribal warfare.
“All the tribes are proud of him, it has united them, which is something they really needed, especially with the violence back in January,” James said.
Hundreds of Kenyans were killed early this year in riots spurred by ethnic violence, which resulted from their country’s highly contested presidential election.
‰ Patrick McCreless can be reached by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
- Local News
-
-
Top-ranked Bearcats feel same old blues on road in Russellville
Four turnovers. Two missed field goals. Several blown assignments.
Not many teams can survive that many miscues in the playoffs. Top-ranked Cullman found that out Friday night, getting upended 42-14 at No. 5 Russellville in the Class 5A quarterfinals. -
Top-ranked Bearcats feel same old blues on road in Russellville
Four turnovers. Two missed field goals. Several blown assignments.
Not many teams can survive that many miscues in the playoffs. Top-ranked Cullman found that out Friday night, getting upended 42-14 at No. 5 Russellville in the Class 5A quarterfinals. -
Train vs. car, no one injured
Sean Hart, 32, had driven County Road 917 at least a hundred times to reach his Johnson’s Crossing home, but Thursday afternoon was different.
-
Wrong number leads to drug arrest
If you’re calling someone to set up a drug buy, it’s important to make sure you dial the correct number first.
-
Taste of Cullman event raises $8,000
The annual Taste of Cullman event raised approximately $8,000 for the Cullman County United Way Tuesday night.
-
School H1N1 clinics to start Mon.
Local schools will begin hosting free H1N1 swine flu vaccine clinics next week for elementary students.
-
Farm family recognized at annual banquet
Sam and Cynthia Black and family were honored as the 2010 Farm family of the year at the annual Farm-City Banquet Thursday evening at the Cullman Civic Center.
-
Annual Farm-City banquet Thursday at Cullman Civic Center
The Farm-City Banquet will be Thursday at the Cullman Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.
-
Commissioner takes Smith Lake water proposal to town council
County commissioner Wayne Willingham addressed West Point’s town council Monday evening regarding the county’s proposed Smith Lake water project.
-
LePard trial pushed to Dec.
The trial for Derrick LePard, a former Cold Springs teacher accused of extortion and attempting to produce obscene matter of a child, should move forward in early December.
-
County commission not satisfied with city Duck River contract
The Cullman County Commission will not sign onto the city’s Duck River water plan until certain aspects of the project contract are addressed.
- More Local News Headlines
-
