Governor Deval Patrick
Historic inauguration draws thousands

Serghino René

Deval Patrick, the first African American to be elected as governor and only the second in American history, takes the oath of office today amid a weeklong celebration considered to be one of the most inclusive in state history.

The historical significance of this inauguration is underscored by the symbolic use of the Mendi Bible, given to John Quincy Adams by the group of Africans he defended in 1841 before the U.S. Supreme Court in a landmark case that resulted in freedom for those aboard the slave ship Amistad.

“This Bible comes from an extraordinary moment in the history of the Commonwealth, the nation and the world,” said Beverly Morgan-Welch, co-chair of the Inaugural Committee. “The Amistad case was a giant step forward for the abolitionist movement and recognized the basic humanity of enslaved people in America. It is now fitting and proper that we honor it now as part of this historic inaugural.”

The inauguration marks the first time the Mendi Bible has ever been used in an official ceremony in Massachusetts.

“The Amistad story is our reminder of the impact one individual can have on society and the importance of ‘civic engagement,’” said Marianne Peak, Superintendent of the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy. “These ideals of active citizenship, patriotism and the lifelong commitment of service to country… are as relevant in 2007 as they were in l84l.”

Patrick’s inauguration is deemed to be one of the biggest and most expensive in the state’s history, costing more than $1 million.

The total cost isn’t final yet, but Patrick’s inaugural committee has repeatedly explained that corporate donors and ticket sales, not the taxpayers, are footing the bill.

The use of the Mendi Bible is not the only unusual inaugural detail. In the past, the new governor has been sworn in and delivered the inaugural address inside the House chamber. Breaking from that tradition, for the first time in state history the governor’s oath of office and inaugural address will occur outdoors, in front of the State House.

To accommodate the thousands of anticipated spectators, Patrick plans to open the State House to the public, install big-screen televisions throughout Boston Common and set up an outdoor stage in order to enable the 200 members of the Legislature to attend his swearing in.

After he addresses the crowd, Patrick is expected to move to the State House’s Grand Staircase, where he will greet members of the public one by one.

“Deval Patrick and Tim Murray have pledged to open state government and reach out to people across this commonwealth who may feel detached from their state government,” said Morgan-Welch. “This is a first step in that direction. More importantly, we are taking the inaugural to the people to celebrate our state’s great history, traditions and promising future.”

L. Douglas Wilder, former governor of Virginia and now mayor of Richmond, is scheduled to attend the inauguration. Wilder served as a state senator representing Richmond from 1969 to 1985, and in 1990 became the first African American to be elected governor since Reconstruction.

According to tradition, the incoming and departing governor meet prior to the inaugural ceremony and several traditional items are passed from the departing and to the new governor. The departing governor exits the State House on “the lone walk” through the front door of the State House and the incoming governor then proceeds to the inaugural ceremony.

This year, it won’t happen like that. Mitt Romney instead took the symbolic walk last night. The ceremonial exchange of gifts between the incoming and outgoing governors also took place last night.

This evening, a private dinner for family, friends and supporters will be held at the Museum of Fine Arts. The dinner will be followed by the gala celebration scheduled to take place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in South Boston.

Boston, however, isn’t the only town celebrating the new leadership. Patrick has other inaugural events scheduled in North Andover on Friday, in Springfield and Pittsfield on Saturday, and in Hyannis and North Dartmouth on Sunday.

The events are open to the public. Tickets for the gala will cost $50 and $20 for the other events planned.

“We’re keeping prices as low as possible so that anyone who wants to attend is able to do so,” said Margaret Xifaras, co-chair of the committee planning for the South Coast inaugural celebration. “Everybody is really excited that we are being included in the inaugural.”

The gala will be no light affair. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma heads the list of 20 entertainers who will help celebrate the inauguration at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Patrick has known Yo-Yo Ma since they were students together at Harvard.

Jazz artist Walter Beasley and R&B legends Herb Reed and the Platters will also perform.

When the party is over, it will be down to business for Patrick. He will immediately have to deal with issues of mental health, education, public safety and transportation, just to name a few.

NAACP Boston Branch President Leonard Alkins says people need to hold Patrick accountable for what he does, but at the same time work with him to help make his vision possible.

“We shouldn’t hold the governor to a higher standard than any other governor, no matter what he promises,” said Alkins. “[Governing] is a work in progress and we need to give time to assess the weaknesses and strengths of the commonwealth. We have to address our economy from the bottom up, not from the top down.”