Wednesday will be inaugural in more ways than one, as this is the first time the Presidential Inauguration will be heavily virtual due to the pandemic and safety concerns following The Capitol riots.
“It’s historic in itself, as this is our first virtual inauguration party in Kern County,” Christian Romo Chair of the Kern County Democratic Central Committee said.
The Kern County Democratic Party and Democratic Women of Kern are co-hosting a Zoom watch party, starting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Romo said no matter your party or who you voted for, you’re invited.
“The peaceful transition of power is something unique to America. Other countries followed us in following our constitution, but that’s something we need to celebrate,” Romo said. “Just because you didn’t vote for Biden, you can celebrate that we have the first female, African American, and Asian-American Vice President. And Joe Biden is the second Catholic Vice President. This is historical for all of us, and we should all be celebrating as Americans. ”
Bakersfield College’s Student Government Association will also host a virtual watch partythrough Discord starting at noon, Wednesday. On this platform, students will be able to watch The Inauguration and chat at the same time.
BC SGA president, Gian Giyatao said that The Inauguration is a time to discuss the promises Biden made before coming into office.
“What are his promises to bring us out of his pandemic? What are his plans of action to solve institutional racism that has been going on? And a lot of other issues that facing us together,” Giyatao said.
Meanwhile the Democratic Women of Kern and Kern County Democratic Party
event will feature keynote speakers like Romo, DWK President, Robin Walters and Supervisor Leticia Perez, followed by a Q&A.
The event will feature a hashtag “Take Back the Flag” social media contest for attendees. Three winners will be selected based on how much American spirit they show in their tagged submissions to the DWK and the Kern County Democratic Party on Facebook.
“If you’re coming out and you have a lot of enthusiasm, a really nice outfit on, or a piece of flair, if you have your flag waving in the background, who knows how you will get that pick to win,” Tahlua Nicole Goosby, Corresponding Secretary of the Democratic Women of Kern said.
Ahead of the event, attendees are also encouraged to submit a video about what “Building Back Together” means to them.
23ABC reached out to the Kern County Republican Party as well, and they said they won't have an organized event on Inauguration Day, virtual or otherwise.
