GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Supporters of President-elect Joe Biden celebrated the news of him reaching the needed 270 electoral votes in West Michigan on Saturday.
The Kent County Democratic Party held a watch party at Studio Park. About 100 people came to watch Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris address the nation, with many in the crowd energized as both spoke.
Justice for Black Lives also held a small rally late Saturday afternoon at Rosa Parks Circle.
However, the reaction through most of Grand Rapids looked more intimate with people celebrating alongside their loved ones.
“I’m absolutely elated,” said Jessica Robinson. “I feel completely, just relieved.”
Robinson celebrated with her wife, Lex. She lists Lex’s inability to get her green card due to a now vacated Trump administration policy, coronavirus, and human and civil rights as some of the reasons behind her Biden vote.
“I want basic decency brought back into our administration and at the forefront of our country,” said Robinson.
In Eastown, the idea of change drove excitement there with supporters riding around on mopeds with “Biden-Harris” and “Black Lives Matter” flags.
For people like Rae Garret, it inspired hope, especially as the Grand Rapids native opens up her own business.
“Seeing her [ Harris ] as the Vice President, I know we can go further,” said Garret. “Everything that I’ve been doing, and working hard for, has a purpose and that purpose is definitely stated today.”
“Just bringing America back together,” said Amanda Jones. “We’re a community. You know, let’s act like one.”
