For a generation that lacked a signature moment, it was the event that officially stamped our place in history.

Not even the rain outside of the Memorial Student Union could dampen the spirits of the thousands of Aggies who gathered to see if and when Barack Obama would make history.

Tears streamed from the faces of Aggies, some of whom were too emotional to even move. Hugs, smiles and screams of elation spilled out into the streets where the post-election celebration continued.People sang spirituals, honked their horns and blasted music from their cars. A few even decided to take a dive into the fountain and reflection pool on campus.Police officers watched from a distance, knowing they needed to keep the peace but allowing the moment to happen.

“My president is black!,” said Aggies to fellow students they’d never met before. This defining moment brought a sense of unity, compassion and a shared feeling of achievement.

“We waited for over 400 years to come from the bottom of ship to make it to the top,” said SGA President Marcus Bass, struggling to keep his composure with the magnitude of the situation.  “To put a black man, an African American in office…they gave us scraps to eat, 100 years later they let us go and we are now on the forefront on this nation.” Bass continued, “there are no words in my heart to describe the feelings of every African-American.”

Students and alumni shared in the historic occasion, which gave both generations a lasting memory that is the beginning of a new path for Blacks in America.History has been rewritten.

While the trials of past generations weighed heavily on the outpouring of emotion that happened last night, being soaked, muddy and sweaty was just a part of the shared experience.

The president elect, speaking to over 125,000 people with his wife and family at his side in Chicago’s Grant Park, said, “People have put their hands on the arc of history. It’s been a long time coming.”

Obama continued, “A government of the people, for the people, by the people has not perished from this Earth, this your victory.”Even in victory, Obama acknowledged “the contributions of sacrifices” of his opponent, John McCain.

Imagining the historical magnitude of this victory at this point in time is still surreal to the majority of people. He is the president that the world wanted, the impact he’s made for people of African descent in all corners of the globe has created a new black consciousness, one that at least for the present, has united a global community.Our generations’ torch has finally been lit.

• MICHAEL J. McCRAY AND DEXTER MULLINS