MARQUETTE -- It was another historic moment at the White House as the first African American President of the United States took the oath of office on the same day that happens to be Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Monday marks the beginning of President Barack Obama's second term. Northern Michigan University students joined in on the celebration. As students watched the presidential inauguration, free cake and punch were available for them to enjoy.
An estimated 1.8 million people were at the capitol as the president took his public oath of office.
"It meant a lot. The fact that the inauguration is on Martin Luther King Day. I actually think it was beautiful how they put it together," said NMU student, Breanna Phillips.
During the president's 19-minute speech, he referenced equality more than once, saying women should be paid the same amount as men in the workforce and that the law should not be bias against gays.
Obama also touched on climate change, saying that the nation would respond to the threat.
After his speech, celebrations continued in Washington with a parade, which traveled down Second Avenue and ended at the White House.
The night ended with the Inaugural Ball.
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