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Celebrating Obama's day @ The Drum

An ecstatic crowd of around 200 hundred people erupted with cheers and applause as they joined millions across the world watching Obama take his oath of office and become the first black President of the United States of America.

Applause for Obama

Tears of joy

Looking around the room it was fantastic to see people from all ages and backgrounds come together to watch the momentous occasion live on a big screen as it happened in Washington DC.

See pictures from the Obama inauguration party at The Drum.

Applause for Obama

History in the making

For black people in particular, the election of Obama is a poignant moment in their history.

Many people spoke of a sense of pride and happiness they felt to watch Obama become president. A few people shared their thoughts on what this day meant to them.

Watching the events unfold

Michelle, Handsworth WoodÌý - “It’s a momentous day, Obama represents change. He gives everybody hope whatever colour you are and whatever country you’re from. It’s great to see everyone come together at The Drum to celebrate."

"A day to be proud of..."

Monica, Ward End – “I think it’s fantastic, it’s something to be proud of. It shows that that you can live your dream if you work hard, commit yourself and give 100% into something you believe in. It’s very inspiring not just for black people but for everyone. Today is a fresh hope that you can live your dreams.�

Obama mania

Delroy, Birmingham – “It’s a major achievement for Barack Obama, it’s a difficult job that he’s been given to do but it’s an amazing achievement and for a man so young too. It’s brilliant for black people and I think we can use his achievement as an example to aspire to do great things.�

Owen, Birmingham – “Today has been an absolutely fantastic day in history. I‘ve lived my life but it’s a great moment for my sons, hopefully it will mark a better future for them.�

"It's a great day..."

"A momentous day..."

Marie, Great Barr – “I think today is a really momentous occasion, now I have been privileged to witness two momentous events in my lifetime. One that I have been around for the turn of the millennium and the other is witnessing the first black President of the United States.

"Even though he is the President of America it’s got massive implications for me. When people say where were you on this day? I will be able to say that I was here at the Drum with other like minded people celebrating and acknowledging this momentous occasion.�

Antonio, Birmingham – “What today means to me, is that our children can now dream in such a way that we never had the opportunity to. You hear people say ‘anything is possible’ and now anything IS truly possible.

Charlie and Antonio

"I never thought that this would happen in my lifetime. We as a people work twice as hard to get any recognition and although it’s a surprise and a shock that it has happened we know that we have truly earned it.�

"Words can't describe how I feel..."

Charile, Birmingham – “Words can’t describe how I feel, but for someone living here in Britain,Ìý today highlights how far behind us black people in this country are today and it really shines a light and really exposes the racism in Britain a big way. I think our politicians need to be watching this today with their notepad and pen taking notes - Because Britain needs to wake up.Ìý Today is no doubt history in the making.â€�

Samantha from Edgbaston

Pat and Babsy, Smethwick – “This day is a proud day for me. Alot of people would tell me that this day would never happen and I didn’t believe it myself until today. I’m glad I’m here today to not only represent myself but also my forefathers. This is a tremendous day.�

Samantha, Edgbaston – “Coming from an African background, today is a really important day for me and a huge success for all black people of African heritage.�

"Now anything is possible..."

Crux, BirminghamÌý – “Today means everything to me, I never thought that in my wildest dreams I would live to see this day.Ìý It’s absolutely brilliant, I’m speechless.â€�

"I’m speechless"

Floyd and Charmaine, Wednesbury – “Today is a fresh start for us, it’s a symbol of strength and power and that we can do anything we put our minds to. We’ve got a future we can look forward to now. Before was the past and now our young people have got a role model to look up to - myself included.

“Now we can say with conviction that we can do anything.�

Luna, Kingstanding – "Today was the making of history in front of my very eyes. My message for Mr Obama is - he has fought a good fight, he has finished the course and he has kept the faith, I wish him a long life of prosperity, God bless him.�

Celebrating Obama's day at The Drum

See pictures from the Obama inauguration party at The Drum.

What does Barack Obama becoming President mean to you? What did you do to celebrate his inauguration day? Add your comments below, also send us your pictures: birmingham@bbc.co.uk