In February 2004, Rowdy Dawg and I were in Nashville, Tenn., when we happened by one of the court buildings that had in front of it, placed dead center on the sidewalk, a huge rectangle marble slab with the inscription “THERE IS NO NECESSARY EVIL IN GOVERNMENT -- Andrew Jackson.” I knew I was at that moment right where God wanted me to be, as I had longed for an affirmation that our government -- we the people, by the people, for the people -- would be restored. God provides.

For the District of Columbia and its inhabitants, Mayor Adrian Fenty is the living embodiment of these words, and I had the privilege of being able to cover for Street Sense newspaper the events commemorating his election. Having spoken before him on two separate occasions, once with Rowdy Dawg by my side, as Fenty chaired the Committee of Human Services that oversees the public shelters, I knew this was the man who had the tenacity to take this combination Sodom-and-Gomorrah city and restore to it that for which it had been originally built: our inalienable rights.

The prayer service at 7:00 a.m. in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church was, of the four events, the highlight for me. The words that passed from the mouths of the many speakers, including Fenty, focused on the driving factor that is within us all, free will, and on using this free will with vigor, vitality, prayers, humor, song, hope, vision and love to enhance the life that is within this city, for the lives that live in this city.

At the swearing-in ceremony for Fenty and the council members, I viewed a process of government that prior to this had escaped me. Seeing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who, for the first time, administered the oath to both Fenty and Councilmember Mary Cheh, was an especially educational enlightenment. Fenty displays the same heartfelt substance and seriousness that Justice Ginsburg does. His eyes, like hers, have a quality of sincerity and an illuminating energy that assures onlookers that they too are right where God wants them to be. Again, God provides!

The open house at the Wilson Building found me wandering into the “bullpen,” as I was unsure of what its purpose was, but to my extreme pleasure, I was able to visit with Neil Richardson and Tene Dophin. Both had shown me the thrill of the fundamentals associated with campaign canvassing leading up to winning the primary race in September 2006 for a candidate truly dedicated to the people and city he would represent. I was further awed by the large gold cake shaped like the U.S. Capital Building made by D.C. Central Kitchen. Since I can eat my weight in sugar every day, I decided it was time to leave.

Finally, the Mayoral Ball afforded me the first opportunity to be Cinderella since becoming homeless. Laura Thompson Osuri, the executive editor of Street Sense newspaper, provided me with a work letter that allowed me to stay out until midnight without losing my bed at the shelter where I sleep. I wore my favorite colors in the form of a black A-line skirt I’ve had since 1985, black cowboy boots I’ve had since 1990, and an antique black-and-white western jacket I got at the Salvation Army in Columbia, Tenn., in 1997. Black is all colors. And white is void of all color. It is a perfect mix, and it was the perfect chance to celebrate the beginning of what is to be the best to come for the people, this city and our country from this man for all seasons, the Honorable Mayor Adrian Fenty.

A special thanks to Linda O’Brien at Tommy Wells’ office and Mary Ann Luby at the Washington Legal clinic, who provided Inaugural Ball tickets for me, and my associates at Street Sense newspaper and at the National Coalition for the Homeless. We had, quite simply put, a marvelous evening.