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Los Angeles – Somewhere in between the smothered chicken, crisp, buttery waffles and potato salad, politics were on the menu at a world-famous Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles this morning.
Guy Black, KJLH radio personality, broadcast his morning show live from the popular diner-style restaurant, which is just as unassuming as its patrons and their expectations for the day. From 6:00 a.m. on, Black’s show used its voice to motivate millions of listeners to vote and report polling problems in the community.
Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway stopped by to show support after she voted with her teenage daughter. “We had our hand on [the ballot]. We said, ‘One, two, three,’ and pushed down on the Obama button together,” said the actress, whose film credits include Lakeview Terrace and Coming to America. “It’s been the best part of my day, really something special.”
Despite the momentum of the Obama campaign, many voters present brought up their fears of poll irregularities and ballot fraud that could keep their presidential choice out of the White House. Although there was a serious agenda at hand, it was evident that the event was also a celebration and forum at which neighbors could share their stories, their pride and their excitement about election day. The show will go into overtime today and move to Magic Johnson’s T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant where Magic and other celebrities such as Hill Harper are expected to sit in, continually encouraging the city to get out and vote.