DAPHNE, Ala.—The council chambers at City Hall is a regular meeting place for city government. But Tuesday, it played host to a bigger stage.

The historic inauguration of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States—and the first black president—broadcast live from outside the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., was projected on the big screen in council chambers.

A group of 50 people gathered at City Hall to watch Obama’s inauguration, which about 2 million attended in person.

Obama, standing on the steps of the Capitol Building’s west front, hand placed on Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural Bible, recited the presidential oath as outlined in the Constitution:

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

And then the president offered his own words.

“Today, I say to you, that the challenges we face are real,” Obama said. “They are serious and they are many.

“They will not be met easily or in a short span of time,” he added. “But know this, America, they will be met.”

The group of Obama supporters in Daphne cheered as the new president’s words of hope blared over loudspeakers.

Obama, a Democrat, won out over Republican Sen. John McCain in the Nov. 4 presidential election by garnering 365 electoral votes to McCain’s 173; 270 Electoral College votes are needed to win.

In the popular vote, Obama received 69.5 million votes to McCain’s 59.9 million, or approximately 53 to 47 percent.

The inauguration of America’s first black president comes one day after the nation honored the birthday of one of its most revered black leaders, Martin Luther King Jr.

King—a slain civil rights activist—is most remembered for his “I Have A Dream” speech, which called for the equality of all men.

Daphne’s inauguration celebration was organized by Willie Williams,  a vocal leader of Baldwin County’s black community.

“We just got through (Monday) with the King celebration and march in Foley,” he said. “We’ve been doing that for (22) years.

“We’ve been involved in community issues throughout the year,” Williams added.

When asked if he thought this day—the inauguration of a black president—would come, Williams said, “No, I never did,” standing beside his 94-year-old aunt who refers to Obama as “the colored president.”

“This is a momentous day,” Shelly Rogers said, wiping away a tear. “Our country has come so far and is ready for this change.”

“We can’t put the significance of this day in perspective just yet,” Anthony Johnson said. “But it’s huge, I’ll tell you that.”

After musical offerings from soul diva Aretha Franklin and “Star Wars” score composer John Williams, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts swore in the newly-elected president.

Rick Warren, minister at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., led the invocation.

Obama faces a tough road ahead as he must deal with an ailing national economy, an unpopular war in Iraq and volatile relations between Israel and Palestine over the Gaza territory.

But one thing is certain: his journey to the White House has captivated and inspired millions of Americans.

“He fought a tough campaign,” Williams said. “I’m very proud.”