Black supporters express joy, caution amid Patrick triumph

Kimberly Claude stood near the back of the great hall at the Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center last night, sipping on a glass of white wine and smiling as throngs of people passed by shouting "We won!"

Claude, 29, of Roxbury, who attended Deval L. Patrick's victory party, was one of hundreds of black people who supported and campaigned for Patrick, who yesterday became Massachusetts' first-ever black governor.

She was also hopeful that Patrick's appointment could mean a friendlier, warmer Massachusetts for the legions of people of color who think the state has a race problem.

"Our reputation is so bad," said Claude. "But this is a turnaround -- a new beginning."

Inside the cavernous building in the Back Bay, African-Americans spoke of how Patrick's election brought excitement and promise. Instead of seeing Massachusetts as the state where a black man was speared by an American flag-bearing white man in 1976, perhaps the state could be known for being only the second to elect a black governor since the Reconstruction.

Gushed Denyse Bardouille , who works for the state and is black: "I am overjoyed, overwhelmed, overcome by this man's integrity, this man's class, and this man's honesty. How can you not like this man? He's every mother's son."

But many other Patrick supporters of color, though celebratory, were cautious, saying while it is terrific that he will be governor, they didn't think that alone would change race relations in the state.

"If anything, it'll be harder for him because he's black," said Shetia Diggs, 19, of Roxbury, who was selling water at a kiosk in the hallway. "They're going to have him under a microscope."

Octavius Rowe , 34, a firefighter who hails from Roxbury, said he doesn't want the state's Democrats -- including Patrick -- to take black voters for granted. They too, will be watching closely.

"I acknowledge the historical significance of the first black governor of Massachusetts," said Rowe, who is black. "But I reserve political judgment until Deval has proven his mettle. We've done our part. You're in, Deval."

Around Rowe, people danced to the sounds of Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen blaring from the sound system. They grooved to a live rendition of "God, Bless America" and clapped when a rap group took the stage. Some cheered as early returns were shown on several large TV screens suspended from the ceiling.

Latifa Ziyad , 34, of Dorchester brought her daughters, niece, and nephew to witness the event.

"It gives people a reason to check into the process again," said Ziyad, who contends that many people of color have felt disenfranchised.

Said Domonique Vennis , 15, who came with Ziyad: "Ah, man. This was something else. I wish I could vote. He earned it, man, I swear, not because he's black, but because he's a decent man."

Outside the convention center, people across Boston were discussing the significance of Patrick's victory.

"This election goes a long way towards indicating that the people of the Commonwealth should not continue to carry the burden of being characterized in negative racial ways," said Ted Landsmark, who as a young man was photographed in 1976 while being attacked by a white man bearing a flagpole as a weapon.

Patrick's appointment could positively affect the state's economy, specialists say.

"Executives have talked about one of their difficulties being attracting people to Massachusetts because of its reputation," said David Thomas , a Harvard Business School professor. Thomas is black. "People will see new possibilities in this state. . . . The question will still be there, but at least now it's a question as opposed to a conclusion."

Globe reporter Scott Helman contributed to this report. Adrienne P. Samuels can be reached at asamuels@globe.com.