While an often mentioned story surrounding Barack Obama's presidential campaign and inauguration in Washington DC on Tuesday has been that he would become the first African American president, that is not the focus of the incoming head of state.

The fact that this is historic is unavoidable. And it is powerful, and it is emotional, said Linda Douglass, chief spokesperson for the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee, according to Politico. But the paramount goal here is to communicate through the activities and events that we are one people.

We've tried to make sure that from the people's point of view, this is about them, Douglass said. This is not a celebration of an election — it is a celebration of our common values.

Among the inaugural events titles have been Inauguration for All Americans, and We Are One