Campus Progress kicked off inauguration weekend with a party dedicated to the young people across the country who have spent this election cycle—and the past four years—electing progressive candidates and advancing progressive change. We’ve worked pretty hard—we deserve some free food and drinks!

The party, hosted at the Center for American Progress (CAP), featured remarks by John Podesta, former chief of staff to President Clinton and the founder and president of CAP, and Paul Begala, CNN contributor and former political advisor to President Clinton. They both talked about the importance of young people to the Obama campaign and to the hard work that’s still ahead of us in communities across the country. Star Trak recording artist Chester French performed an awesome acoustic set later in the evening.

More than 250 young people showed up to start the weekend by celebrating with us, including singer and Obama fan Solange Knowles, who was eager to talk about her hopes for the new administration. Keep your eyes peeled for Campus Progress events in your area here.