Behind the Scenes: Emotions run high as Election Day nears

In our Behind the Scenes series, CNN correspondents share their experiences covering news and analyze the stories behind the events. CNN "American Morning" correspondent Lola Ogunnaike talked to African-American voters in New York.

NEW YORK (CNN) -- As Election Day draws near, many African Americans are feeling a mix of emotions over the possibility of Barack Obama becoming the nation's first black president.

This week, I visited several neighborhoods in Brooklyn to get some honest reaction from black supporters of Obama as they brace themselves for the election outcome.

From hair salons to high schools, the reaction has been a mix of excitement and anxiety. Although most of the people we spoke to believe that he will win, many are still worried about an Obama loss.

Jeffrey Alston and his partner Shawn Peters oversee Rebel Soul Records. Alston has voted, and Peters will head to the polls on Election Day.

"I definitely feel like that kid on Christmas," Peters said. "I'm waking up at 5 in the morning just in case there is a problem."

At Polish Bar, a nail salon in Brooklyn's Clinton Hill District, people were talking pedicures and politics. Alice Backer quit her job to volunteer for Obama. For her, the past few days have been nerve-wracking.

"It's not because I think we're going to lose. It's because I'm afraid of that one little thing that may mess it up at the last minute," Backer said. Emotions run high for African-American voters »

Meanwhile, Gordon Chambers says he grows more excited as the election approaches.

"I've claimed it," Chambers declared. "He is our president."

In the neighboring chair, Stormy McNair said she will be at the voting booth with her father.

"I'm going to have him wait for me until work is finished so we can go to the polls together and experience this together," McNair said.

Comedian Chris Rock has joked about African-Americans calling in sick after the election, whether Obama wins or loses. For Fumni Olosunde, an Obama loss is unfathomable.

"The best thing I can come up with is that he'll give one heck of a concession speech," Olosunde said. "I haven't thought about the day after. I'm not sure that I want to."

Yasmine Cumberbatch, owner of Salon 44, said she won't be watching the news November 4.

"The emotions are going to be too much," she said. "I just want someone to call me in morning."

Smokey Fontaine, who heads online community BlackPlanet.com, said an Obama win will be historic. What if Obama loses? »

"This is going to be a transformational event," Fontaine said. "It's going to fundamentally change African-American history."

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