Stars Celebrate Grand Opening of the National Museum of African American History -- See the Pics!
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture received one heck of a grand opening.
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were both on hand at the museum's dedication ceremony at the National Mall on Saturday, which drew famous faces both on the stage and in the crowd.
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"We're not a burden on American or a stain on America or an object of shame and pity for America. We are America,"Obama powerfully stated. "And that's what this museum explains. Hopefully, this museum makes us talk to each other and listen to each other and see each other."
"The story told here doesn't just belong to African Americans. It belongs to all Americans." —@POTUS on @NMAAHC https://t.co/jzfYXmMNAu
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 24, 2016
Obama wasn't the only president at the event; he welcomed President George W. Bush -- and his wife Laura -- as guests of honor. The legislation for the establishment of the museum, the first national museum devoted exclusively to African American history and culture, was first authorized by Bush in 2003, almost 100 years after it was first proposed.
"The lesson of this museum is that all Americans share a past -- and a future… By staying true to our principles, righting injustice, and encouraging the empowerment of all, we will be an even greater nation for generations to come," Bush said during his speech, before getting a hug from the first lady.
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Also taking the stage was Stevie Wonder, who gave a brief speech before performing a new song.
"This cannot go on, all of it, any of it," he said about today's political climate. "All the back and forth, the hatred, trying to divide us a united people."
"It can't go on. History has shown us that we can rise," he continued. "As you visit the story of a people, a country, a spirit, remember our strength. Remember our courage. Know that we must come together. We must come together."
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Other famous speakers included Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey, (who was the museum's highest private donor, giving $21 million), Robert DeNiro and Angela Basset, and Patti LaBelle.
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While some took the stage, other stars like John Legend, Octavia Spencer and Ava DuVernay enjoyed speeches from the crowd, sharing their reactions to the historic event on social media.
Joy! Celebrating our ancestors and our future and this present moment! #APeoplesJourney #NMAAHC #August28 pic.twitter.com/heAR2kqgZJ
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) September 24, 2016
National museum of African American history and culture. History.
A photo posted by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on Sep 24, 2016 at 6:57am PDT
Almost time! Heading to the official opening of @nmaahc with my FAVORITE people!!!!
A photo posted by Gayle King (@gayleking) on Sep 24, 2016 at 7:26am PDT
A video posted by Octavia Spencer (@therealoctaviaspencer) on Sep 24, 2016 at 12:56pm PDT
A video posted by Octavia Spencer (@therealoctaviaspencer) on Sep 24, 2016 at 12:25pm PDT
A photo posted by Octavia Spencer (@therealoctaviaspencer) on Sep 24, 2016 at 9:56am PDT
Previewing the @nmaahc. Beautiful and moving
A photo posted by John Legend (@johnlegend) on Sep 23, 2016 at 7:53am PDT
Off to celebrate @NMAAHC ! What a mighty powerful day. pic.twitter.com/dUABVxXhjD
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 24, 2016
Proud to help open @NMAAHC with so many heroes. African American history is a central part of our glorious American history.
— President Obama (@POTUS) September 24, 2016
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