President Barack Obama sharing his thoughts and feelings about the NMAAHC to the crowd in Washington, D.C.
When the Smithsonian's new National Museum of African American History and Culture opened its doors back in late September, the momentous occasion was spearheaded by an all star tribute.
Now, that tribute will be getting a special airing on ABC in January of next year.
Titled Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America, the TV program will feature two hours of music, dance and spoken word from a number of celebrities, musicians and other important figures that attended the museum's opening.
A number of people were there that day: Angela Bassett, Dave Chappelle, Chuck D, Doug E. Fresh, Savion Glover, Tom Hanks, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones; Elijah Kelley; Janelle Monae; Jada Pinkett Smith; Will Smith; Octavia Spencer; Chris Tucker; Jesse Williams; Oprah Winfrey; Stevie Wonder; Patti Austin; Christina Aguilera; Jon Batiste; Shirley Caesar; Chloe x Halle; Gary Clark Jr.; Common; Cynthia Erivo; Fantasia; Jamie Foxx; Robert Glasper; Dave Grohl with Trouble Funk; Herbie Hancock; Gladys Knight; John Legend; Mary J. Blige; Mary Mary; Donnie McClurkin; NeYo and Usher.
So, it is understandable as to why this special is going to be a big deal.
The TV special will also include new footage of the iconic items that make up most of the museum — everything from a silk lace and linen shawl given to Harriet Tubman by Queen Victoria, to J Dilla's MPC and Moog keyboard.
"We're not a burden on American or a stain on America or an object of shame and pity for America," President Obama said prior to the event's grand opening. "We are America 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."
Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America will air on ABC stations nationwide on Thursday, January 12.
