President Obama Opens First National Museum Devoted to African-American History | George Bush, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Lupita Nyongo’o, David Oyelowo & More Attend

John Lewis, Laura Bush, George Bush, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama

The first national US museum – the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture – devoted exclusively to African American history and culture has opened in Washington DC.

President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, Vice President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, former President George W. Bush, and his wife Laura, were among the dignitaries in attendance.

John Lewis, the author of the original legislation to establish the museum, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Jesse Jackson, Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, were also among those present at the opening.

Artefacts recovered from the remains of a slave ship off the coast of South Africa are playing a central role in a new museum in the United States.

The museum opened thirteen years after Congress and President George W. Bush authorized its construction.

See Photos:

Barack and Michelle Obama join up with the Bonner Family to ring the onstage bell

Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith

George Bush

John Lewis

Stevie Wonder

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Erecka (GQ) Hart | Body Art by Laolu Akande

Andre Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, Ava Duvernay and Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Patty LaBelle

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