- On February 22, 2012, the groundbreaking for the <b>National Museum of African American History & Culture</b>, the 19th museum of the <b>Smithsonian Institution</b>, was held. Occupying a five-acre site adjacent to the <b>Washington Monument</b> on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the site is scheduled to open in 2015. A host of distinguished guests—including <b>Barack Obama</b>, <b>Michelle Obama</b>, <b>Phylicia Rashad</b> and <b>Black Enterprise</b>, among others—were on hand. The following pages are our personal snap shots from this historic event. <em>—Derek T. Dingle</em> <br><br> <em>Members of the museum staff and advisory council engage in the official groundbreaking for construction of the $500 million museum that will put a human face on slavery, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement and every major aspect of African American life. </em>
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- <b>President Obama</b> hopes when future generations visit the museum to "hear these songs of pain and progress and struggle and sacrifice" that they will not separate it from "the larger American story. I want them to see it as central—an important part of our shared story."
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- Former First Lady <b>Laura W. Bush</b> offers comments on why her husband <b>George W. Bush</b> signed legislation in 2003 to include a museum as part of the <b>Smithsonian Institution</b> that would offer "the stories of millions of African Americans who have strengthened our country."
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- Jazz pianist <b>Jason Moran</b> offers his tribute by playing <b>Duke Ellington</b>'s "I Like the Sunrise."
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- Rep. <b>John Lewis</b> (D-Georgia), a Civil Rights movement veteran, told attendees the institution needs to tell "the 400-year story of African American contribution to the nation's history, from slavery to the present, without anger or apology."
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- <b>Richard Parsons</b>, Chairman of Citigroup, and <b>Linda Johnson Rice</b>, Chairman of Johnson Publishing Co., serve as co-chairs of the advisory board, which has helped raise more than $100 million in cash and commitments from corporations, foundations and individuals.
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- Museum director <b>Lonnie G. Bunch</b> says the institution "through its exhibitions and scholarship will stimulate a dialogue about race…foster a spirit of reconciliation and healing…and enhance our understanding of how African American history and culture are central to all of our histories."
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- <b>Dr. Calvin O. Butts III</b>, pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, provides words of inspiration reflecting the trials and triumphs of African Americans.
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- Mezzo-soprano <b>Denyce Graves</b>, one of the nation's renown opera singers, offers her rendition of The National Anthem.
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- The Obamas joining the National Anthem as the ceremony begins.
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- <b>President Obama</b> and <b>Michelle Obama</b> joined the proceedings to commemorate the largest such undertaking to reveal the contributions of African Americans to the world.
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- Actress <b>Phylicia Rashad</b> served as the mistress of ceremonies for the historic event.
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- A number of dignitaries take the stage to begin proceedings for the groundbreaking for the <b>National Museum of African American History & Culture</b> in Washington, D.C.
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
- The Heritage Signature Chorale performed "My Soul is Anchored in the Lord," a spiritual composed by <b>Florence Price</b>, one of the first African American women recognized as a symphonic composer.
Photo: Lonnie C. Major
