National Museum of African American History and Culture Opens

A three-day festival begins in Washington DC today to celebrate the opening of the new Smithsonian “National Museum of African American History and Culture.” Thousands of people are expected for Saturday’s opening. “A symbol of freedom & liberation and achievement,” said Dwandalyn Reece, Curator of Music and Performing Arts. A building as unique as its purpose with artifacts from all over the country. “Went around the country, went into communities, partnered with local museums and basically said, ‘bring out your stuff,’ said museum director Lonnie Busch. Some of the larger items were set in place during construction: This segregated southern railway car. A South Carolina slave cabin which was dismantled piece by piece and reconstructed at the museum. A 21-foot guard tower from the nation’s largest prison in Louisiana, where black convicts were leased out to work. “Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it.” said Rex Ellis, Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs. But the museum’s story is also one of triumph – the hope schools that educated thousands of black children in the segregated south. Martin Luther king has a place here. So does President Obama. He’s attending tomorrow’s dedication. Sports pioneers celebrated for their skills… And strength. Entertainers who broke the color barrier – Chuck Berry’s red Cadillac…. The one he drove across the Fox Theater stage in Saint Louis. “This is the same theater that turned chuck berry away as a child because he was black,” Reece said. Because they’re black… There’s now a special place to tell their stories.