The opening of the National African American History and Culture Museum, part of the Smithsonian, was heralded on Saturday by the tolling of bells across the US capital, following soaring oratory from Barack Obama. The building is meant to evoke a time in African American history when freed slaves moved from farming life to tradesmanship, architect David Adjaye has said. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Obama, Michelle Obama and four generations of the Bonner family ring the bell of the First Baptist Church. 'A welcome rebuke to dead white men': The Smithsonian's African American museum finally arrives Read moreLewis called the museum a place that celebrated “the dignity of the dispossessed”. He, other African American dignitaries and celebrities and roughly 7,000 people attended the opening ceremony.

Source: The Guardian September 24, 2016 13:56 UTC