Celebrities and artists came out in droves to support the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture last year, and there was no shortage of events and festivities to celebrate the historic moment.
Now, viewers at home will get a front row seat to the hottest ticket in town when ABC airs Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America, a program held in honor of the museum to reflect on how the contributions of Black America enriched art, culture, music and history.
The event was taped at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts last September.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.
ESSENCE and PEOPLE were on hand to capture some of the behind-the-scenes moments, snapping intimate portraits of our favorite celebrities, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Oprah, Common and Jesse Williams.
Take a look at the beautiful portraits and don’t forget to tune into Taking The Stage on Jan. 12, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
01
Gail King, Tom Hanks, and Oprah Winfrey
Gail King, Tom Hanks, and Oprah Winfrey pose for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
02
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
03
Common
Common poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
04
Chloe x Halle
Chloe x Halle poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
05
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
06
Rene Elise
Rene Elise poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
07
Savion Glover
Savion Glover poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
08
Jesse Jackson and Usher
Jesse Jackson and Usher pose for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
09
Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
10
Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
11
Jesse Williams
Jesse Williams poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
12
Doug E. Fresh
Doug E. Fresh poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
13
Chuck D
Chuck D poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Robyn Twomey / Redux Pictures
14
Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock poses for a portrait during ABC’s “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” following the unveiling of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
