simply this museum makes for a more inclusive smithsonian.museum's advisory council, linda johnson rice and richard parsons have played key leadership roles in ensuring that we hear the many compelling voices of our nation's history. linda's the chair of johnson publishing company, and dick is the chair of citigroup. please give a warm welcome to linda johnson rice and dick parsons. [ applause ] >> on behalf of the advisory council of this, the smithsonian's 19th museum, the national museum of african-american history and culture, we want to extend our sincere appreciation for your sharing this incredible moment with us. we would especially like to thank all of our founding donors and it's an honor to celebrate this important museum with president and mrs. obama. a distinct, unique, great honor. fabulous honor. but while you're all dignitaries i would like to make mention of the fact that oliver holmes norton, congressman clyburn are here as well as many of the great supporters and other distinguished guests. all of you have helped achieve th

-- and inclusive smithsonian and america.for this country and the world. the co-chairs of the advisory council have played key leadership roles in assuring that we hear that many compelling voices of our nation's history. please give a warm welcome. [applause] >> on behalf of the advisory council of the smithsonian's 19th museum, the national museum of african-american history and culture, we would like to extend our appreciation for you sharing this incredible moment with us. we would like to thank all our founders. it is an honor to celebrate with president obama and mrs. obama. a fabulous honor. [applause] your all dignitaries. i would like to make mention that the district representatives are here as well as some many of our great reporters -- supporters and distinguished guests. all of you have helped achieve this milestone. one of the things i would like to do, because nobody gets anything done by themselves or even with a beautiful partner. we have a council that has been with us on this journey and with lonnie. i woul

-- and inclusive smithsonian and america.for this country and the world. the co-chairs of the advisory council have played key leadership roles in assuring that we hear that many compelling voices of our nation's history. please give a warm welcome. [applause] >> on behalf of the advisory council of the smithsonian's 19th museum, the national museum of african-american history and culture, we would like to extend our appreciation for you sharing this incredible moment with us. we would like to thank all our founders. it is an honor to celebrate with president obama and mrs. obama. a fabulous honor. [applause] your all dignitaries. i would like to make mention that the district representatives are here as well as some many of our great reporters -- supporters and distinguished guests. all of you have helped achieve this milestone. one of the things i would like to do, because nobody gets anything done by themselves or even with a beautiful partner. we have a council that has been with us on this journey and with lonnie. i woul

smithsonian on our national mall? >> what's great about the mall is that that's where people come to -- inclusive, rich and diversive description. this is saying this is the quintessential american story and we want everybody to revel in it. >> we have seen the experience of the holocaust museum, just off the national mall, dealing with something very mipainful. >> the entire story must be told, as lonnie just stated, the story and the struggle of african-americans is part of our history, part of american history, we must tell the whole story and tell it in a way that will give people a sense of hope and optimism by the future. it's just something about the distance that we have come and the progress that's been made in america. >> there is an idea that's been in the making for 100 years, hasn't it. >> i tell you, i feel more than lucky and very blessed that i had to play a little role, just to play a little role and it happens to get us until this morning. it's a very moving moving day really. >> is there something about reconciliation for you? what does reaching this milestone mean? >> it suggests that, yes, we can lay down t