me begin as my predecessors have in thinking not only the organizers but especially lonnie and jim grossman. foruld like to thank them not only enabling me to be part of what has turned into a extraordinary

me begin as my predecessors have in thinking not only the organizers but especially lonnie and jim grossman. foruld like to thank them not only enabling me to be part of what has turned into a extraordinary conference, but also for the vision they have brought to the tasks. they are truly visionaries. it is unfortunately don't have the opportunity of having this conference in the new museum space. but when you look over at the national museum of african american history and recognize that a few short years ago, there was nothing there, and what lonnie has accomplished is mind-boggling. the idea that lonnie and jim have had about making this engagementand an with the past as a central aspect of opening the museum to the american public is really quite terrific. i must say i feel uneasy standing up here at this moment. this is the last session of a long conference day. and as stimulating as the conference has been thus far, from my own experience, i know what happens at this point -- [laughter] >> everyone is sort of flagging. you're thinking about fresh air. you are thinking about a drink. a