Tom Hanks Hosts An All-Star Special Celebrating Smithsonian’s New African American Museum
ABC is celebrating the opening of the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture with an all-star special airing Thursday, January 12 at 9 p.m. Hosted by Tom Hanks, Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America is a two-hour special featuring music, dance and the spoken word. The concept of the special is to celebrate America “as seen through the prism of African American culture” states the ABC press release.
“ABC is thrilled to celebrate the opening of this important new addition to the Smithsonian Institution and to help share the story of the struggles, contributions, and triumphs of African Americans throughout the history of our country, “said Channing Dungey, president ABC Entertainment.
If Tom Hanks seems like an odd choice to host a special honoring black Americans, Hanks agrees with you. “I kept saying, ‘Why me? Are you sure you want me there?'” Hanks told ABC about the special. “I’m here by invitation. I’m honored to have gotten and thrilled to have accept it.”
The long list of celebrities making appearances during the special include: Patti Austin, Christina Aguilera, Alvin Ailey Dancers, Angela Bassett, Jon Batiste, Mary J. Blige, Shirley Caesar, Dave Chappelle, Chloe x Halle, Chuck D., Gary Clark Jr., Common, Doug E. Fresh, Cynthia Erivo, Fantasia, Jamie Foxx, Robert Glasper, Savion Glover, Dave Grohl with Trouble Funk, Herbie Hancock, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones, Elijah Kelley, Gladys Knight, John Legend, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Janelle Monae, NeYo, Jada Pickett Smith, Will Smith, Octavia Spencer, Chris Tucker, Usher, Jesse Williams, Oprah Winfrey and Stevie Wonder.
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Tom Hanks Hosts An All-Star Special Celebrating Smithsonian’s New African American Museum is an article from: The Inquisitr News
