The Root Inaugural Ball
For inauguration weekend, The Root decided to celebrate in the most grand and lavish way possible. So we got dolled up and suited up, headed to the National Museum of American History and had ourselves a ball. Take a peek at all the fun we had!
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The Root! The Root! The Root is on fire!!!Marvin JosephThe crowd got hype as Biz Markie did his thing on the wheels.
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A Joyous OccasionSean Smith for The RootThe Root's editor in chief, Henry Louis Gates Jr.; Lynette Clemetson, managing editor; Donald Graham, publisher of the Washington Post and Donna Byrd, publisher of The Root celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration and The Root's anniversary at The Root Inaugural Ball.
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OprahSean Smith for The RootWhat more can you say?
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Motion PictureSean Smith for The RootDirector Spike Lee transitions from the red carpet to the real fun upstairs.
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Publisher in ChiefThe Root Publisher Donna Byrd gives remarks to the crowd.
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Style EditorsThe Root Associate Editor Natalie Hopkinson, Deputy Editor Terence Samuel and Managing Editor Lynette Clemetson, await guests at the entrance of the newly renovated Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.
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Riding the TrainMarvin JosephThe Howard University Choir serenaded guests mounting the stairs to the ball.
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Damon's New HomeboySean Smith for The RootThe Root's special correspondent, 10-year-old reporter Damon Weaver from Canal Point Elementary in Palm Beach County, Fla., interviews Samuel L. Jackson.
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Sunglasses. At Night. In Washington.Marvin JosephStylist Glynn Jackson and model Cherie Burns-Scurry say: '...And I thank you!"
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The Fly JockSean Smith for The RootRadio host and Black America Web founder Tom Joyner with his wife, Donna.
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Lincoln's Coming OutGordon Davis, founding chairman of Jazz at Lincoln Center, poses with Lincoln. Guests were also able to get a sneak peek of the Smithsonian's new Lincoln exhibit as well.
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Anchoring the BallSean Smith for The RootLarry King makes his rounds in the museum.
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BigNovelist Trey Ellis and Kathy Busby, Executive Producer, 'Sex and The City.'
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Dancin' MachineSean Smith for The RootNBC's Meet The Press moderator David Gregory with his wife Beth Wilkinson, before he was caught cuttin' a rug in the middle of the dance floor.
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Spoken WordSean Smith for The RootPulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker shares a moment on stage with The Root's managing editor, Lynette Clemetson.
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Exceptional AmericansThe Root contributor and Spelman history professor and blogger William Jelani Cobb, and Jennifer Brea, pause before getting back on the dance floor.
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Notes on PartyFarai Chideya, formerly of NPR's News & Notes, poses with The Root's Product Strategist Omar Wasow.
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Funny ManSean Smith for The RootComedian and actor Chris Tucker.
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The New AdministrationSean Smith for The RootAttorney general-designate Eric Holder might have his work cut out for him, but he took a night off with his wife Sharon Malone to party with The Root.
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Obama Makes AppearanceMarvin JosephThe new president's cardboard cutout emissary was on hand to snap photos with guests.
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Fashion ForwardSean Smith for The RootDesigner Diane von Furstenberg poses on the red carpet before heading to the main hall.
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Ready to PartySean Smith for The RootMovie producer and director John Singleton with his daughter.
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Thoughtful EleganceSean Smith for The RootAfter filing his essay "King and Obama" for The Root, author and scholar Michael Eric Dyson enjoyed our event with his wife, Marcia.
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Clean SlateSmithsonian Board Chair and Slate columnist Patty Stonesifer and Slate Editor David Plotz and pause for the cause.
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DapperSean Smith for The RootActor Isaiah Washington on the red carpet.
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Reporting From the Red CarpetSean Smith for The RootThe Root's Washington reporter, Dayo Olopade, interviews Tina Brown, founder and editor in chief of The Daily Beast, with her husband Harold Evans.
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Stylist to the StarsSean Smith for The RootCelebrity stylist Glynn Jackson with model Cherie Burns-Scurry.
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Glorious!Sean Smith for The RootHoward University's Gospel Choir singing to the guests.
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Very Important PastorSean Smith for The RootDallas pastor of The Potter's House T.D. Jakes takes a rest from all the partying.
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Enjoying Good CompanySean Smith for The RootMichael Eric Dyson, contributor to The Root, Lynette Clemetson, managing editor; Donna Byrd, publisher; and Henry Louis Gates Jr., editor in chief.
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Good TimesErin Evans for The RootSaaret E. Yoseph, editorial assistant; Terence Samuel, deputy editor and Erin Evans, copy editor of The Root.
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Pose for the CameraErin Evans for The RootLynette Clemetson, managing editor; Henry Louis Gates Jr., editor in chief; Natalie Hopkinson, associate editor; and Erin Evans, copy editor.
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Cover GirlSean Smith for The RootBeauty director and cover editor of Essence magazine Mikki Taylor with her guest.
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Culture MavenThe Root senior culture writer Teresa Wiltz and her husband, film and television producer Rollie Hudson.
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On the 1s and 2sSean Smith for The RootBiz Markie pumped up the crowd.
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Party HardySean Smith for The RootGuests of The Root's ball grooved on the dance floor until after 1 a.m.
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Goody Bags!Sean Smith for The RootEach guest left the party with goody bags, filled with gifts from the ball's sponsors.
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Damon Weaver Gets WiredMarvin Joseph'The Wire' cast members Sonja Sohn and Jamie Hector get grilled by the cub reporter Damon Weaver.
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Dancer's ApprenticeOmarosa approved of the old-school mix. Heeeey!
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Editor-in-ChiefThe Root's Henry Louis Gates Jr. takes in the sweep of the moment in his remarks to guests. This is our moment, this is our time!
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Out of South AfricaMarvin JosephThe Root Managing Editor Lynette Clemetson (left) and The Root contributor and Johanesburg-based correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault (right) share a moment.
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Red Carpet LaughsMarvin JosephChris Tucker had jokes for Extra correspondent A.J. Calloway.
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The Real Vanessa WilliamsMarvin JosephThis red dress by Washington Post editor Vanessa Williams invites no comparisons.
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Howard HomecomingFrom left to right: The Atlantic blogger Ta-Nehisi Coates, Kenyatta Matthews, The Root Associate Editor Natalie Hopkinson, June Thomas, Daniel I. Cooper, Toy Joyner, Thomas Joyner Jr., and Rudolph McGann recall their days at the Mecca.
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45 of 45 Meet the PressBiz Markie's old school mix commanded many bodies on the dance floor, including 'Meet the Press' host David Gregory (hands in the air)Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan (in shimmering gold) and columnist and pundit Gene Robinson.
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