WASHINGTON (AP) – The Latest on the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (all times local):
10:30 a.m.
Celebrities and dignitaries are mingling with eager crowds on the National Mall to wait for the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The Howard University “Showtime” marching band entertained as the crowd filled seats set up between the museum and the Washington Monument.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, actress Angela Bassett, House Speaker Paul Ryan and men representing the famed Tuskegee Airmen were some of the people seen in the crowd in front of the stage at the new museum awaiting the opening ceremony featuring President Barack Obama.