The stars are coming to Washington this weekend to celebrate the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday. But just how blingy will the guest list be? Official channels have been mum on who’ll be sauntering down the various red carpets being rolled out Friday through Sunday, but we’ve got a good idea of the expected wattage.
Obviously Oprah. The media mogul and Obama bestie is the museum’s most generous individual donor, digging deep into her coffers for $21 million. And if Oprah’s in town, then CBS “This Morning” co-anchor Gayle King (oh and Stedman, you can’t forget Stedman) aren’t far behind.
On Wednesday and Thursday, official donor receptions will be held at the museum for those who’ve given from $5,000 all the way up to a million dollars plus. Big names like TV super producer Shonda Rhimes, Tyler Perry, actors Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Jackson, NBA icons Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, recently retired baller Kobe Bryant, NBA champ LeBron James, former secretary of state Colin L. Powell, and businesswoman Mellody Hobson and her husband, George Lucas, all fit that bill, with contributions of at least $1 million. Not to mention Denzel Washington and his wife, Pauletta, who raised $17 million for the museum by hosting a fundraiser at their Hollywood Hills home last May.
But the blinding star power will most likely be on display at the Kennedy Center on Friday night when ABC presents “Taking the Stage — Changing America,” a concert celebrating the museum’s opening. The evening will be produced by music legend Quincy Jones and will feature performances by Virginia’s own Dave Grohl, frontman of the Foo Fighters, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Christina Aguilera and Common. Earlier on Friday, the White House will host a private reception in anticipation of the two-hour concert that will air on ABC during Black History Month in February. Beyoncé’s name hasn’t been mentioned yet, but we wouldn’t put it past Queen Bey, a frequent White House visitor, to make a cameo.
