Breaking Ground: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Washington, D.C. - Described by master of ceremonies, Phylicia Rashad, as a milestone moment, President Obama, along with a host of other distinguished guests, attended the groundbreaking on what will become the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In his remarks, President Obama shared the significance this moment will have for generations to come:

"As has been mentioned, it was on this ground long ago that lives were once traded; where hundreds of thousands once marched for jobs and for freedom. It was here that the pillars of our democracy were built often by Black hands. And it is on this spot - alongside the monuments to those who gave birth to this nation, and those who worked so hard to perfect it - that generations will remember the sometimes difficult, often inspirational, but always central role that African Americans have played in the life of our country."

Here is video of the entire ceremony: