theGrio’s guide to the 2013 black inaugural experience

by Renita D. Young |
Guests partake in a desert buffet at the Southern Inaugural Ball

Guests partake in a desert buffet at the Southern Inaugural Ball, celebrating the inauguration of President Barack Obama, on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. President Obama will be attending 10 Inaugural Balls. Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African American to be elected President. (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)

SATURDAY, JAN. 19

  • Young & Powerful will host its ACTION: Roundtable Political Forum at 1 p.m. at Howard University. Take part in the interactive, politically engaging event and discuss the youth revolution in the Obama campaigns. Admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend.
  • The Ethiopian Inaugural Ball will be at Merkamo Ethiopian Bistro, 7020 Commerce Street in Springfield, Va. Guests may party from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are available online and cost $40.
  • The Root Inaugural Ball will commemorate Obama’s inauguration at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. and will also celebrate The Root’s 5th anniversary. Guests will have the chance to explore the museum’s famed exhibits. This is a private event.
  • The Jamaican Inaugural Ball will be held at the National Education Association Building, 1201 16th Street NW in Washington D.C. from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets, which cost $125, are sold out, according to the website.
  • The metropolitan chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi will be hosting the Kappa Alpha Psi Inaugural Ball at the Sheraton Cristal City Hotel, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway in Alexandria, Va., featuring Spur of the Moment and special guest Raheem DeVaughn. The ball is from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • OurTime.org will host its Generation Now party at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, located at the intersection of 8th and F Streets NW in Washington, D.C. Hosted by will.i.am and Tate Donovan, the event starts at 8 p.m. and will feature special performances by John Legend, T-Pain and Common. Several other celebrity appearances are expected. Individual tickets are $150 with VIP and sponsorship packages available.
  • Black Women United for Action will host a Youth Presidential Inaugural Ball at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott Hotel, 1700 Jefferson Davis, Hwy. in Arlington, VA. Guests will enjoy fun, fellowship and a celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $50.
  • The NAACP’s Stafford Branch is hosting a Presidential Inaugural Gala at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg,Va. from 5:30 p.m. 50 midnight. Tickets cost $100.
  • Young & Powerful will host its ENCHANT: Variety and Comedy Show at Liv, 2001 11th St. NW, Washington, D.C. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music starting at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $44 to $88 with VIP admission available.
  • From 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., join singer Marcus Johnson and live jazz band Common Ground at the Head of State Inaugural Gala. Hosted at the Tower Club, 8000 Towers Crescent Dr. in Vienna, Va., tickets range from $150 to $200.

Click below for the remaining listings.