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)

SUNDAY, JAN. 20

  • The Southern Christian Leadership Conference will host a Gospel Brunch featuring Pastor Kim Burrell and Rev. Omarosa Manigault from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at L’Enfant Plaza Hotel Grand Ball Room, 420 L’Enfant Plaza SW in Washington, D. C. Ticket packages range from $65 o $300.
  • Join Young & Powerful at the FORWARD: Presidential Brunch at 11 a.m. the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, 420 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, D.C. Tickets range from $44 to $88 with VIP admission available.
  • IMPACT is hosting an Inaugural Jazz Brunch honoring “Champions of Change” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Tuscana West, 1350 I St. NW, Washington, D.C. Tickets are $100.
  • Join Master of Ceremonies Roland S. Martin at the African American Church Inaugural Ball. The event will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street NW in Washington, D.C. at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online and cost $300.
  • Omegas for Obama will host its Inauguration Ball at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Arlington, Va. The evening will include dinner, dancing, R&B from local group Just Friends and live jazz from artist Brian Lenair. Tickets cost $150.
  • Join the HBCU Buzz Show and the Blis.FM Family at their Inauguration Gala at the North Hall at Eastern Market, 225 7th St., SE in Washington, D.C. Guests may attend from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets are available online and range from $32.50 to $65.
  • The HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball will be at The Sphinx Club at Franklin Square in Washington, D.C. from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Featuring comedian Finesse Mitchell and singer Vivian Green, tickets are $250.
  • The HBCU Presidential Inauguration Ball will be held at the International Spy Museum, 800 F St. NW, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. You may purchase a single ticket $125 or pay $200 per couple.
  • The H.O.P.E. Inaugural Youth Ball is one of the few places where kids can go, as long as they are accompanied by adults. Held at the historic Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW in Washington, D.C., tickets are $75. Kids of all ages are welcome.
  • Jack and Jill of America’s Montgomery County Maryland Chapter will host its Heritage Inaugural Ball from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Pl. in Silver Spring, Md. Tickets cost $25 for kids ages 5 to 17 and $50 for 18 and up, however are sold out, according to the tickets website.
  • Join Young & Powerful at its CAPTIVATE: Semi Formal at Ultra, 911 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. at 9 p.m. Tickets range from $80 to $100. The event features heavy hors d’ovres, open bar, music and a Young & Powerful token of appreciation.
  • Urban Fetes will present its Executive Order Inaugural Ball 2013 at Mio Restaurant & Lounge, 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D. C. at 9 a.m. Tickets range from $25 to $50. Early bird rates end on Jan. 20.
  • The 2013 Young Lawyers and Professionals Inauguration Reception will be held at Opera, 1400 I St. NW in Washington, D.C. from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is hosted by the Howard University Law Alumni Club of DC, George Washington Black Law Alumni Association, National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the National Law Group.
  • IMPACT and Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit Action Network is hosting the Hip Hop Ball II, FORWARD at the Harman Center, 610 F. St. NW, Washington, D. C. from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Join special hosts LaLa Anthony and Terrence J for a night of special performances and awards. General admission is $500 and VIP admission is $1000.

Click below for the remaining listings.