theGrio’s guide to the 2013 black inaugural experience

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Tickets sold out in record time this year for the official inaugural balls that President Barack Obama and wife Michelle will attend, but there are still plenty of places where young African-Americans can have the black Inaugural experience.

Ranging from the Hip Hop Ball II co-hosted by Russell Simmons’ Hip Hop Summit Action Network to the African-American Church’s Inaugural ball with master of ceremonies Roland S. Martin, the entire D.C./Maryland/Virginia area will have a plethora of events filled with parties, balls, forums and more for you to partake in during Obama’s second Inauguration weekend.

IMPACT is one group whose leaders will host four events during the weekend. Organizers say it’s set to be historic. “During Inauguration 2013, IMPACT is hosting a suite of events to ensure that young professionals stay politically involved, engaged, and economically empowered,” Sarah Misailidis, IMPACT communications director, said in a statement.

Young and Powerful, a national group for young professionals that helped raise money for Obama’s campaigns, will host six events in Washington, D.C. over the weekend and three in Chicago. Vanessa Abron, 31, the organization’s marketing coordinator, says the weekend will offer a combination of informational, fun and empowering events to participants. “The Young and Powerful group will include a variety of fun, inspiring yet educational events that will fit the need of everyone attending the inauguration,” Abron told theGrio.

If you didn’t get one of the $60 inaugural ball tickets (and cannot afford the $2,000 mark-up price for the same tickets being scalped online), there are plenty of other lavish events planned where you can get dressed up and toast to President Obama in style. The Root Inaugural Ball is becoming an event to look out for in this regard.

“The Root Inaugural Ball commemorates a significant moment for our country, as the nation’s first African-American President begins his second term. We’re especially pleased that our event also happens to coincide with the 5^thAnniversary of The Root,” said Donna Byrd, Publisher of The Root. The company is hosting its exclusive affair on Jan. 19 at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

With a mix of themed balls, open events for all ages and invite-only spectaculars, guests traveling to the nation’s capital are sure to have a once in a lifetime experience during Inauguration weekend.

We’ve done the legwork for you and provided a list of some of the most interesting happenings to choose from, separated on the following pages by day. Be sure to click through the numbered pages below to get the full scoop.

TheGrio hopes you enjoy the black inaugural experience!

Click the numbers below for the full listing.