It was a spectacular night at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is a wing of the Smithsonian where celebrities flew in from all around the country into Washington D.C. to say goodbye to one it’s most innovative, comedic, and wittiest shows in the history of theABC Network. Black-ish was a show that gave African Americans a voice and not only taught other nationalities about our culture and some of the ways in which we live, but it also gave history lessons, and told our stories in such an entertaining light, that you didn’t even realize it. After 8 seasons, it was sad see such a terrific show go off the air. It was a such a great opportunity for the world to learn the African American culture and be entertained all at the same time.

The event at the Smithsonian was simply breathtaking. From the red carpet (Or should I say black carpet) to the discussion panel, the evening was full of delight. As I arrived, the cast was on the carpet taking group pictures while the staff immediately acknowledged your presence with champagne flukes to illuminate the luxurious atmosphere. The first person that I noticed coming off the carpet was the fabulous Jennifer Lewis, who was full of life. And when I say, full of life, there is NO exaggeration! Wearing a beautiful pastel yellow pants suit and a stiletto heel, at 67 years old, she looked magnificent! But I learned quickly that night that looking the part is simply not enough for Ms. Lewis. She had to play it too. The press had a field day as Jennifer decided that she wanted to show her flexibility. So, rocking her 8-inch afro (Yes, all her natural hair) she kicked her leg so high that I thought she was going to kick over one of the lamps on the carpet. I was stunned, waiting to request a picture with her, and everyone was shocked, but very impressed with her acrobatic move that was so sudden. I swear, she could have been a Radio City Music Hall Rockette.

There wasn’t much time to mingle as the panel discussion was about to begin.  All the guests were escorted downstairs into the auditorium. Luckily, I was in VIP, so I was sitting around the entire cast.  I had the chance to meet the always elegant and soft-spoken Tracee Ellis Ross, who was wearing a beautiful green sequence dress, and a pair of white go-go boots.  I thought it was classy and trendy at the same time.  Anthony Anderson spared no jokes for the entire evening, screaming comments out loud and playing with the audience.  I also had the chance to meet all the other cast members including Yara Shahidi, Marsai Martin, Marcus Scribner and Miles Brown, who were all very gracious to take pictures and chat before the panel discussion.

There was an heir of sadness in the room as the cast sat on stage and discussed the show. There were tears, laughter, and moments that made you realize that this cast really developed into a family while making such a powerful, but entertaining show. Jennifer Lewis and Anthony Anderson kept the crowd roaring with laughter as they bantered back and forth. You would think that she was his mother in real life. Kenya Barris, who is the genius creator behind the show Black-ish was also on the panel, expressing his gratitude to the cast, the fans, and all those who were able to make his show come to life, explaining how some of the episodes were so controversial that he wasn’t sure if producers would want to air them. He even shared some emotional moments as they reminisced on their humble beginnings of the show.

We also had the opportunity to see a preview of the final episode, which was hilarious. I won’t be a “spoiler”, if you didn’t have to opportunity to see it yet, but if you were a fan of the show, it’s going to be one to touch your heart, while keeping you laughing all the while.

The evening came to a fantastic end with an over the top after party where the cast stayed and took pictures with all the guests, great hors d’oeuvres, drinks and good music. With this event being my first time back on the red carpet, it was the perfect event to be back and around such a great group of people. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we’ll see the terrific work of any of these talented individuals.

Article by Delvon Johnson @fabulousbook