Last Saturday during his monologue on SNL, Dave Chappelle spoke of a magical night he spent at the White House a few weeks prior. With a seriousness in his tone, Chappelle spoke of how important it was to have seen such a collective of blackness in the West Wing, especially given our oppressive history.
“I saw all those black faces … and I saw how happy everybody was, these people who had been historically disenfranchised. It made me feel hopeful and it made me proud to be an American.”
We were able to get a glimpse of that amazing night as BET hosted Love and Happiness: An Obama Celebration.
Affectionately referred to as Barack Obama’s Block Party, the concert on the South Lawn featured some key players in black entertainment, all thanking the President for eight years of tremendous hope, phenomenal progress and a swagger unlike any other commander-in-chief.
Here’s a recap of our favorite moments from the night:
A very snatched Jill Scott soulfully bringing the house down with a performance of “Run, Run, Run” and “Golden”
Regina Hall likening the Obamas leaving the White House to AJ and Free leaving 106 & Park
“Everything about this first family is historic,” said Hall. Her co-host, Terrance J, had a similar view about our beloved Barry. “Being able to call you ‘Mr. President’ for two terms? I think I can speak for everyone: It’s filled us with enormous pride.”
One of our fave Chicago kids, Common, wooing the audience with his classics and a powerful rendition of his award-winning song, “Glory”
Goosebumps, anyone?
Leslie Odom, Jr. gave our POTUS the Hamilton treatment, creating an ill rap for his impending Broadway play
“I’m gonna get Lin to punch it up, I promise. It’ll be better than that,” he said through a smile.
KiKi Sheard, Yolanda Adams and Michelle Williams took us to the front of the pulpit while snatching our edges in the process
Hallelu!
Strolling down memory lane with De La Soul, The Roots and Bell Biv Devoe, jigging the entire way
Seriously … watching our FLOTUS recite every word to “Poison” was refreshing AF
But the highlight of the night was watching our first family basking in all the black excellence and support enveloping them
I’m not crying; you’re crying.
For more speeches and performances from the night, check out BET.com!
