Given the countless inauguration balls, galas, happy hours, club events and afterparties that took place over the weekend, it’s easy to assume that nothing of substance occurred. That assumption would be wrong.

ESSENCE caught up with inauguration-goers to find out their views on the historic event, the state of the country and what they are looking forward to most in the next four years.

Beyoncé performs the National Anthem at President Obama's inauguration ceremony.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how celebrities enjoyed President Obama's historic weekend.

President Barack Obama is sworn in for second term.

President Obama says he loves Michelle Obama's new bangs.

"You didn't mess up," Sasha Obama said to the President after his swearing-in ceremony.

Check out which celebs were out and about at the Inaugural events this weekend.

A look inside the 2013 Inauguration celebration at the African American Church in Washington D.C.

Today, President Obama unveiled an extensive order and urged Congress to take action.