It’s no surprise that there was an African and International Friends Inaugural Ball to celebrate President Obama. The festivities commenced at The Gaylord National Resort on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland, and featured performances by Patti Labelle, The O’Jays, Lalah Hathaway, and Raheem Devaughn. Hosted by Fallen Soldiers, Inc., an affiliate of America’s National Black Leadership Roundtable, the National Network vehicle of the Congressional Black Caucus, the ball featured a 45-minute set by Hathaway, the daughter of soul legend Donny Hathaway, who performed for the African heads of State. “I was chosen to participate, and I am so honored!” says Hathaway. “The world is moving so fast and changing before our eyes and I am grateful to be alive at this historic moment!”—KB