The celebration of the official opening of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Monday, August 23, 2004, which corresponds substantially to the annual UN International Day of Commemoration of the abolition of slavery was in itself a milestone in the history of struggles for freedom around the world. The festivities for the occasion were the most important not only recognize the abolition of slavery in the past but also for the fight today to release more than 27 million people currently enslaved around the mondo.

Il National Underground Railroad Freedom Center the size of its opening drew the attention heinous act of trafficking in human beings and all the barbarism that accompanies concerned. This was also our chance to celebrate his removal and capture the brave men and women who stood up against it often generated in the past, so that those of us in this imitate their actions in defense of humanity, courage and values rights, wherever we see them opening the heart has been trampled freedom upon.The which was the culmination of 10 years of planning and collaboration with communities in Underground Railroad, universities and cultural groups from across the United States have included a plot of land "for the Freedom "procession of the sites of freedom, an inter-ethnic celebration of Liberty, lighting the flame of freedom, shows, among other activities.

Activities began with a live broadcast venues Freedom Center by CBS Early Show. NBA, ABC Good Morning America, MTV, Chat the Planet, C-Span, and WCPO-9 News live webcast and were among the other specials and taping that animated the occasion. A stream live via satellite has been issued to Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Rochester, in Connecticut, where an inaugural party was hosted. The History Channel has added to the glory of the event when it aired a documentary special on the early work of Railroad.

The Underground Freedom Center of scholarships, Passages to Freedom, a landmark book published by the press at the Smithsonian's inception. This program with videotaped presentations by scientists who have guided the development of exhibitions story Freedom Center included Dr. James Horton of George Washington University and Dr. David Blight, Yale University. Under the guidance of the greatest historians, curators, artists and designers exhibit in the United States, five major inaugural exhibition attended by some 500 years of history of freedom, from 1500 to now.

At noon, Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees and MTV, the two spouses famous TV show, kick-off all day free festival with local artists and radio personalities, and national speakers and entertainers all in Music Television (MTV), "Choose or lose" business broadcast.Also then sealed at midday The Honorary Freedom of the National Council held its annual meeting under the theme: The struggle continues-Introduction to the Institute for Contemporary Slavery and freedom with its keynote speaker is Ambassador John Miller, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State the director of surveillance and combat trafficking in the evening Persons.

An Festival of Freedom began immediately after the freedom Grounds procession. The free festival has paid tribute to some of the most respected and popular artists on Human Rights, highlighting dance, music, storytelling and demonstrations of the various ethnic communities from around the world. Readings and performances of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass Re-animators and actors Daryl Harris and theater for children, accounts of Freedom Train, and demonstrations by Annie Ruth, Mad Cap Productions and others were all part of the attractions.

Dozens of artists ethnically representative government programs deemed traditional and contemporary blues, rock, gospel, jazz and other music in a festival that takes place from noon to 8 hours in the parking lot south of the Freedom Center off Mehring return Way.Upon Nick Lachey as master of ceremonies for the dedication concert, it featured the music of Liberty Center, 700-winning choir Blessed Union of Souls, and a special display performance.The score for the ceremonies for the inauguration service was the Ohio River at the intersection of 2nd Street and Walnut Street with a giant screen situated on the promenade of Broadcasting