As the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) opened its doors in Washington D.C. Saturday, many moments both profound and historic took place during the museum's dedication. But one moment in particular had silently, but powerfully spoke volumes. Among those present at the dedication ceremony was Ruth Bonner, a 99 year-old woman who also happened to be the daughter of a former slave by the name of Elijah Odom.

Odom was born into slavery in Mississippi, but escaped to freedom when he was a young boy. Through his eyes, he witnessed the Reconstruction Era and lived in the Jim Crow South, where the ideology of "separate, but equal" prevailed. Despite those circumstances, Odom managed to graduate from medical school and had a farm of his own. Before concluding his speech to ring the bell, President Obama spoke about Ruth Bonner, and the four generations of her family present at the dedication. "Today, we have with us a family that reflects the arc of our progress: the Bonner family ― four generations in all, starting with gorgeous 7-year-old Christine and going up to gorgeous 99-year-old Ruth...with a spirit reflected in beautiful Christine, free and equal in the laws of her country and in the eyes of God.”

The bell that was rung to officially open the museum was originally owned by the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, Virginia. The church was started by both free and enslaved blacks who met in secrecy to congregate and worship. The bell traces back to as early as 1880, and was restored just in time for the event, ringing for the very first time since segregation was legal in the United States.

Ruth Bonner, her family, and the Obamas ringing the bell to officially declare the NMAAHC open.