Solange, Esperanza Spalding Soundtrack A Night Of Solidarity At Peace Ball [Photos/Recap]

Photos by Tony Mobley for Okayplayer.

"When Donald Trump's hand goes up we must be ready to resist and fight."

The words, uttered by senator Corey Booker, served as one of many rallying cries at this year's Peace Ball.

The event, described as "a gathering to celebrate the accomplishments and successes of the past 4 years and the vow to continue to be the change we want to see in the world," had immediately sold out upon its announcing. Surely, special appearances from Van Jones, Melissa Harris-Perry and Angela Davis, as well as musical performances from Esperanza Spalding and Solange, contributed to the successful turnout for the event, but so did the venue where the Peace Ball was held — the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

As a number of activists, journalists and politicians gave words of encouragement on the ground floor of the museum, patrons were able to view multiple exhibits on the floors above. From J Dilla's MPC to outfits worn by George Clinton and Bootsy Collins during the height of Parliament-Funkadelic, the entertainment and sports sections of the museum were not only comforting but inspiring. A reminder that, even in times of inequality, injustice and racism, black people continued to create culture and push for progress.

Much later in the evening came performances from Spalding and Solange. Accompanied by Afro Blue, Howard University's premiere choir, Spalding performed a soothing but somber song that was maintained through a pattern of clapping from the choir and Spalding herself. The moment was beautiful: the ensemble creating a percussive rhythm through what looked like a game of "Patty Cake".

After a few more speeches came Solange, who was introduced by Davis. With her band settling into a groove for "Rise," Solange walked onto the stage with her dancers, and proceeded to do a medley of tracks from A Seat At The Table. Ending with "Don't Touch My Hair," Solange thanked Peace Ball organizer Andy Shallal before walking offstage and letting the band go into an extended jam of the song.

The Peace Ball was necessary: a joyful but poignant celebration ahead of the fight.