[ cheers and applause ] i grew up coming to this place so many times. And, this, tonight, is special. I thought about, when i was coming in backstage, ive been on this stage with Godfather Of Soul, james brown, who was like a father to me, and michael jackson, the list goes on. But, tonight, you will have Something Special at the apollo, because you will have two icons that are going to talk about their work, and talk about what they do in this country that is so needed at this time today could not be a better night at the apollo. This is not just a great show, tonight, this is history. So [ cheers and applause ] so, it is my honor and my pleasure that, i cant bring you tonight the Godfather Of Soul [ laughter ] but i bring you the godmother of woke [ cheers and applause ] Rachel Maddow. [ cheers and applause ] i got you on that one. [ laughter ] [ cheers and applause ] [ cheers and applause ] wow, how are you doing . We love you, rachel. [ cheers and applause ] i am so nervous [ laugh