Several major elected officials in Houston will take office next week during the city’s 2024 Inauguration ceremony.

HOUSTON – A Houston rapper showcased his talents during a performance on the Inauguration special “Celebrating America” on Wednesday night. Tobe Nwigue, who is a Nigerian American from Alief, performed “Wake Up Everybody” along with performers Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. He wrote on his Instagram it was “an honor to have them perform” with him during America’s special night. The performance also included his family and his baby children roaming in the background. The song, “Wake Up Everybody” is part of an EP from artist The Undefeated, called “Black History Always.”You can see the full performance below:

A pair of "Dior 1" sneakers (top, in circle) were spotted during Wednesday's Presidential Inauguration. HOUSTON – Social media -- and especially Twitter -- cracked the mystery case of who wore a pair of rare shoes to the inauguration on Wednesday. “I step away from Twitter for less than an hour for the Inauguration Ceremony and Nik’s shoes are #1 Trending?? I step away from Twitter for less than an hour for the inauguration ceremony and Nik’s shoes are #1 trending????? pic.twitter.com/95ZEFoQtx1 — Louidet Lebwaze (@louidet) January 21, 2021The wait for those Dior 1s pic.twitter.com/vekM88qBE7 — Troy 📺 🇦🇺 (@SpookLongley) January 20, 2021Y’all should’ve never let me see those Dior 1’s at the inauguration yesterday.

While most attendees dressed in formal winter fashion, Sanders sported a more casual look complemented with fleece-lined mittens. According to NBC Boston, the mittens that have become a part of several viral memes were made by Jen Ellis, an elementary school teacher whose daughter went to a child care center owned by a relative of Sanders. “I love it that he loves them, and that he wears them,” Ellis said according to NBC Boston. “The fact that these mittens, which were made from recycled and repurposed materials, made it to the national stage is really a shoutout to Vermont,” Ellis said. “I’m really proud that he took them to D.C. and that he was there for this historic moment.”

HOUSTON – President Joe Biden signed 15 executive orders and actions within his first few hours in office. But the one catching the attention of Houstonians and the energy industry targets the Keystone XL pipeline. “In Houston, I have a lot of people in the energy industry,” said Congressman Mike McCaul. He notes that Congress previously has authorized the pipeline and believes the project is good for the country and oil and gas industry. “Cancellation of the Keystone pipeline really doesn’t mean anything for the Houston area,” he said.

HOUSTON – A memorable day for many in the South Asian Houston community after Kamala Harris, the first Black woman of Jamaican and Indian descent, was sworn in as Vice President of the United States. In the Mahatma Ghandi District on the southwest side of Houston, some Houstonians celebrated the inauguration of VP Kamala Harris. “A lot of people looking for her in the Jamaican community and the Indian community, I wish her all the best,” added Houstonian, Mary Shawn. Other community leaders are hoping President Biden and Vice President Harris can bring the country together. That’s who he is in values and it speaks well for our future,” said Joel Dinkin, CEO of the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston.

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Vice President Kamala Harris has made history as the first woman, first Black and first South Asian to hold the position. She credits her time at a historically Black college, Howard University, with preparing for a life of public service. Students at Prairie View A&M University proudly watched Wednesday’s ceremony at the Memorial Student Center. Some students were emotional and felt inspired by President Joe Biden and VP Harris. LaShonda Williams is a graduate of Prairie View A&M and she’s also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, just like Harris.

After his official swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Biden gave his inaugural address to the American people. While the inauguration marked the end of a tremulous election, Biden spoke about unity and the pursuit of the American dream for all. Here are some of the most enduring quotes from Biden’s inaugural address:Biden’s oath to AmericansBefore God and all of you, I give you my word I will always level with you. On the American storyBut the American story depends not in any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. And we’ll lead not merely by the example of our power, by the power of our example.

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Wednesday marked the beginning of President Joe Biden’s term as the 46th president of the United States. A law enforcement personnel monitors the area during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Guests attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States.

President Joe Biden delivers his inaugural address on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. We saw many recognizable faces Wednesday at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, but there were many people -- some quite notable -- who were not in attendance. President Donald Trump: He announced on Twitter ahead of the inauguration that he would not be attending, and he stuck to his word. He’s the first outgoing president who chose not to attend the ceremony since President Andrew Johnson’s refusal in 1869. Sen. Marco Rubio: Rubio conveyed he would be hard at work instead.

WASHINGTON D.C. – President Joe Biden’s inaugural address Wednesday, as provided by CQ Transcripts:Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris. Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, and my distinguished guests, my fellow Americans, this is America’s day. Once in a century virus that silently stalks the country has taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words. Through Civil War, the Great Depression, world war, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks, our better angels have always prevailed.

FILE - This images shows a depiction of President George Washington delivering his inaugural address in the Senate Chamber of Old Federal Hall in New York on April 30, 1789. When Joe Biden addresses the country for the first time as president, his inaugural speech is likely to echo calls for unity that predecessors have invoked since the first time George Washington was sworn in. (AP Photo, File)(AP1789)

WASHINGTON – A full-throated, supremely confident Lady Gaga belted out the national anthem Wednesday in a very Gaga way — with flamboyance, fashion and passion. As he left the podium, he shook hands with Biden, former Vice President Mike Pence, donned his cowboy hat and hugged former President Barack Obama. The inaugural committee has made sure to blend this high-powered list with ordinary Americans and inspiring stories. The celebrity component only increased over time, and one of the starriest inaugurations was that of John F. Kennedy in 1961. That celebration, hosted by Frank Sinatra, drew Harry Belafonte, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Kelly, Ethel Merman, Laurence Olivier, Sidney Poitier and other celebrities.

American poet Amanda Gorman reads a poem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool)WASHINGTON – Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman summoned images dire and triumphant as she called out to the world “even as we grieved, we grew.”In language referencing Biblical scripture and at times echoing the oratory of John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the 22-year-old Gorman read with urgency and assertion as she began by asking “Where can we find light/In this never-ending shade?” and used her own poetry and life story as an answer. But while democracy can be periodically delayed,It can never be permanently defeated.”Frost’s appearance at the Kennedy inaugural was a kind of valedictory — he was 86 and died two years later. Her first two books come out later this year — the picture story “Change Things” and a bound edition of her inaugural poem.

Look back at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris with these videos of the biggest moments from Jan. 20. This list will be updated as Inauguration Day unfolds. Biden’s inaugural addressHarris takes the oathFirst executive orders signedInaugural paradeGift-giving ceremonyMilitary reviewPence says farewellGaga, JLo and BrooksMoving poem, benediction

Many women across the U.S. are sporting Converse shoes and pearl necklaces as a nod to VP Kamala Harris. HOUSTON – Women across the Houston area and the U.S. are sporting Converse Chuck Taylor or “Chuck” shoes and pearls Wednesday as a nod to Kamala Harris, who was sworn in as the nation’s vice president. Many women took to social media to showcase photos of their pearls and their colorful Converse shoes as a sign that history had been made for women, regardless of political party. Here’s what they shared:What an honor for us to take part in witnessing our first Madam Vice President @KamalaHarris ! The door has been flung open and she's coming' in.👠👠👟👟 #KamalaHarris #KamalaInTheWhiteHouse #FromOaklandLikeMe pic.twitter.com/uebBavrriw — Heather Berry (@HeatherQ95747) January 20, 2021

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, as their children Ashley and Hunter watch. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden will issue an executive order after taking office, aimed at reinstating White House ethics standards that were diminished or disregarded by the Trump administration. Yet in practice, the Trump administration weakened ethics rules and failed to enforce the those he adopted, government watchdog groups say. One provision prohibits incoming administration officials from accepting “golden parachute” payments from their former employers for taking a government job. The ethics concerns faced by the Biden administration also don’t match those that vexed the Trump administration. Other provisions in Biden's ethics order include:— A prohibition on interfering with prosecutorial decisions made by the Justice Department.

Biden and first lady Jill Biden watched the end of the day’s events from a balcony in the White House on Wednesday night. The Senate has voted to confirm Avril Haines as the new director of national intelligence, giving President Joe Biden the first member of his Cabinet. Workers removed the giant sign from the department’s C Street lobby on Wednesday shortly after President Joe Biden was inaugurated. ___5:20 p.m.President Joe Biden has signed a series of executive orders from the Oval Office hours after his inauguration. ___4:55 p.m.President Joe Biden has directed that federal agencies halt all rulemaking until his administration has time to review proposed regulations.

Lady Gaga sings the national anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. And country star Garth Brooks, doffing his black cowboy hat, sang a soulful a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” his eyes closed for much of the song. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his “Land of Hope and Dreams” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

What to watch for on Inauguration Day:THE SWEARING-INBiden's oath of office is the only essential. Others say the first eyewitness account of a president using those words came at Chester Arthur’s inauguration in 1881. Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman will read an original poem, “The Hill We Climb.”THE SPEECHA president’s inauguration speech is designed to set the tone and the policies the new administration will pursue. The National Mall is closed and just a fraction of the tickets usually handed out for an inauguration will be distributed. An emphasis will be placed on paying homage to Americans on the front lines of the pandemic.

President Joe Biden pauses as he signs his first executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. Both he, Harris and their spouses walked the last short part of the route to the White House after an abridged parade. At Biden's invitation, congressional leaders from both parties bowed their heads in prayer in the socially distanced service a few blocks from the White House. The Bidens ended their evening watching fireworks from a White House balcony. Trump did adhere to one tradition and left a personal note for Biden in the Oval Office.

Trump is expected to pardon Bannon, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, as part of a flurry of last-minute clemency action that appears to be still in flux in the last hours of his presidency. Trump did not pardon himself, despite speculation that he would, in the face of potential federal investigations. Bannon was charged in August with duping thousands of donors who believed their money would be used to fulfill Trump’s chief campaign promise to build a wall along the southern border. “Steve Bannon is getting a pardon from Trump after defrauding Trump’s own supporters into paying for a wall that Trump promised Mexico would pay for,” Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said on Twitter. Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, has frequently expressed support for Trump and recently met with the president on criminal justice issues.

The inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States. (Photo by MPI/Getty Images)Things have changed quite a bit since the first presidential inauguration in 1789. Illustration of American general and politician George Washington (1732 - 1799) receiving the news of his election as the first American president, 1789. While emphasizing the public good, Washington addressed the need for a strong Constitution and Bill of Rights. He also said he would be declining pay beyond what the public good thought was required.

WASHINGTON – In his farewell address, President Donald Trump says he will pray for the success of the next administration. The White House released excerpts of the video address ahead of its release Tuesday afternoon, a day ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. He said: “We did what we came here to do — and so much more.”Trump doesn’t mention Biden by nameTrump does not mention his successor, Biden, by name in his farewell address. Trump refers to the “next” and “new” administration in the nearly 20-minute speech taped in the White House Blue Room. Trump acknowledged in his farewell address that he will “hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday” - when Trump’s term ends and Biden’s begins.

President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. The greatest people in the world, the greatest home in the world,” Trump told reporters before heading to Marine One, rotors whirring, on South Lawn. Trump will retire to Florida with a small group of former White House aides as he charts a political future that looks very different now than just two weeks ago. White House cleaning crews worked overnight Wednesday and were still going as the sun rose to get the building cleaned and ready for its new occupants. Trump rarely left the confines of the White House, except to visit his own hotel.

WASHINGTON – At a memorial for the lives taken by COVID-19, President-elect Joe Biden is calling on Americans to remember those lost to the coronavirus and to begin to heal. Biden said Tuesday night, on the eve of his inauguration, that although it’s “hard sometimes to remember,” it’s “how we heal.”Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, speaking before him, emphasized a similar note of unity. While Americans have been grieving alone for most of the pandemic, Harris said, “Tonight we grieve, and begin healing, together.”The memorial included an invocation from Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who asked that “our prayer strengthen our awareness of our common humanity and our national unity.” A Detroit nurse, Lori Marie Key, sang “Amazing Grace,” noting that the song gives her strength during hard times. The remembrance ceremony was held at the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool, which was lit up with 400 lights in honor of the 400,000 Americans who have died from the virus. After Biden’s brief remarks, gospel singer Yolanda Adams sang “Hallelujah.”

HOUSTON – The Texas Southern University debate team will be among several groups from historically black colleges participating in a virtual inauguration Tuesday. We are honored to announce that Texas Southern University’s Debate Team is one of the select groups to virtually participate in the historic inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris. “To have the opportunity to participate in such a historic event makes us all TSU Debate Team proud,” Dr. Batiste-Roberts said. I’m not only representing myself, but my team, Texas Southern University, and all HBCUs. “We are filled with pride and anticipation to see the Texas Southern University Debate Team in the national spotlight for this historic moment.

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris campaigns for Democratic U.S. Senate challengers the Rev. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is slated to speak at the event, “We Are One,” which will also honor the historic nature of her being the first Black and South Asian woman to become U.S. vice president. Black voters nationwide helped deliver Biden’s presidency, overwhelmingly supporting him from the start of his White House bid. The event will pay homage to the legacy of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities, as well as Black sororities and fraternities. It'll be hosted by Terrence J and feature Leslie Jones, DJ D-Nice, and Black cultural icons such as Frankie Beverly, The O’Jays, and Rapsody.

HOUSTON – Congressman Al Green held a press conference on Monday to propose a deterrence to in-flight disruptions on airplanes, ahead of the inauguration. Here’s the letter:Sample HTML blockGreen recalled a harrowing personal experience on a commercial flight to Nashville, Tenn., in which he was called “Mr. Impeachment” by Trump supporters and remarks were made that “something was going to happen” on that flight. Green said he was concerned that his head was exposed and he couldn’t look backward on the plane. The full news conference -- including Green’s recollection of his frightening plane experience -- will be posted shortly in the video player at the top of this article.

The opening salvo would herald a 10-day blitz of executive actions as Biden seeks to act swiftly to redirect the country in the wake of Donald Trump's presidency without waiting for Congress. “These executive actions will deliver relief to the millions of Americans that are struggling in the face of these crises,” Klain said in the memo. Klain said that Biden would also propose a comprehensive immigration reform bill to lawmakers on his first day in office. The following day, Friday, will see action on providing economic relief to those suffering the economic costs of the pandemic. Incoming presidents traditionally move swiftly to sign an array of executive actions when they take office.

The Texas Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, in this undated file image. AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Capitol is being closed through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden “out of an abundance of caution,” officials at the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Friday. In a written statement, DPS Director Steven McCraw said they are aware of armed protests that have been planned at the state Capitol this week and “violent extremists may seek to exploit” the events. “As a result, DPS has deployed additional personnel and resources to the Capitol and are working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Austin Police Department to monitor events and enforce the rule of law,” McCraw said in the statement. McCraw asked people to report any suspicious activity they see on the internet or in public to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Austin Police Department or DPS at iWatchtx.org.

Airbnb says it will be blocking and cancelling reservations in the Washington, D.C. area during the week of the presidential inauguration. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)NEW YORK – Airbnb said Wednesday it will be blocking and canceling all reservations in the Washington, D.C., area during the week of the presidential inauguration. But over Presidents' Day weekend, the site lists more than 300 rentals in the Washington area. Meanwhile, a hotel labor union representing 7,200 hotel workers in the Washington area, called for hotel closures in the area to protect staff and the public. Marriott International said Wednesday that its hotels in the Washington area will remain open leading up to and through the inauguration.

Kamala Harris is the first woman, first Black and first South Asian person to become vice president of the United States. Vice President-elect Harris has inspired women to dream and attain it with her historic election win. "I think we have to realize the collective work of the women who came before Kamala have built for this moment. Betts said it will be exciting to see what work Harris will get done while in office. I think that’s what women have been essentially striving for is to be seen on the merits of their work," she said.