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Pictured: Duke Ellington Mural on U Street's True Reformer Building

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African American Culture

From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to the campus of Howard University and the soulful sounds of Jazz in the U Street corridor, the impact of African American culture is apparent around every corner.

 
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Music lovers flock to Washington each summer to attend the annual DC Jazz Festival, featuring up to 100 performances across more than 60 venues.
African American Music & Nightlife
From the historic "Black Broadway" to today, experience DC's groove.
start grooving
A detail of the Spirit of Freedom sculpture, part of the African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honoring the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
African American History & Heritage
Learn how DC's rich history is shaped by its strong African American heritage.
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The Stone of Hope features a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Only-in-DC African American Experiences
Discover unforgettable only-in-DC experiences that will resonate for a lifetime.
explore now
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DC Travel Inspiration

Trip Ideas

Two icons of DC come together, with the late father of Go-Go music Chuck Brown performing atop Anacostia's "Big Chair," constructed in 1959 as a quirky advertisement for Bassett Furniture.
Anacostia
Learn about DC’s first planned suburb where abolitionist Frederick Douglass made his home.
read now
The Duke Ellington Mural on the historic True Reformer Building in the U Street neighborhood pays tribute to the city's contributions to the jazz age and in particular U Street's - once known as 'Black Broadways' - contributions.
Arts District / U Street / Shaw
Once known as "Black Broadway," this soulful neighborhood thrives with music, arts and culture.
read now
The Duke Ellington Mural on the historic True Reformer Building in the U Street neighborhood pays tribute to the city's contributions to the jazz age and in particular U Street's - once known as 'Black Broadways' - contributions.
African American Arts & Culture
Many museums and theaters in Washington, DC offer a taste of African American culture.
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The Stone of Hope features a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
DC Itinerary: African American History & Heritage
Discover African American contributions to the rich local history and culture of Washington, DC.
read now
Post-Inauguration balls and galas celebrate the newly-elected president. Smiles and good times are had by all - especially the president himself.
DC Itinerary: Play in President Obama's Backyard
Spend a few days tracing the footsteps of the First Family around Washington, DC.
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Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days of Civil War to Civil Rights
Ideas for history buffs interested in DC's Civil War connections from the last 150 years.
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The lesser known of Lincoln's official presidential residences is open to visitors following a $10-million renovation.
DC Itinerary: Civil War to Civil Rights in 3 Days
Spend three days exploring Civil War and civil rights sites in and around the nation's capital.
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President Lincoln's Washington
A powerful president at a turbulent time, Abraham Lincoln remains a powerful presence in Washington.
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Miles of trails, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and fun bike and Segway tours invite travelers to explore as they exercise. DC's Cultural Tourism sponsors free, guided Walkington and Bikington tours in the spring and fall.
African American Heritage Tours
Explore Washington DC's rich African American heritage with these educational tours.
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Arts District / U Street / Shaw Attractions
Music rules in this artsy neighborhood with a rich African-American heritage.
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The Anacostia Community Museum, one of 15 Smithsonian Institution museums, focuses on the urban African American experience, such as the once-segregated baseball teams in DC.
Anacostia Attractions
Head across the Anacostia River to see little known historic sites without the crowds.
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A statue of Frederick Douglass graces Cedar Hill, his former home in the Anacostia neighborhood. Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass was renowned for his orations on universal equality of all races, nationalities and genders.
DC Itinerary: Frederick Douglass' Washington in 1 Day
Follow this one-day Washington, DC itinerary through the eyes of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
read now
Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
DC Itinerary: Civil War to Civil Rights in 5 Days
Follow this five-day itinerary to experience Washington, DC's Civil War to Civil Rights attractions.
read now
Civil War to Civil Rights: Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Sites
The civil rights leader made history all across the city.
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The Stone of Hope features a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The newest memorial on the National Mall is the first to honor a non-president.
read now
The African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honors the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
African American History & Heritage
The culture of Washington, DC, is infused with African American history.
read now
The bartenders at the cleverly named Madams Organ in Adams Morgan mix of crafty cocktails as live music is played in the background of this bawdy bar.
African American Music & Nightlife
DC's rich African American heritage is reflected in its music and nightlife.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Explore these lesser-known Civil War attractions and historical locations.
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Food & Drink from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Era
Eat and drink your way through locations in DC that played a part in the Civil War or civil rights.
read now
Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
DC Itinerary: Civil War to Civil Rights in 1 Day
Spend a day visiting attractions relevant to the Civil War or the civil rights movement.
read now
The African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honors the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
DC Itinerary: 5 Days of Civil Rights
Explore civil rights attractions and experiences over 5 days in Washington, DC.
read now
The Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall provides a doubling vista, and a cooling station for geese.
DC Itinerary: Major Civil Rights Sites in 1 Day
Discover some of Washington, DC's significant civil rights attractions in this one-day itinerary.
read now
The lesser known of Lincoln's official presidential residences is open to visitors following a $10-million renovation.
Civil War to Civil Rights: A Spy's-Eye View
Check out these Top 10 recommendations from a DC insider.
read now
Only-in-DC African American Experiences
From the newest national memorial to U Street, DC is infused with African American history.
read now

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