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Check out events, performances, sites and museum exhibits that honor Black history and culture.
African American history and culture are an essential part of DC’s identity, which means that there are numerous ways to celebrate Black History Month in the city. Below, we’ve detailed some of the best ways to engage with African American culture, community and history in the District.
The nation’s capital is also full of year-round ways to honor the African American experience at museums and memorials, as well as a collection of Black-owned restaurants and Black chefs.
Photo credit: @uspostalservice
Explore Shaw and the Howard Theatre
Walk through the historic Shaw neighborhood, once home to prominent African Americans including jazz legend Duke Ellington, whose statue resides in front of the historic Howard Theatre. You can also walk the theater's Walk of Fame, which begins near the United Negro College Fund Headquarters and continues for two blocks, right up to the facade of the Howard. Explore the neighborhood's musical and cultural heritage with a Black Broadway walking tour, led by local journalist and author Briana Thomas.
The Shaw neighborhood was named for Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a member of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of black soldiers who fought during the Civil War. The area earned the nickname, “The Heart of Chocolate City,” as escaped slaves settled there and eventually started businesses catering to the large population of African Americans. Once you are done admiring its history, check out Shaw’s awesome dining scene.
Photo credit: @kevin.barata
Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
The National Mall has been the site of vital African American history, including the March on Washington led by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963 and the first Million Man March in 1995. You can also admire the spot where King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech during the aforementioned March, as the spot can be found etched onto the Lincoln Memorial steps.
Pay homage at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Situated on a four-acre, crescent-shaped site in West Potomac Park, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial features a 30-foot statue of Dr. King carved into what is known as the Stone of Hope, which stands past two other pieces of granite known as the Mountain of Despair (both are references to his “I Have A Dream” speech). Visit the Inscription Wall to read incredible quotes from King’s speeches, sermons and writings.
Experience Black Lives Matter Plaza
In June 2020, a portion of 16th Street, just north of Lafayette Square, was transformed into a city-commissioned mural emblazoned with the powerful civil rights message in yellow lettering. The site is an ideal space to reflect on not just DC's Black history, but the country's as a whole. The landmark is also a bright beacon for protest, free speech and the push for racial and social equality in America.
Be amazed by the expansive Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Through stunning architecture and four floors containing exhibits and thousands of artifacts, the Smithsonian museum details African American life, history and culture in incredible detail. Since the National Mall landmark is one of the city’s most popular attractions, make sure to obtain your tickets to this free museum in advance. You can also check out programming for the month of February.
Visit the Go-Go Museum and Cafe
DC’s newest museum attraction opens for special events and guests with tickets on Feb. 19, 2025, showcasing the official music of the nation’s capital like never before. The Go-Go Museum & Cafe will serve as the official site for the appreciation and study of go-go music as well as its history, impact and vitality. Expect a state-of-the-art experience inside Anacostia’s latest landmark.
Pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Living the Dream…Singing the Dream
The Washington Performing Arts and Choral Arts Society of Washington choirs come together for an annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Kennedy Center (Feb. 2, 2025). Experience a powerful performance in the spirit of community and honor Dr. King’s lasting impact through music.
Step Afrika! Step Classic – Feb. 14-16
A three-day celebration of stepping in the heart of our nation’s capital is inspired by the legacy of HBCU Classics. The Step Classic’s inaugural weekend highlights the powerful artform of stepping, bringing together community, culture and celebration in a way only Step Afrika! can. With step teams from across the country, the Classic centers stepping’s origins within the Divine Nine and its evolution into a unifying tradition that bridges generations and honors Black heritage. Step Afrika! will also host a free Community Day at the National Building Museum on Saturday that includes live performances, a DJ and lots of family-friendly activities.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Kunene and The King – Feb. 16 – March 16
In its U.S. premiere, this play written and performed by Tony-winner John Kani is sure to enthrall audiences at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre. Kunene and The King concerns Lunga Kunene (played by Kani), who has been charged with the care of a classical actor (played by Edward Gero) who was just offered a career-defining role as King Lear. The Bard serves as a unifier in this stirring tale set 25 years after the fall of apartheid.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
We Gather at the Edge: Contemporary Quilts by Black Women Artists – Feb. 21 – June 22
Two years ago, the Smithsonian American Art Museum acquired 35 quilts from Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, who holds a doctorate in aerospace engineering and is also a prolific artist, curator and scholar. The scope of the quilts featured is remarkable and groundbreaking in its representation of Black history and culture.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Hold On, Change is Coming – Through March 1
Zenith Gallery celebrates Black History Month with a display of artists who use their work to honor their Blackness in a variety of mediums and styles. Each artist in Hold On, Change is Coming produces pieces that are profoundly unique, meaningful and well-executed, each established with work displayed in prestigious collections and at museums both domestically and internationally.
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 12-6 p.m. (or by appointment)
Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Anacostia Community Museum
A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2
The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20
Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake – Through June 8
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
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