Award-winning actress, director, producer, choreographer and teacher Michelle Banks shares her hometown highlights.
"Growing up in DC, the city has evolved to be more accessible," shares actress and advocate Michelle A. Banks. While accessible crosswalk signals and Metro captions are more widespread, Banks is one of the trailblazers ensuring that everything that the city has to offer is accessible to all. Today, she’s an accomplished and award-winning performer, interpreter, writer, producer and the artistic director of Visionaries for Creative Arts, a DC-based nonprofit empowering Black Deaf artists to express their unique and vital perspectives.
Gallaudet University, the only University in the world dedicated to the education and culture of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, is a part of Banks’ journey. She had always loved storytelling, but it wasn’t until she watched Cicely Tyson in Sounder that the pivotal "I can do that too" spark ignited. After just one year at Gallaudet, she took a leap of faith to pursue her artistic dreams full-time, launching a decades-long entertainment career, with roles on popular shows like Girlfriends and Soul Food, plus countless stage performances. Banks is passionate about opening doors for others to follow in her footsteps.
Gallaudet's Center for Black Deaf Studies is just one of the communities she engages with. "Here, you discover how Black deaf culture has been woven into America's story," she explains. "We're building a space where people can share their unique journeys and challenges."
And it’s in DC that you can find this vibrant community – deaf-friendly coffee shops, deaf-owned businesses, theaters and festivals that integrate interpreters as standard practice.
Want to experience deaf-friendly DC yourself? Let Michelle Banks be your guide.
Morning
Kick off the day with a much-needed caffeine boost at the Starbucks on H Street, making history as the first Starbucks in the U.S. to offer ASL service. Next, head to Northeast DC to explore the heart of DC’s deaf community: Gallaudet University. Strolling the historic grounds is like stepping back in time while simultaneously being part of a thriving, modern community. This is where you’ll find the National Deaf History Museum, a treasure trove of all-age-friendly interactive exhibits and artifacts that illuminate the rich tapestry of Deaf history and culture. Featuring tactile elements and sign language, the exhibitions help visitors to understand and appreciate the experiences, culture and community of Deaf people.
Afternoon
DC boasts accessible eating spots with friendly, ASL-fluent restaurant staff. Take the Metro’s red line one stop to wander through the maze of colorful stalls at Union Market, sampling delicious treats and window-shopping. An added bonus is that the people-watching rivals the shopping!
Evening
Last but not least, it’s showtime. Check out the Atlas Performing Arts Center, one of the premier regional stages in the area, specializing in cutting-edge performing arts since the early 20th century. Both offer accessible options, so it’s a win-win coin flip. It’s a perfect way to end your day.
For more ways the city champions inclusive experiences, be sure to explore our spotlight on DC’s standout accessibility programs.
Find more We The People itineraries and keep discovering the real DC.