The Top Stops on DC's Black Culture Circuit

"Chocolate City" might lose its African-American majority soon, but deep roots in black culture remain. Here are a few highlights.

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Frederick Douglass National Historical Site (Cedar Hill)

Courtesy of The National Park Service

The grand mansion, which the great orator and abolitionist called home in the late 1800s, offers a close-up look at his important role in black history. It's a good start for a tour of Anacostia, one of D.C.'s most colorful black neighborhoods.

Captions by Gary Lee
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Martin Luther King National Memorial

Getty Images

Unveiled on the National Mall in the summer of 2011, this site, a pilgrimage destination, features a 30-foot granite statue of the civil rights leader.
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Lincoln Theatre

Wikipedia

Opened in 1922 as a performance hall for black entertainers and still used for performances, this is one of the architectural centerpieces in Shaw, D.C.'s historic black arts neighborhood.
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Georgia Brown's

Courtesy of Soul of America

One of D.C.'s top Southern food restaurants serves up tasty versions of low-country stew, fried green tomatoes and other food for the soul. Try the Sunday brunch!
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Howard University

Wikipedia

With its sprawling campus, grand classroom buildings and acclaimed faculty, the university, located in the heart of D.C., is one of the country's leading historical black colleges.
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HR-57

Courtesy of The Washington Post

Named after the congressional resolution deeming jazz to be a "national treasure," the club features local and national jazz performers. It's one of the city's most beloved live music venues and a popular hangout for local musicians.
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Metropolitan AME Church

Wikipedia

Founded in 1838, this Methodist church is one of the most beloved places of worship for black Washingtonians. Thoughtful sermons and spirited music keep the faithful coming back.
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Busboys and Poets

Courtesy of The Washington Post

Located in the popular U Street corridor, this is a favored hangout for young Washingtonians. Between the café-restaurant, regular dialogues on race, open-mic nights and the bookstore, there is something here for everyone.
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Malcolm X Park (Meridian Hill Park)

Courtesy of Ben Schumin

The lively Sunday afternoon drum sessions at Malcolm X Park draw a diverse music-loving crowd.
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The African American Civil War Memorial & Museum

Courtesy of The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Company

Dedicated to the 200,000-plus black soldiers who fought in the Civil War, this museum is centered around a commanding 10-foot sculpture of uniformed soldiers and a sailor.