History reflects on the past, affects the present, and shapes the future. From a young age, we have all been told about monumental moments in history that have influenced our development as a society, and there’s no doubt that Washington, DC is an integral part of American history.
From how it became the capital of the United States to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Washington, DC is connected to many crucial historic moments, especially when it comes to Black history. Washington, DC has multiple sites that keep the public informed about the past, including the struggles and successes Black people have experienced throughout history.
Washington, DC is a hub for all things Black history, including Black-owned businesses and restaurants near every corner. This custom-made weekend itinerary will ensure that your visit to Washington, DC is nothing like your parent’s class trip.
–FRIDAY–
Start your visit off at the African American Civil War Museum.
African American Civil War Memorial | Image Credit: afroamcivilwar.org
The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum (AACWM) was founded in January 1999 and is located in the U Street neighborhood of Washington, DC. This museum’s mission is to inform the public about the 209,145 United States Colored Troops (USCT) who are often overlooked for their heroic contributions to ending slavery and protecting America. Their legacy is represented through a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, primary sources, and technology. AACWM is open to all students, teachers, families, Civil War enthusiasts, descendants of USCT soldiers, and historians looking to learn more about the unknown role of these soldiers.
After learning about the United States Colored Troops and all the museum has to offer, explore one of these two Black-owned restaurants nearby that are perfect after working up an appetite.
Oohh’s & Aahh’s
Oohh’s & Aahh’s opened in 2003 and has since been a popular location for visitors and residents throughout Washington, DC. This restaurant has received the “Cheap Eats Award“ and the “Best Macaroni and Cheese“ award by Washingtonian Magazine. They were also featured on the Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” hosted by Chef Guy Fieri.
Distance: 100 feet away by car & 200 feet away by foot
Location: 1005 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Food Category: Soul Food
Spicy Water African Grill
Duraine Kouassi recently opened his restaurant Spicy Water African Grill, which serves a variety of West African meals. During his early years in Washington, DC, he observed how other cultural food locations sell their menu options to the public. This led him to emulate this format by serving his family’s favorite chicken recipe in quarter, half, or whole chicken portions served with two sides as a way to introduce Americans to the grilling culture of West Africa.
Distance: 2.7 miles away by car
Location: 2019 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Food Category: Authentic West African Grill
Next, head to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
National Museum of African American History and Culture | Image Credit: Washington.org
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) first opened its doors to the public in September 2016. It has since accumulated more than 40,000 artifacts and has nearly 100,000 members. The museum takes pride in its efforts to educate the public and magnify the number of ways African American history and culture have shaped America. They have created a space that demonstrates moments in American history through the lens of African American culture and past events.
After soaking in all of the resources and knowledge shared at NMAAHC, fuel up at Georgia Brown’s.
Georgia Brown’s opened its doors in 1993 and specializes in Lowcountry Cuisine. Their menu is inspired by the Lowcountry region, which lies in the coastal area of Georgia and South Carolina. This is why many of the menu options at Georgia Brown’s consist of seafood such as shrimp, oysters, clams, crabs, lobster, fish, and more!
Distance: 0.7 miles away by car & 0.9 miles away by foot
Location: 950 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Food Category: Lowcountry Cuisine
Lastly, end your day with some local shopping at The Gift Shop.
The Gift Shop is a Black-owned retail space that sells products from Black creators throughout the DMV area. Their goal is to encourage and inspire guests to shop Black each month. The Gift Shop gives these Black-owned businesses the space to be seen and the opportunity for their creations to be purchased.
Distance: 5.5 miles away by car
Location: 1258 Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
–SATURDAY–
Start your day by heading over to Anacostia Community Museum.
The Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) originally opened in 1967 and can be traced back to the civil rights era. This organization serves as an outreach to the local African American community. For years, ACM has focused on a community-centered approach, which has allowed them to recount stories often overlooked by traditional arts and cultural institutions. The stories they preserve and share shed light on unheard stories that highlight figures who catalyze change in their neighborhoods and communities.
Next, head on over to MahoganyBooks – a Black-owned bookstore all about culture, community, and connection.
MahoganyBooks Owners/Founders
MahoganyBooks was founded in 2007, and through the hard work and dedication of husband and wife duo Derrick and Ramunda, they opened their first physical location in 2017. Their love for culture, community, and connection helped spearhead their desire to empower others through books. Their business was created to help readers around the world find books written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora. Over the years, MahoganyBooks has received a growing amount of recognition and has one of the deepest inventories of Black books online.
Distance: 1.4 miles away by car
Location: 1231 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020
After you grab your book, head on over to enjoy a meal at Ben’s Next Door.
Ben’s Next Door
Ben’s Next Door is a family-owned and operated restaurant established in 2008. They pride themselves in creating a warm, welcoming, and communal atmosphere for visitors. Their menu includes a range of food options that blend their West Indian and Southern roots.
Distance: 7.8 miles away
Location: 1211 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Food Category: Southern Comfort Food
–SUNDAY–
Begin the day exploring the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial | Image Credit: Washington.org
This 30-foot statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. pays homage to all the things Dr. King was known for when discussing fair treatment and racial equality. His tireless efforts are why he will forever be remembered as one of the prominent leaders of the modern civil rights movement. His memorial displays his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and a 450-foot-long inscription wall with 14 quotes from King’s impactful speeches, sermons, and writings.
After taking in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, check out Nubian Hueman – a Black-owned business offering other brands of color a chance to be seen.
Anika Hobbs, Founder/Owner of Nubian Hueman
Anika Hobbs opened her business, Nubian Hueman, in 2013. Her business helps promote unique products commonly overshadowed by larger brands, which can prevent customers from connecting with handmade, artisan products from around the world. Nubian Hueman partners with Black and Brown-owned businesses and connects them with their retail spaces and experiences, bringing culture and unique designs to everyday lifestyles.
Distance: 3.9 miles away by car
Location: 1231 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020
When you’re done shopping, wake up your tastebuds with the variety of West African flavors at Bukom Cafe.
Bukom Cafe
Bukom Cafe opened its doors in 1992 and is named after the bustling Bukom Square in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. Their restaurant pays homage to the different styles and cuisines of locations all over West Africa, such as Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia, while adding their own twist. Their goal is to create a cultural experience through each bite and provide guests with diverse flavors and a vibrant environment.
Distance: 4.2 miles away
Location: 2442 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Food Category: West African Food
Next, you can walk off that delicious food at The Museum for Black Girls.
The Museum for Black Girls
The Museum for Black Girls opened in the fall of 2022. This space is an interactive, multi-room installation dedicated to educating and illustrating the Black female experience. This museum is perfect for all ages and provides guests with the opportunity to create their own stories.
Distance: 6.2 miles away by car
Location: 1256 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
To end your day in DC with a good kick, explore the unique options provided at The Spice Suite.
The Spice Suite
Angel Anderson opened The Spice Suite in 2015 and has since built a dedicated following that continues to grow each day. Her motto is “food is fashion”, which is apparent in the variety of spice and herb mixes available for purchase in-store and online. Anderson’s fashionable flavors and cooking talents landed her a spot in the Top 40 of MasterChef’s Season 8. Since then, she has been featured in Essence, Forbes, The Washington Post, CBS News, and much more.
Distance: 8.3 mi away by car
Location: 6902 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
And there you have it – your Black excellence weekend itinerary!
Black history is built into the foundation of Washington, DC. Throughout the city are museums, monuments, and historical locations dedicated to the efforts of African American activists and heroes who have made a difference in how we live today. As a society, we reap the benefits and opportunities built by this community, so it’s important to acknowledge the strides it took to become possible. It’s also important to support Black-owned businesses and restaurants that exist in Washington, DC. So, if you’re ready to do both, visit washington.org to start planning your trip today!