WalkingTown DC Tours - African American Heritage

African American Heritage

Tours dedicated to the history and significance of DC’s African American personalities, landmarks, and events.

Tuesday, September 25
6-7:30 pm

African Americans in Washington, DC: On the Forefront in the Fight for Full Civil Rights

Meet outside Capitol South Metro station, US Capitol exit, 355 1st St., SE. End at McPherson Metro station, 1400 I St., NW.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill to Downtown

Nearest Metro Start: Capitol South, US Capitol exit
Nearest Metro End:   McPherson Square

Fitness: Moderate, 1.5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: African American Heritage

African Americans have made important contributions to the culture and development of Washington, DC and played a leading role in the fight for full civil rights for all citizens. Hear stories and see sites around National Mall and downtown that will increase your knowledge and appreciation of those who struggled, overcame, and contributed, as we walk and talk from the U. S. Capitol to McPherson Square.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Tours with Russ and led by professional tour guide Russ Norfleet.

Friday, September 28
12 noon-1

U Street

Meet outside U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro station, 13th Street exit, 1240 U St., NW. End at 14th and U Sts., NW.
Neighborhood: U Street

Nearest Metro Start: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo
Nearest Metro End:   U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo

Fitness: Low, 1 mile
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: African American Heritage

Explore the neighborhood that was shared by African American intellectuals, business leaders, and families of all economic levels. The businesses they owned and the houses they lived in are featured on this walk. U Street was dubbed “Black Broadway” for the numerous movie theaters, nightclubs, and ballrooms frequented by jazz musicians like Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, Jelly Roll Morton, and  Duke Ellington. Homes occupied by the Ellington family as Duke grew up are also included. You’ll see a theater and club where all of these icons performed, the first full service YMCA for African Americans, one of the few hotels that welcomed a black clientele, and the first memorial to African American soldiers who fought in the U.S. Civil War. Travel the streets where rioting extinguished the heyday of the area for years—but not forever. U Street has rebounded to become a must-see corridor for out-of-town visitors and locals alike.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Washington Walks and led by Washington Walks tour guide Amy Kunz.

Saturday, September 29
10 am-12 noon

African Americans in Washington, DC: On the Forefront in the Fight for Full Civil Rights

Meet outside Capitol South Metro station, US Capitol exit, 355 1st St., SE. End at McPherson Metro station, 1400 I St., NW.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill to Downtown

Nearest Metro Start: Capitol South, US Capitol exit
Nearest Metro End:   McPherson Square

Fitness: Moderate, 1.5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: African American Heritage

African Americans have made important contributions to the culture and development of Washington, DC and played a leading role in the fight for full civil rights for all citizens. Hear stories and see sites around National Mall and downtown that will increase your knowledge and appreciation of those who struggled, overcame, and contributed, as we walk and talk from the U. S. Capitol to McPherson Square.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Tours with Russ and led by professional tour guide Russ Norfleet.

Saturday, September 29
10:30 am-12:30 pm

U Street

Meet outside U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro station, 13th Street exit. End at 14th and U Sts., NW.
Neighborhood: U Street

Nearest Metro Start: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo
Nearest Metro End:   African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo

Fitness: Low, 1 mile
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: African American Heritage

Explore the neighborhood that was home to African American intellectuals, business leaders and families. The businesses they owned and the houses they lived in are featured on this walk. U Street was dubbed “Black Broadway” for the numerous movie theaters, nightclubs, and ballrooms frequented by jazz musicians like Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, Jelly Roll Morton, and  Duke Ellington.Homes occupied by the Ellington family as Duke grew up are also included. You’ll see a theater and club where all of these icons performend, the first full service YMCA for African Americans, one of the few hotels that welcomed a black clientele, and the first memorial to African American soldiers who fought in the U.S. Civil War. Travel the streets where rioting extinguished the heyday of the area for years—but not forever. U Street has rebounded to become a must-see corridor for out-of-town visitors and locals alike.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Washington Walks and led by Washington Walks tour guide Amy Kunz.

Saturday, September 29
1:30-3 pm

Brookland's Famous African Americans

Meet and end at St. Anthony’s School, 3400 12th St., NE.
Neighborhood: Brookland

Nearest Metro Start: Brookland-CUA, Brookland exit or 80 Metrobus to 12th and Monroe Sts.
Nearest Metro End: Brookland-CUA or 80 Metrobus to 12th and Monroe Sts.

Fitness: Low, 1 mile
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
No reservations required.

Tour Theme: African American Heritage

This tour gives an overview of Brookland history with a focus on the development of its black middle-class neighborhoods and will explore Brookland’s famous African American luminaries.

Presented by Brookland Tour Committee and led by long-time Brookland residents and committee members.

Note: Wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Tour will be cancelled in case of rain.

Saturday, September 29
2-4 pm

African Americans in Washington, DC: On the Forefront in the Fight for Full Civil Rights

Meet outside Capitol South Metro station, US Capitol exit, 355 1st St., SE. End at McPherson Metro station, 1400 I St., NW.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill to Downtown

Nearest Metro Start: Capitol South, US Capitol exit
Nearest Metro End: McPherson Square

Fitness: Moderate, 1.5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: African American Heritage

African Americans have made important contributions to the culture and development of Washington, DC and played a leading role in the fight for full civil rights for all citizens. Hear stories and see sites around National Mall and downtown that will increase your knowledge and appreciation of those who struggled, overcame, and contributed, as we walk and talk from the U. S. Capitol to McPherson Square.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Tours with Russ and led by professional tour guide Russ Norfleet.

Sunday, September 30
10-11:30 am

Georgetown Heights: Herring Hill, Cemeteries, Mansions, and Estates

Meet and end at Dumbarton House, corner of 27th and Q Sts., NW.
Neighborhood: Georgetown

Nearest Metro Start: Dupont Circle, North exit
Nearest Metro End:   Dupont Circle

Fitness: Low, 1 mile
Wheelchair accessbile
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: Neighborhood History
Experience the immediate neighborhood surrounding Dumbarton House, including huge mansions and small servant homes in Herring Hill. Compare the large European-American to the small African-African cemeteries, the latter serving as part of the Underground Railroad. Hear tales of famous individuals that lived in the area as early as 1703.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Dumbarton House and led by professional DC licensed tour guide Dwane Starlin.

Note: Outside tour only, no interiors.

Sunday, September 30
1:30-3 pm

Brookland's Famous African Americans

Meet and end at St. Anthony’s School, 3400 12th St., NE.
Neighborhood: Brookland

Nearest Metro Start: Brookland-CUA, Brookland exit or 80 Metrobus to 12th and Monroe Sts.,
Nearest Metro End:   Brookland-CUA or 80 Metrobus to 12th and Monroe Sts.,

Fitness: Low, 1 mile
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
No reservations required.

Tour Theme: African American Heritage

This tour gives an overview of Brookland history with a focus on the development of its black middle-class neighborhoods and will explore Brookland’s famous African American luminaries.

Presented by Brookland Tour Committee and led by long-time Brookland residents and committee members.

Note: Wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Tour will be cancelled in case of rain.