Washington DC boasts breathtaking museums, incredible theaters, and stunning architecture. It is also one of the best places in the world to take advantage of lectures, special exhibits, and events. In honor of Black History Month, we have put together a selection of the best programming in DC this February.
10 things to do during Black History Month while visiting DC
Listen to a choral tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at the Kennedy Center
Living the Dream…Singing the Dream is an annual event that marks the beginning of many special moments across the city in February. Since it is co-presented with the Choral Arts Society of Washington, you can expect a powerful collection of voices raised in celebration of Dr. King and the work of the Civil Rights Movement.
While attending this incredible event, you will have the opportunity to explore the Kennedy Center, one of the iconic theater spaces in the city. The Hall of States, the Hall of Nations, and the Grand Foyer set the stage for the three main performance spaces in the original building.
You can admire views of the river, Georgetown and the Mall from the River Plaza. Travel by elevator to the top floor and take in the interactive exhibit focused on the venue’s namesake, John F. Kennedy.
Finally, a trip to the Kennedy Center is never complete without a walk around the Rooftop Terrace where you can see the city reaching out in every direction.
Enjoy a pint while listening to an expert lecture in Penn Quarter
Join Profs & Pints Northern Virginia for a lecture called The Fire of Frederick Douglass, on Tuesday, Feb 4th at Penn Social. Our friends at Profs & Pints always provide wonderful learning opportunities combined with adult beverages to make learning fun.
When you’re looking for a unique experience, their events are always on the mark. While there is a strong local flavor, events are also tied to current news, holidays and celebrations.
This particular lecture will focus on the legendary Frederick Douglass. As one of the most photographed men of the 19th century Douglass’ influence carried from his time as an escaped slave through reconstruction and into the Gilded Age. A leading expert will share not only the details of the man’s life and his accomplishments in his time, but what influence he has on us today.
Explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture
The newest museum on the Mall is a treasure trove of items relating to the Black experience in America. Spanning ten total levels, visitors can spend hours exploring the history of the forced importation of slaves from their homeland in Africa, the development of a unique American culture, and iconic achievements in sports, education and military service.
Offering a number of programs to celebrate Black History month, an event about the creation of the Underground Railroad caught our attention. Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad with Andrew K. Diemer is a lecture introducing William Still.
The author will give remarks based on his book bringing an important historical figure into the mainstream story of slavery in America. For this event, you don’t even have to be in Washington. NMAAHC will be offering a virtual option for those who would like to access the program from home.
Attend a talk on black authors at Politics and Prose bookstore
Off the main tourist streets is a DC institution, Politics and Prose bookstore. You will find three locations in the city to browse. The well known local bookstore regularly hosts author talks in its retail locations and other venues throughout the city. Their great location in Washington, DC and strong business bring some of the best authors to our area to talk about their new books.
In February, you have the opportunity to listen to Marita Golden discuss her new book, How to Become a Black Writer. Her memoir describes the experiences of her life and how she incorporated them into her writing. Attendance at one of these events might even make you a local!
Attend a Library on Congress Happy Hour
The Library of Congress sits right across the street from the Capitol, ready to serve the Congress who created it. As the world’s largest library, and in this author’s view, the most beautiful building in Washington, it is a big draw for visitors. However, on Thursday nights it takes on a very different persona.
Every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Library stays open late for visitors to see its exhibits and art, but also to offer special experiences such as sneak peeks of the collections, concerts and other events.
On Thursday, February 27, the Library will be ready to party. Live at the Library R&B and Soul Line Dancing with "Queen Nur" will be teaching visitors, and locals alike, how to groove like a professional. Celebrate Black History month with dancing at the most beautiful happy hour in Washington.
Visit the Fredrick Douglass House National Historic Site
After the Profs & Pints lecture, you may want to take a deeper dive into the life and times of Frederick Douglass. Luckily, here in DC is the Frederick Douglass House National Historic site. Set atop a majestic hill in the Anacostia neighborhood, the house is a fascinating look at the home life of a hero.
In addition to house tours and an information center, the National Park Service is holding several special programs in celebration of Black History month. Many of the events involved walking tours in some of the neighborhoods in DC that are away from the traditional tourist sites. These are wonderful opportunities to see how real city residents live and honor their local heroes.
Meander through Lincoln Park
A National Park service site and the memorial to President Lincoln before the monument on the Mall, this is the largest national park on Capitol Hill. The park has statues honoring both Abraham Lincoln and Mary McLeod Bethune.
The Lincoln statue was erected through donations by former slaves only 11 years after the assassination. Since Black History month allows us to look at the progress of civil rights through the years and how it was lived and portrayed we can compare the two statues standing there.
The statue of Mary McLeod Bethune was the first of an African American woman in Washington, DC. Added to the park almost 100 years after the Lincoln statue, it gives a very different view of cultural change and the opportunities for black communities in this time. As Washington DC continues to grow and evolve, parks like this help us to understand where we come from and where we dream of going.
Stop by the 1970’s photography exhibit at the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art has been the benefactor of many generous gifts through the years. The amassed collection is regularly rotated into its galleries for the public to enjoy. Both the permanent galleries and the special exhibits provide visitors with unique and interesting views of art treasures from ancient to modern. It is a museum worth seeing every time you are in town.
The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography exhibit focused on documenting American communities in the 1970s. The selection of photographers created images of their environment in this decade. Black neighborhoods, fashions, and families are sprinkled among the photos of activism and crises throughout the exhibit.
Remember the icons of civil rights at the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery
The Struggle for Justice exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery is full of thought provoking work. To celebrate Black History Month, you could spend a moment with John Lewis and ponder some good trouble. Or, you could stand with Marian Anderson, a DC favorite, whose portrait almost sings from its place on the wall.
While you are in the Portrait Gallery, there are many interesting exhibits to see. Isaac Julien’s Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass is an experience for all of the senses. On the third level there are portraits of some of the most recognizable Americans where you might spy LL Cool J or Maya Angelou. They would probably love the vibe of our next stop.
Dance your heart out at the Go Go Museum and Café
A one of a kind experience, this museum is still in its nascent stages, but keep your eyes on their website for pop ups all over town. Their collections and staff have been seen at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center and more.
After all the traditional museum experiences, you will certainly want to find a place to be a little loud. That's why The Go Go Museum and Café should be on the top of your list. Besides go-go is the official music of the District of Columbia, you can’t go wrong!
Visiting DC is a great way to honor Black History Month
Washington DC offers a rich array of experiences to celebrate Black History Month. From immersive exhibits to powerful performances and thought-provoking lectures, your options are open.
Explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture, enjoy a soulful R&B line dance at the Library of Congress, or dive into the legacy of icons like Frederick Douglass. Whichever you choose, you’ll get the opportunity to reflect on the profound contributions of Black Americans.
Each event and exhibit serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice, making DC the perfect destination to commemorate the past while looking toward the future.
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