Washington DC Black History

09/27/2026

The United House of Prayer for All People established its national headquarters in Washington, D.C., in 1927 under the leadership of its charismatic founder, Bishop Charles Manuel "Sweet Daddy" Grace.
Located at 601 M Street NW (at Sixth and M Streets NW) in the Mount Vernon Square/Shaw area, the mother church became a monumental fixture of Black religious and economic life in the capital.

09/27/2026

09/27/2026

According to the White House Historical Association, government payroll and wage records from the 1790s document payments made to slaveholders for the rented labor of enslaved people.

Enslaved labor was also utilized when the White House was rebuilt after being burned by the British during the War of 1814.

09/27/2026

Defrees Alley, NE Washington, D.C.; Near Capitol Building

09/17/2026

Preserving African American museums is vital because they safeguard suppressed historical records, correct gaps in the national narrative, and honor the full scope of the Black experience.

05/08/2026

This Juneteenth, our Community Day will honor the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” as she celebrates her 100th birthday this October. Stop by for a joyful day of storytelling, music, art making, workshops, culinary offerings, and more.

Also, as part of our Juneteenth observance, we will debut two new fine arts exhibitions exploring how abstraction has shaped African American expression across painting, sculpture, printmaking, furniture, textiles, and lighting.

📸 Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Teletia R. Taylor and descendants of Geraldine A. Taylor, Proprietor, "Taylor's Playfair"

At the heart of this year’s observance is the museum’s Juneteenth Community Day on Friday, June 19, a joyful, all-ages celebration honoring the life, legacy and enduring impact of Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” as she celebrates her 100th birthday later th...

12/16/2025

🔗: bit.ly/3L4iJuO

Seattle-based chef and restaurant owner Helen L. Coleman, also known as “Ms. Helen" to fans, died on Nov. 29. She was 90.

📷️: Ms. Helen's Soul Bistro/Facebook

08/16/2025