African Americans in Washington, DC have a rich history that cannot be overlooked. After Reconstruction African Americans across the country flocked to the nation’s capital in search of economic opportunities. The migration sparked an explosion of African American political leadership, black entrepreneurship and an artistic and cultural renaissance in the Nation’s Capital. From, Frederick Douglass to Chuck Brown, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Duke Ellington and Marvin Gaye, Washington, DC has served as the home to some of the Nation’s most notable African American thought leaders, musicians, comedians, political leaders, etc.…By the 1970’s, African Americans made up more than 70% of the population of Washington, DC or “Chocolate City,” as DC was once affectionately known.
“African Americans in Washington, DC
have created a rich history that cannot be
overlooked. Our community built this city,
its culture, and its character. And today,
the Bowser Administration and the Office
of African American Affairs are focused on
ensuring that our community has the tools to
take advantage of the progress and prosperity
of the District.”
– Rahman Branch, Director of
the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs