4 Ways to Honor Black History in Washington, D.C.

Black History Month may be well underway, and in Washington, D.C., legacies of the Black experience are an essential part of the city’s fabric any time of year. At Club Quarters Hotel, Washington DC, White House, you can stay within walking distance of the most historic attractions — only two blocks from the White House — and delve deeper into the city with access to the Metro system. Book your stay in one of the city’s most convenient and well-appointed properties, and begin your tour of our nation’s capital. 

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest museum in the Smithsonian collection, and it has earned the honor of being the largest and most comprehensive attraction devoted to the African American story. While this expansive property is currently closed to the public, a robust virtual collection is on display and the Smithsonian offers open access to photographs, literature and oral histories. 

Follow in the footsteps of Black Americans in iconic sites such the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the African American Civil War Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial and more while gathering rich insights from your local guide. Several organizations offer small-group tours through this perspective. 

A true local icon, Ben’s Chili Bowl has its roots in D.C.’s Black history. Ben and Virginia Ali first opened the restaurant in 1958, a time of segregation leading up to the race riots of the 1960s. Since then, this casual eatery has become a beloved institution, with President Barack Obama visiting just days before his inauguration and culinary icon Anthony Bourdain lauding its legacy. Grab your own order of the famous half-smoke (a plump half-pork, half-beef smoked sausage)  with curbside pickup, carryout and delivery. 

Mount Vernon may tell the story of George Washington, but a special exhibit also gives a voice to the hundreds of enslaved people who were under his control. In “Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon,” a 4,400-square-foot exhibit explores the personal stories of 19 slaves who lived in bondage at Mount Vernon — told through artifacts such as household furnishings, artwork and life-sized silhouettes.

Be sure to pay a visit to the venues that speak to the Black experience through performing arts. The historic Howard Theater, which first opened in 1910, was a premier showcase for Black artists and billed itself as “Theater for the People.” Lincoln Theater, which opened in 1928, is a landmark space known for hosting a preschool-aged Sammy Davis Jr., along with other later luminaries like Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole and B.B. King. 

It’s easy to explore all of D.C.’s vibrant neighborhoods when you position yourself at Club Quarters Hotel, Washington DC, White House. Here, you’ll find exceptionally affordable rates for clean, comfortable and convenient accommodations, along with a host of value-rich amenities to make it a memorable stay. Enjoy the luxuries of the Club Living Room lounge, check in with work with lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and stick to your workout plan with a 24-hour fitness center and Peloton® bike. Make this your rewarding stay on an enriching escape in our nation’s capital.