Washington, D. C. is the nation’s capital, but also an important city in the African American community. It was from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The White House is the home to the nation’s first African American president, Barack Obama. Howard University, the city’s HBCU, has trained thousands of the nation’s brightest African American minds.

Below are some cultural attractions that you can experience while in Washington, DC.

Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is conceived of as an engaging landscape experience tied to other landscapes and monuments, not as a single object or memorial dominating the site. The composition of the memorial utilizes landscape elements to powerfully convey four fundamental and recurring themes throughout Dr. King's message: justice, democracy, hope and love. The semicircular geometry of the memorial, juxtaposed within the triangular configuration of the site, engages the Tidal Basin and frames views to the water.

For more details visit: http://www.mlkmemorial.org/site/c.hkIUL9MVJxE/b.1286621/k.BD3C/Home.htm

Frederick Douglass’ home, Cedar Hill

Walk the halls of Cedar Hill, home of the famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped to spend his life fighting for justice and equality for all people. His tireless struggle, transformative words, and inclusive vision of humanity continue to inspire and sustain people today. When Douglass bought the nine-acre estate, he became the first African American to buy a home in the Old Anacostia neighborhood. Tour the 21-room Victorian mansion or take part in a program to learn about Douglass’ efforts to abolish slavery. Set high in the hills, the house and its grounds also open up onto one of the most breathtaking views of the city.

For more details visit: http://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial has been a fixture on the National Mall since 1922. This memorial to our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, has been the site of many famous gatherings and speeches, with the most famous one being Martin Luther King, Jr. 's “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.

Website:    http://www.nps.gov/linc

African American Civil War Memorial

Relatively new among the many monuments in DC, this memorial pays tribute to the 185,000 African-American soldiers who fought with Union troops during the Civil War.

Website:     www.afroamcivilwar.org

Freedom Sisters

Freedom's Sisters, a collaboration between SITES and Cincinnati Museum Center, brings to life 20 African American women, from key 19th-century historical figures to contemporary leaders, who have fought for equality for all Americans. The exhibition is introduced by a video and electronic projections of strong artistic images that will seize visitors’ emotions. Organized around the themes of "Dare to Dream," "Inspire Lives," "Serve the Public," and "Look to the Future," graphically striking interactive stations tell the stories of Harriet Tubman, Mary McLeod Bethune, Septima Poinsette Clark, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dorothy Height, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, and 13 other women leaders.

Website: http://www.sites.si.edu/exhibitions/exhibits/freedoms_sisters/main.htm

Lincoln Theatre, The - U Street Theatre Foundation

The Lincoln Theatre, built in 1922, was the center of a cultural renaissance that predated Harlem. Washington natives Duke Ellington and Pearl Bailey were joined by nationally acclaimed artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Nat King Cole, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, and Sarah Vaughn who performed regularly on our storied stage. Even FDR had his birthday parties at the Lincoln Colonnade, a festive party hall once located at the Theatre.

For more details visit: http://www.thelincolntheatre.org/

Howard University

Howard University, one of the city’s HBCUs,  is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States. It has trained thousands of the nation’s brightest African American minds. Famous alum, include Debbie Allen, Kenny Lattimore, Roberta Flack, and Toni Morrison.

Website:     www.howard.edu

Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is the worlds largest museum and research complex. It includes 19 museums and the National Zoological Park. Most museums are free and open every day of the year except December 25th. For a complete list of museums and hours, see the information here.

Website: http://www.si.edu/museums/

Museums

• National Museum of African Art (Smithsonian)
• National Museum of American History (Smithsonian)
• National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian)
• Anacostia Community Museum (Smithsonian)