1925 Vermont Ave NW
Exit the eastern side of the U Street Metro Station to see this memorial erected in 1998 to recognize the Civil War’s United States Colored Troops (USCT). The 10-foot sculpture and Wall of Honor depicts uniformed soldiers and a sailor amidst the names of more than 200,000 USCT arranged by regiment. You’ll learn about the African-American experience in the New World from the 16th century through the Civil War, such as the role African American churches played along the Underground Railroad, and USCT Medal of Honor recipients.
1215 U St NW
Watch a new movie or performance in this historic theatre where Duke Ellington once played in the basement. Langston Hughes also wrote a poem about it, which spurred a cultural revival that predated the Harlem Renaissance. Just across from the U St. Metro Station and next to Ben’s Chili Bowl, the Lincoln’s prime urban location makes it easy to imagine Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday performing here. Once known as the Lincoln Colonnade, it was revamped in recent years to look as grand and sophisticated as its New York Broadway counterparts.
620 T St NW
The bright theatre on a cobblestone square between LeDroit Park and Howard University draws lines before popular performances and events, like Sunday gospel brunches and B.B. King concerts. The Howard has many famous fans dedicated to ensuring it thrives; Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones and Wyclef Jean are on the honorary board for the theatre’s restoration, which will include a culture and education center with a museum, classrooms, recording studio and offices when complete.
2400 Sixth St NW
Alums of this historically black college founded in 1867 by Oliver O. Howard include Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Oprah Winfrey and Roberta Flack. “The Yard” in the heart of Howard’s open campus is a nice place to rest and people watch any time, Howard Homecoming in October is a nationally-known celebration with the crowds to match. Over 100,000 alumni, family and friends attend a gospel show, R&B concert, step and fashion shows, and football game.