Walk In Their Shoes

The U Street neighborhood is colorful and historic – the part of the city that never sleeps, full of amazing food options, late-night dancing, and rich culture. Join us for unique offerings showcasing the incredible past, present, and future of the corridor known as "Black Broadway."

Our October tour is brought to you in partnership with DC Design Tours.

All proceeds go to U Street Main Street, a program of District Bridges working to thrive together in an equitable, resilient, connected U Street.

Designing Black Broadway: The Architecture of U Street

Once known as Washington’s “Black Broadway,” the U Street corridor has been the civic and cultural heart of the District’s Black community since the turn of the century. Rich in architecture, history and culture, U Street was developed by and for the then segregated Black community of the Federal Capital. Revered Jazz icons like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Cab Calloway once walked U Street, performing at nightclubs and glamorous music halls in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Beautiful buildings, largely designed by local Black architects, still stand as a testament to this self-sustaining community. On the residential side streets, a fascinating evolution of row house development and design is evident in the diverse and varied homes, some dating back to the 1860s! Join a neighborhood tour to trace the history of the area through its architecture-- from the Civil War to Black Broadway, from civil unrest, through local perseverance, and future plans.

The tour begins at the African American Civil War Memorial at the corner of U Street and Vermont Avenue NW, and concludes in two hours in Meridian Hill Park near 15th and Belmont Street.

**Member Discount!**

District Bridges Members receive 25% off - want to access the discount as well as fun other perks and events? Join here: https://www.districtbridges.org/membership-usms/

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

U Street Northwest, U Street Northwest, Washington, United States