A Slice of Black Culture in Washington D.C.

D.C.

I’ve sprinkled a lot of #Blackgirlmagic in Washington D.C.!

Solo trip number one was to the 50^th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech.

For number two, I attended the 20^th anniversary of the Million Man March.

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I wasn’t alive on August 28, 1963.

In 1995, I was a 14-year-old witnessing Minister Louis Farrakhan leading a million Black men in self-sufficiency.

For Black History Month, I’m blogging to highlight places I’ve traveled to that reflect my heritage.

As I look back, it warms my heart to remember the lifelong memories created.

As a Christian, I visited my first mosque in the days leading up to the Million Man March reunion.

I was able to fellowship with my Muslim brothers and sisters and see how they worshipped.

There was mutual respect though we dressed differently.

I tried bean pies being passed around on the bus.

The whole weekend was an eye-opening lesson on a religion that’s still feared even among other Blacks.

Many well-meaning friends and family gave me the side-eye of concern. They feared I would be brainwashed and converted by force.

Islamophobia is real. Unless your faith’s foundation is weak, none other should be able to shake it!

I walked away from that experience admiring The Nation of Islam’s organization and passionate efforts to unite Black people.

Bonding Glue

On my first bus ride, many of the elderly present witnessed Dr. King’s speech.

I didn’t know anyone but we bonded over Black history movies and stories.

The trip was sponsored by the local NAACP chapter.

D.C. has many museums to choose from. The best part is they’re free!

Before the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), was the National Museum of American History. They all fall under the Smithsonian Institution umbrella.

Once you get past the stunning architecture, the wealth indoors is no less impactful.

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With the newly built museum, I read blogs that both critiqued and praised.

You can’t please everyone! There will always be those who could’ve done a better job.

British architect David Adjaye is the lead designer of the NMAAHC. -Guardian.com

The best way for me to be the judge was to see it for myself!

It’s better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times.

Asian Proverb

The trip was to attend a Heat and Wizards game. Of course, I had to add some cultural flair.

I stayed in my first Airbnb! Not sure if timing played a role, but the hotels were out of my budget.

TIP: D.C. has a huge hostel presence.

The renovated basement was clean, stylish, and comfortable. I credit it for trusting a repeat experience.

The nightly rate is $77 before fees. You can search the property by name La Cote De Sud.

Life Support

The host family was of Haitian descent. Like my Jamaica trip, I was supporting a local Black business.

I used Uber to get around. It was about 15 minutes from downtown in good traffic.

The NMAAHC is in high demand. They have months where you can walk in without a ticket.

Their website recommends advance passes.

The museum is vast and has a different theme/topic for each floor.

It’s impossible to soak it all in one day. I didn’t make it past the top floor. This calls for a return trip!

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TIP: Plan to come when the doors open.

I wanted to attend a second day, but the line cut off before I made it to the front.

TIP: Get all tickets upfront to ensure entry.

I’ll Be Back for More!

The food court is dedicated to varied types of food honoring Black culture.

I chose soul food.

For a family, the cost can be pricey. The lunch pictured was almost $30.

I look it at as a fee you would pay to get into any other museum.

Next time, I want to try the shrimp and grits from New Orleans!

A nice walk away is the monuments of the National Mall.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the only Black non-president among the founding fathers.

The area was under renovations when I’d previously visited. This time, I took advantage of the opportunity to walk the grounds.

My visit was in late October and the weather was perfect!

Dr. King’s thought-provoking and eloquent quotes formed a border around his 30 ft. statue.

This was my quick version of a weekend trip to D.C.

It wasn’t enough time, just a little slice for now.

Is D.C. on your radar?

~Poof…Bee Gone

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