1. Confirming the fears of pro-slavery Alexandrians, the Compromise of 1850 outlawed the slave trade in the District, though not slavery itself. By 1860, approximately 80% of the city's African American residents were free blacks. The outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 led to notable growth in the District's population due to the expansion of the federal government and a large influx of freed slaves.
   
   
2. After the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 1968, riots broke out in the District, primarily in the U Street, 14th Street, 7th Street, and H Street corridors, centers of black residential and commercial areas.
   
   
3. Unique among cities with a high percentage of African Americans, Washington has had a significant black population since the city's creation. This is partly a result of the manumission of slaves in the Upper South after the American Revolutionary War. The free black population in the region climbed from an estimated 1% before the war to 10% by 1810. In the District, black residents composed about 30% of the population between 1800 and 1940. Washington's black population reached a peak of 70% of the city's residents by 1970. Since then, however, the District's black population has steadily declined due to many blacks leaving the city for the surrounding suburbs. At the same time, the city's white population has steadily increased, in part due to effects of gentrification in many of Washington's traditionally black neighborhoods.
   
   
4. The U Street Corridor in Northwest D.C., known as "Washington's Black Broadway", is home to institutions like Bohemian Caverns and the Lincoln Theatre, which hosted music legends such as Washington-native Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. Other jazz venues feature modern blues such as Madam's Organ in Adams Morgan and Blues Alley in Georgetown. D.C. has its own native music genre called go-go; a post-funk, percussion-driven flavor of R&B that blends live sets with relentless dance rhythms. The most accomplished practitioner was D.C. band leader Chuck Brown, who brought go-go to the brink of national recognition with his 1979 LP Bustin' Loose.
   
   
5. In 1975, Walter Washington became the first elected and first black mayor of the District.
   
   
6. Washington climate is typical of Mid-Atlantic U.S. areas removed from bodies of water. Spring and fall are warm, while winter is cool with annual snowfall averaging 14.7 inches. Winter temperatures average around 38 °F from mid-December to mid-February. Summers are hot and humid with a July daily average of 79.2 °F and average daily relative humidity around 66%, which can cause medium to moderate personal discomfort.
   
   

By Race

White

Black

Native American

Asian

Hispanic

Total Population

36.3%

55.6%

0.2%

3.1%

8.3%

Because Hispanics could be counted in other races, the totals above could possibly be more than 100%. If you would like a detailed listing of all ethnic groups in the U.S., please Click Here.

A small percentage of the businesses listed on BlackCityInfo.com may not necessarily be black owned and operated but have received favorable reviews from users who have visited the establishment, or from the owners themselves who warmly seek out African American patronage.

BEAUTY CARE - BLACK HAIR SALONS - MULTICULTURAL

1. Bill Lawrence Salon -   2120 18th St NW, Washington, DC (202) 387-8310
   
   
2. Capitol Barber -   201 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC (202) 544-8380
   
   
3. Destiny De've -   3343 14th St NW, Washington, DC (202) 234-3383 - (visit website)
   
   
4. Dreadlocks Exclusively -  Category: Natural Hair Salon -   Washington, DC (202) 529 5625
   
   
5. Extensions & Restorations -   Freelance hair artist based in DC metro area. -   2120 18th St NW, Washington, DC (301) 537-3517 - (visit website)
   
   
6. Girlfriends Creative Hair & Nail Design -  Category: Natural Hair Salon -   2221 Kearny St, NE, Washington, DC 20019 (202)526-2057  - (visit website)
   
   
7. Inari Salon and Spa -   1425 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 898-6350 - (visit website)
   
   
8. Jasmine's Hair Gallery -   2202 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast, Washington, DC 20020 (202) 678-7095
   
   
9. Lamar Edward Salon -   Stylist: Gerald Armstrong, Dervelle Harris - 2121 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington, DC (202) 269-0958 - (visit website)
   
   
10. Natural-Shapes -  Category: Natural Hair Salon -   1923 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 526-4500
    
    
11. Paris Alexander Day Spa -  Category: African American Spa -  1210 18th Street NW, 3rd Floor - Washington, DC (202) 466-8827
    
    
12. Shear Cuts - Stylist: Shalaunda -  3715 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC (202) 486-9556
    
    
13. Shear Movement -   1314 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010 (202) 332-2297 - (reviews)
    
    
14. Skin Beauty Lounge -  Category: African American Spa -  404 1/2 8th Street, SE - Washington, DC (202) 543-6993
    
    
15. Urban Nature Styles -  Category: Natural Hair Salon -   2837 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202) 332-2001  - (visit website)
    
    
16. Visions Hair Studio -   2318 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 797-9898
    
    

BLACK BUSINESSES - SERVICES - VENDORS ETC.

1. AJ Productions -  Category: Wedding Planning -   4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Washington, DC 20016 (202) 437-8020
   
   
2. Akwaaba Online - Indulge In a Return To Splendor -  A collection of fine bed and breakfast inns with locations including NYC, Cape May and Washington DC.  1708 16th St., N.W. - Washington, D.C. 20009 (877) 893- 3233 - (visit website)
   
   
3. Attitude Exact -  Category: Black Art Gallery -   - 739 8th Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20009 (202) 546-7186
   
   
4. CakeLove -  Category: Bakers and Cake Designers -   1506 U St., NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 588-7100 - (301) 565-2253   - (visit website)
   
   
5. Clifford L. Ferguson M.D. -  Category: Physician -  520 W Street N.W., Suite 3408 Adams Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20059, (202) 806-6311 (202) 806-4322
   
   
6. Dr. Ernest M. Myers, M.D. -  Category: Physician -  2041 Georgia Ave. NW 4B27 Washington, DC 20060 (202)865-1431 (202) 723-8253
   
   
7. eblackbiz.com Marketing Solutions -  Category: Marketing -   - 4200 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 (202) 388-7700   - (visit website)
   
   
8. Howard University Bookstore -  Category: Bookstore/Natural Woman/Hair Products -   2225 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20059 (202) 238-2640
   
   
9. Imagine Photography -  Category: Photography -   3717 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20010 (202) 726-0287  - (visit website)
   
   
10. International Visions-Gallery -   To exhibit and promote multi-cultural original work by national and international artists.   2629 Connecticut Ave NW # 2, Washington D.C., (202) 234-5112 - (visit website)
    
    
11. Jason Miccolo Photography -  Category: Photographers -   47Q Street NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 387-6525
    
    
12. Kuumba Collections -  Greeting Cards  P.O. Box 91163., Washington D.C. 20090 (202) 797-8823
    
    
13. Martin Luther King Library -  Category: Black Book Stores -   901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001- 4599 (202) 727-1117
    
    
14. Paparazzi Pictures -  Category: Photography -   1629 K Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 (202) 558-2085   - (visit website)
    
    
15. Parish Gallery -  Gallery of Contemporary, African American and African Diaspora Art.   1054 31st St NW # D, Washington D.C., (202) 944-2310 - (visit website)
    
    
16. Robert Miles Jr. D.P.M. -  Category: Physician -  7600 Georgia Ave. N.W. Ste 215, Washington D.C. 20059 (202) 723-8252 (202) 723-8253
    
    
17. Sankofa Video & Books -  Category: Bookstore/Natural Woman/Hair Products -   2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202) 234-4755
    
    
18. Sisterspace Bookstore -  Category: African American Bookstore -  Books about African American Women  - 1515 U Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202) 332-3433   - (visit website)
    
    
19. The Mattah Movement -  Category: Products Distribution -   4911 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 723-3358  - (visit website)
    
    
20. The Sistrum -  Category: Black Book Stores -   5920 Georgia Ave. NW Washington, DC 220011 (202) 723 5566 or (202) 723 5567
    
    
21. Ujamaa Bookstore Afrikan Shop -  Category: Black Book Stores -  1554 8th ST NW Washington, DC 220011 (202) 232 2997
    
    
22. Unitees Inc. -  Unitees is a custom screenprint and embroidery shop.   608 Rhode Is. Ave. - Washington, D.C. 20009 (202) 529-5494 - (visit website)
    
    
23. Yawa Books -  Category: Black Book Stores -  2206 18th St. NW Washington, DC 20009-1813 (202) 483-6805
    
    

DINING - CATERING

1. Andrene's Caribbean & Soul Food Carryout -   308 Kennedy Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20011-6512 (202)291-7007
   
   
2. Art and Soul Restaurant -   415 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202) 289-6188 - (visit website)
   
   
3. Ben's Chili Bowl -   1213 U St NW, Washington, DC (202) 667-0909 - (visit website)
   
   
4. Ben's Next Door -   1211 U St, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 667-8880 - (visit website)
   
   
5. B. Smith's -   50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC (202) 289-6188 - (visit website)
   
   
6. Cafe Nema -   1334 U St NW, Washington, DC (202) 667-3215
   
   
7. CakeLove -   1506 U St., NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 588-7100 - (visit website)
   
   
8. Charlies Bar & Grill -   7307 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20012-1719 (202) 726-3567
   
   
9. Destiny De've Hair Salon Spa -  Category: Black Hair Salon -   - 3343 14th Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20010 (202) 234-3383   - (visit website)
   
   
10. Eatonville Restaurant -   2121 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 332-9672 - (visit website)
    
    
11. Florida Avenue Grill -   1100 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 265-1586 - (visit website)
    
    
12. Georgia Brown's -   950 15th St Nw, Washington, DC (202) 393-4499 - (visit website)
    
    
13. Hitching Post Restaurant -   200 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011 (202) 726-1511
    
    
14. Kitchen 2404 -   2404 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 333-3877 - (visit website)
    
    
15. Levis's Soul Food Cafe -   1404 34th St Se, Washington, DC (202) 582-3782
    
    
16. Lex Cajun Grill -  Category: Cajun -   2608 Connecticut Ave Nw Washington, District of Columbia 20008 (202) 745-0015
    
    
17. Madam's Organ Restaurant & Bar -   2461 18th St Nw, Washington, DC (202) 667-5370 - (visit website)
    
    
18. Morgan's Family Fish Fry -   2323 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
    
    
19. Oohs and Aahs -   1005 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202) 667-7142
    
    
20. Saint's Paradise Cafeteria -   601 M St NW, Ste A - Washington, DC 20001 (202) 789-2289
    
    
21. Soul Vegetarian's Exodus -   2606 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202) 328-7685 - (visit website)
    
    
22. Sugar Upscale Soul Food -   Washington, DC (202) 832-8887 - (visit website)
    
    

• African American Careers
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• Demographics of Washington, D.C.
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• Howard University
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• 100 Free (or Nearly Free) Things to Do in DC

Black Motorcycle Clubs

• Black Tigers Motorcycle Club
• Brothers of the Hammer Motorcycle Club
• Chikkin Hawks Motorcycle Club
• DC Sport Riders Motorcycle Club
• Millenium Sport Riders Motorcycle Club
• Number One Stunnas Motorcycle Club
• She Devils On Wheels Motorcycle Club
• Speed Divas Motorcycle Club
• Sportbike Riders Motorcycle Club
• Straight Riders Motorcycle Club

CHURCHES

1. Asbury United Methodist Church -   926 11th St NW, Washington, DC (202) 628-0009 - (visit website)
   
   
2. Ebenezer Baptist Church -   46 Q Street, NW, Washington, DC
   
   
3. Ebenezer United Methodist Church -   400 D St SE, Washington, DC (202) 544-1415 - (visit website)
   
   
4. First Baptist Church -   3440 Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC (202) 581-9100 - (visit website)
   
   
5. Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church -   610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20018 - (visit website)
   
   
6. Imani Temple African American Catholic Congregation -   609-611 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
   
   
7. Lane Memorial CME Church -   1423 C Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
   
   
8. Metropolitan AME Church -   1518 M Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005 - (visit website)
   
   
9. Metropolitan Baptist Church -   1225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 - (visit website)
   
   
10. Michigan Park Christian Church -   1600 Taylor Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 - (visit website)
    
    
11. New Jerusalem Temple Bible Way Church -   4024 Gault Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019
    
    
12. Righteous Church of God -   616 56th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019
    
    
13. Shiloh Baptist Church -   9th & P Streets, NW, Washington, DC 20001 - (visit website)
    
    
14. St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church -   1419 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 - (visit website)
    
    
15. Ward Memorial AME Church -   241 42nd Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20019 - (visit website)
    
    

ENTERTAINMENT

1. All Stars Comedy Club -   1000 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 (703) 739-7377 - (visit website)
   
   
2. Axis Bar And Grill -   1340 U St NW, Washington, DC (202) 758-3413
   
   
3. Blues Alley -   1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC (202) 337-4141 - (visit website)
   
   
4. Bohemian Caverns -   2001 11th St., NW, Washington, DC (202) 299-0800
   
   
5. Chief Ike's Mambo Room -   1725 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 332-2211 - (visit website)
   
   
6. Duke’s City Restaurant and Lounge -   ( jazz ) - 1208 U Street NW, Washington, DC (202) 986-9400
   
   
7. HR-57 -   1610 14th St NW, Washington, DC (202) 667-3700 - (visit website)
   
   
8. JoJo's Restaurant and Bar -   ( jazz ) - 1518 U Street NW, Washington, DC (202) 319-9350
   
   
9. Josephine -   1008 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-8601 - (visit website)
   
   
10. Kennedy Center Jazz Club -   2700 F. St. NW, Washington, DC (800) 444-1324
    
    
11. Modern -   3287 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 (202) 338-7027 - (visit website)
    
    
12. Mr. Henry’s -   601 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC (202) 546-8412
    
    
13. Smithsonian Jazz Café -   10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC (202) 357-2700
    
    
14. StandupComedyToGo -   1733 N Street Northwest, Washington, DC (301) 946-1102 - (visit website)
    
    
15. The DC Improv Comedy Club -   1140 Connecticut Ave N.W., Washington, DC 20036 (202) 296-7008 - (visit website)
    
    
16. Twins Jazz -   1344 U Street Northwest, Washington, DC (202) 234-0072 - (visit website)
    
    
17. Twins Lounge -   ( jazz ) - 5516 Colorado Ave. NW, Washington, DC (202) 882-2523
    
    
18. U-Topia -   ( jazz and blues) - 1418 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 483-7669
    
    
19. Washington Improv Theater -   1835 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC (202) 204-7770 - (visit website)
    
    
20. Zanzibar On the Waterfront -   700 Water Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024 (202) 554-9100 - (visit website)
    
    

ANNUAL EVENTS

1. Adams Morgan Festival
   Adams Morgan celebrates with multicultural music - reggae, jazz, r&b and salsa. Call (202) 232-1960 for more info.
   
   
   
2. Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza
   A Saturday parade along Georgia Avenue, the two-day Caribbean Carnival features food, crafts, and entertainment at Banneker Recreation Park. Call (347) 671-1673 for more information.
   
   
   
3. Fair Housing Symposium
   The D.C. Office of Human Rights, and the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development present the Fair Housing Symposium to further fair housing in the District of Columbia. Call (202) 347-9151 for more information.
   
   
   
4. Fourth of July Celebration
   Includes a parade, colonial military maneuvers, concerts at the Sylvan Theatre, and a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the U.S. Capitol’s west steps. Fireworks. Call (202) 619-7222 for more information.
   
   
   
5. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
   A military color guard salutes memory of the slain civil rights leader at the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech. Call (212) 619-7222 for more information.
   
   
   
6. National Black Family Reunion
   Attracting more than 500,000 people, the two-day Black Family Reunion celebrates with free gospel concerts, health screenings, food, fun and an international marketplace. Call (202) 383-9130 for more information.
   
   
   
7. National Cherry Blossom Festival
   The capital’s fabled cherry blossom trees bloom from late March through early April and festivities are capped by the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Call (202) 661-7567 for more information.
   
   
   
8. Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
   On the last weekend in January, the Dulles Expo Center hosts 300 of the country's best artists and craftsmen, where visitors can talk with the artists and purchase their work. Call (800) 210-9900 for more info.