U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour

Explore the rich history of U Street, once known as Black Broadway, on this immersive walking tour from Columbia Heights to Shaw. Led by expert guide Dion "13", you will discover the vibrant culture, significant landmarks, and influential figures that shaped this iconic neighborhood. Engage with stories of jazz, arts, and civil rights as you stroll through the streets that once thrived with creativity and activism. - Dive into the history of U Street, a center of African American culture - Walk through key locations in Columbia Heights and Shaw - Learn about the icons of the jazz and arts scene in the area - Guided by Dion 13, an expert on the cultural significance of U Street

1. 1

   Columbia Heights Civic Plaza

   10 min

   Explore the ancient landscapes of the Native American Nacotchtank, the plantation lines of Pleasant Plains, and the hidden bootlegging vaults of two brothers during the Roaring Twenties. You will learn some of their secrets throughout this tour.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   You will hear about Mary Henderson and her elite architectural visions for the area. Our stop, All Souls Church is near the DC meridian. once proposed by Jefferson. You will learn about the history and structural geometry of this and two other historic churches.

3. 3

   Mexican Cultural Institute

   15 min

   Step inside this beautiful building - designed in the Beaux Arts style. It is part of the story of the placement of embassies on Meridian Hill. Its architect, Nathan Wyeth, also designed the West Wing of the White House.

4. 4

   Meridian Hill Park

   10 min

   Known as Malcolm X Park, stand at the boundary line of the wealthy and working class to trace the history of civil rights radicalism. Learn about the decades-long tradition of the Sunday drum circles.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   Step into the heart of a self-contained parallel universe. This stop features a critical logistical bathroom stop. Learn about the construction of this center and the goals its placement here accomplished.

6. 6

   Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

   5 min

   Map out the multi-million dollar shadow economy of the numbers runners and their escapes through alleys such as this one. Notice the stunning Ben's Chili Bowl mural. As you start to enter Black Broadway, learn about the former Minnehaha theatre which once occupied this space.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   15 min

   Step inside this DC landmark which has been run by the Ali family since its construction. Learn the story of survival and all the restaurant has witnessed. You will hear about the famous patrons who have visited over the years. You will have time to order one of their famous half smokes1

8. 8

   Lincoln Theatre

   Pass by

   As part of Black Broadway, learn of the many performers who have graced the stages over the decades.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   This building is significant as the first African American designed, financed, built, and owned by African Americans during Reconstruction.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    10 min

    Stand inside the African American Civil War memorial. Pay homage to the 209,145 courageous soldiers of the United States Colored Troops who underwrote the freedom of the pavement.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    10 min

    Experience the explosive finale. Trace the rooftop of sniper nests of the 1919 Red Summer, stand before the Duke Ellington Statue, view the historic Howard Theatre, and map out the raw, cash-in-hand history of the DC taxicab industry.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.