Celebrate Black History Month in DC 2024

Black history and culture fundamentally shaped the D.C. we know today, and this month is all about honoring that past. Over the next couple of days, we'll share ways to celebrate D.C.'s Black history while supporting its future, from shopping at local businesses to joining book clubs.

🍛 Eat At DC's Best Black-Owned Bars and Restaurants

Georgia Brown's (Downtown):

This iconic upscale southern restaurant is famous for its live music nights, jazz brunch, and jumbo crab cakes.

Spicy Water African Grill (Shaw):

This authentic Ivorian restaurant serves up dishes inspired by the street foods of Abidjan, like grilled meats, oxtail stews, and jollaf rice.

Cher Cher (Shaw/Petworth):

It’s a classic for a reason. This is one of the best and most affordable Ethiopian spots in D.C. Make sure to go with friends so you can get one of their platters.

The Park at 14th:

This Black woman-owned club/restaurant is always packed with bottomless brunch goers or late-night dancers dressed to the nines.

Cane (H Street Corridor):

This small, modern Caribbean restaurant is one of my absolute favorites in D.C. Their curried chicken and geera pork belly bowls are the ultimate comfort food. Its sister restaurant, St. James on 14th Street NW, is a slightly more upscale version.

Hill Prince Bar (H Street):

A neighborhood cocktail bar in a former carriage house with a cozy courtyard attached. They keep the cocktails classic but affordable. They also have a great happy hour that runs weekends.

Heat Da Spot (Park View):

Honestly, forget Call Your Mother, I’ll choose this family run Ethiopian spot across the street in Park View every time. They have every breakfast combo you can think of, but I recommend the Chechebsa.

📚 Join a Black Book Club

This group reads a mix of satire, historical, and fiction novels all centered around the African American experience.

This month’s read: “The Salt Eaters” by Toni Cade Bambara

Where: Mahogany Books, Anacostia.

In the Margins Book Club:

Formerly known as the Well-Read Black Girl book club, this group focuses on championing marginalized authors and complex topics.

This month’s read: “The Body Liberation Project” by Chrissy King

Where: Locavino in Silver Spring

Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, host Corinne picks books written by Caribbean authors about the Caribbean diaspora.

This month’s read: “The Girl with the Hazel Eyes” by Callie Browning

Where: Lost City Books, Adams Morgan

This book club goes beyond the U.S., encompassing an array of authors across the African diaspora that will challenge your conceptions of what Blackness is and what constitutes Black struggle as a whole.

This month’s read: Email adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov

Where: MLK Library, Downtown

Do you love romance novels but never see yourself represented in them? This book club is for people who love the romance genre and want to read books from Black and brown authors.

This month’s read: Email adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov

Where: MLK Library, Downtown

🖼️ Explore Local Art & Museum Exhibits

Hirshhorn: Simone Leigh (National Mall):

Simone Leigh’s work landed at the Hirshhorn Museum last year and will depart on March 3. The Chicago-born artist is best known for her stunning bronze sculptures that explore the experiences of Black women across the diaspora, particularly Black women at work.

Art of Noize Gallery (Petworth):

This small Black-owned art gallery in Petworth showcases Black, local artists and hosts community events. The current exhibition is "F is For February,” featuring D.C.-based artists BUCK! Herring and Alanzo Robles-Gordon.

Phillips@THEARC: To The East (Anacostia):

This exhibition presents 40 photographs that feature the work of artists who created the earliest documented murals on the east side of D.C. in the 1970s-90s. Feb. 7 is the last day to see “To The East,” but the museum is offering other BHM programming throughout the month.

NMAA: Five Murmurations (National Mall):

This visual essay by artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah addresses the global COVID-19 pandemic, murder of George Floyd, and worldwide protests in support of Black Lives Matter. It also considers Akomfrah’s insights into post-colonialism, diasporic experience, and memory.

NMAAHC: Black History Month Program (National Mall):

The National Museum of African American History and Culture has permanent exhibits on display with pieces by renowned Black artists. But, it's also hosting several events this month from chef talks to printmaking workshops for Black History Month.

🛍️ Shop Local Black Businesses

Loyalty Bookstore (Petworth/Silver Spring):

This Black/queer indie bookstore specializes in books by diverse authors and has an impressive selection of local writers. Recommended by reader Lilah S.

Candace Candle Co. (online only):

Each of the candles from this D.C.-based candle company comes with a unique playlist that matches the scent's vibe. The “cozy” candle is perfect for long nights and cold days.

The peach+ginger body butter is everything. All their products have natural minimal ingredients. Check out their special Valentine's Day drop.

Grounded (online):

This online plant store is opening a storefront/café/wellness studio in Anacostia this spring. Recommended by reader Amanda L.

Femme Fatale (Cleveland Park):

This shop is a hub for women and non-binary creatives and entrepreneurs. They have all sorts of jewelry, crystals, and clothes, as well as crafty events.

Sio Ceramics (Brookland):

Sio makes adorable ceramic earrings that make for great gifts. Their storefront/studio has limited hours but you can also grab them online.

Flowers by Alexes (Petworth):

A luxury floral design shop that just opened in Petworth last year. Perfect for Valentine's Day goodies. Recommended by reader Kris H.

The Museum (Langdon):

A hip gallery/boutique shop that works with local established and emerging artists and hosts creative events.