5. National Training School for Women and Girls – In 1909, Nannie Helen Burroughs opened an industrial school for girls, offering practical training in gardening, domestic work, and vocational skills. Later, the school became part of the District of Columbia’s public school system. She was a strong advocate of black cultural heritage, dedicating her life to the advancement of African Americans.
9. Howard Theater – The first legitimate theater for blacks in the nation, it opened in the summer of 1910. The auditorium booked shows acts and circuses for nearly 20 years before closing due to the stock market crash of 1929. In 1931, with the gala reopening of the theater, Duke Ellington brought back the glamour and prestige of performing at the Howard. Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Lena Horne, and Sammy Davis Jr. were just a few of the many well-known entertainers who performed there.
10. African American Civil War Memorial – Commemorating the service of 209,145 African American soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union in the United States Civil War, the 9-foot bronze sculpture named “The Spirit of Freedom” was made by artist Ed Hamilton. The memorial includes a walking area with curved panel short walls inscribed with the names of the men who served in the war.
13. Industrial Bank – Known as the wage earners bank, it was founded in 1913 by pioneer Black financier John Whitelaw Lewis. At the time, Blacks could open accounts but not get loans from white banks. Black patrons flocked to the new bank, and in a few short years it had 16,000 depositors, becoming one of the leading Black banks in the U.S.