(WASHINGTON, DC) – In celebration of Black History Month, the DC Office of Planning (OP) launched a new website featuring an interactive map of 300 important Black history sites in the District. Residents can visit Black History Sites: Washington, DC to explore and learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped the history and culture of the nation's capital.

“Our city has been the home of many incredible Black leaders throughout its history. It has also been the scene of events and movements that shaped the culture in this city, across the nation, and around the world,” said Anita Cozart, Director of OP. “Celebrate Black History Month by exploring our local history and be inspired by those whose shoulders we stand on.”

The Black History Sites website features a wealth of information, historic images, and location data that serves as a tour guide for visiting sites across the city. These sites span the District's history from 1791, through the Civil War and Civil Rights eras, to 1974 when DC gained Home Rule, and the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. They highlight the social, cultural, and political movements that are central to DC’s heritage.

The digital tour sites include well-known places like Howard Theatre where Black artists made their mark on the world to lesser-known civil rights sites, like the site of the former Childs Restaurant at 2 Massachusetts Avenue NW, where in 1949, 80 activists staged a sit-in to protest segregation policies. The sites include many of the schools, businesses, churches, recreational centers, communities, and homes where Black Washingtonians studied, worked, worshipped, played and consistently fought for their rights.

For more information about the DC Office of Planning, please visit planning.dc.gov.