Over the years more and more emphasis has been given to the amazing heritage of African Americans in this country. The contributions of so many people helped this country to realize that the Constitution of the United States applied to all, including those who were colored.
Many in the nation opposed this notion and the Civil War was fought. Thankfully, the Union prevailed and slaves were liberated from their oppressors. All men were finally free, though the journey to true freedom has long surpassed the end of the Civil War.
The journey of African Americans has been arduous. Few peoples have suffered so much and struggled for so long. Yet, this struggle has led to many amazing accomplishments and contributions which have made this nation even better.
Our African American Heritage Tours are dedicated to shedding light on the men and women of color who have worked so hard to accomplish so much in this nation. Their contributions, which are priceless, are the focus of our Washington DC African American Heritage Tour.
The tour visits many of the most important locations in the Washington DC area which pay tribute to prominent African Americans who lived in this nation and also to locations and events which have occurred in the city. Here are many of the sites and attractions which you and your group will visit on this informative and sometimes emotional tour.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Martin Luther King, Jr. was perhaps the most well-known civil rights advocate of his day. A memorial is dedicated to him in Washington DC and it stands as a beacon of hope for those who visit. The monument is located on the western banks of the Tidal Basin, just north of the FDR Memorial. The sculpture of MLK is carved into the Stone of Hope which has been “cut” from the Mountain of Despair. Several quotes of Dr. King are found in the memorial area.
Frederick Douglass Home
The Frederick Douglass Home is another one of the important stops on this tour. Located south of DC in Anacostia, Maryland, the historic home sits high on a hill and has been preserved for decades as a National Historic Site. Dedicated to the original emancipator, Frederick Douglass, the site includes the home, a small museum, and a spacious parking area near the Visitor Center on eight acres. The Visitor Center offers a movie about the life of Frederick Douglass and includes many details about him that many people have never heard before.
African American Civil War Memorial
The African American Civil War Memorial is dedicated to the Soldiers of Color who served in the army and navy during the civil war. This detailed bronze sculpture is beautifully made and includes several life-like soldiers and sailors in a 360 degree centerpiece. Surrounding the sculpture are the names of some the 200,000 plus service men who were involved in the War.
The African American Civil War Museum is located nearby and offers many additional artifacts and exhibits which honor the memory of those who served during the war. During certain days of the week, the museum also offers a monologue by a soldier dressed in uniform. The soldier discusses life in the army as a man of color as well as other topics.
The Lincoln Memorial
Few men played a more-important role to free the slaves than Abraham Lincoln. When the Civil War broke out, Lincolns initial goal was the reunification of the Union. Once 1863 rolled around, his focus was for the freedom of the slaves. Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves in the Confederate States at the Beginning of the year. Though it was largely symbolic in nature, it did lead to a new direction for the Union.
In 1865 Lincoln pushed for the ratification of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in the United States. Though he never saw them pass, his actions also led to the passing of the 14th and 15th Amendments which gave citizenship to former slaves and also the right to vote in elections (men only).
The Tour visits the Lincoln Memorial where you can find a larger-than-life Abraham Lincoln seated in the midst of the memorial with the Gettysburg Address on the wall of the South Chamber and his Second Inaugural Address on the Wall of the North Chamber.
The Memorial also was the site of Dr King’s famous “I have a Dream” Speech. The place on the steps of the Memorial where he stood to give this powerful message are engraved for all to see.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The crowning jewel of the tour is a visit to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. Opened in 2016, this museum in the Smithsonian collection is one of the most popular in Washington DC. Your tour includes a ticket to the museum, which is necessary during the months of March through August.
The museum is divided into two sections. The upper floors are dedicated to the culture of African Americans. This includes music, writing, movies, and other cultural contributions. The lower floors of the museum are dedicated to the history of African Americans in the United States. Slavery, the Civil War, Civil Rights, and Modern History are all covered. This includes the important contributions of people like Thurgood Marshall, Clarence Thomas, Barack Obama and many more. The museum offers countless artifacts, exhibits, videos, memorials and much more.
The museum offers a well-supplied gift store and a cafeteria where visitors can find a variety of popular items from different parts of the United States. The Museum is accessible for all visitors and allows photography with some restrictions for tripods and other similar devices.
The African American Heritage Tour covers many other locations and is filled with many great stories about people past and present. It is very interactive and is perfect for large groups. The tour may be customized to include many other locations not mentioned above. Some of those locations may include the Mary Bethune Home, Carter G Woodson Home (the Father of African American History), the Metropolitan AME Church, the Capitol Building, the White House, The Emancipation Statue, Howard University, Howard Theatre, the Lincoln Theatre, Ben’s Chili Bowl and many other locations and neighborhoods. This tour is perfect for Family Reunions!
Leave a Reply