...It's Black History Month, so you should celebrate too. It's a pretty lame song and it took me months to realize that they were referring to a Lambourghini, but it's nevertheless Black History Month in a city with one of the largest African-American populations in the nation. So whether you're black, white, Chinese or Afghani, it's never a bad idea to spend a Saturday afternoon learning a little something instead of spending it hungover at Bussboys and Poets. Whether you prefer Nat King Cole or Naughty by Nature, put on some good R&B and embrace the people who made DC's heritage so rich. Here are some fun- and, yes, educational- ways to celebrate Black History Month in the Capital. Take your man, sorority sister, or dog (if you want to get away from people for the afternoon) and see what makes DC's black history so significant.
1. Old Town Alexandria: From 1970 to the desegregation in 1951, African-Americans lived, worked, and attended church services in this quaint area right outside of DC. The National Register of Historic Places offers a fun trolly tour for Black History Month, and you won't get ADD because it's only an hour long.
2. Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum: This place kind of freaks me out, but they are offering a really great exhibit called "Black History Discovery and Scavenger Trail" showcasing some of the most prominent African-Americans so far in American history. The highlights? In less then an hour, you'll be able to take your picture with celebs ranging from Oprah to Barack to Tyra Banks. And, apparently, Muhammed Ali is resurrected from the dead, as well.
3. The Navy Memorial and Navy Heritage Center: A gorgeous facility, the Navy Memorial is offering film screenings and artwork from African American sailors across the country. A perfect excursion to take with a friend who is in the military.
4. Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance: Happy Birthday, Abe! At the Lincoln Memorial on February 12th, you could have enjoyed cake, decorations, and a dramatic reading of the "Gettysburg Address". Although you missed it, I find this absolutely hilarious and needed to mention this (And for all of you who are curious as to why Abe Lincoln is featured in Black History celebrations, he made a great deal of initiatives for African Americans during his presidency).
5. Ben's Chilli Bowl: I will NEVER return here seeing as a guy took me on a date here once (and his last time, let's be honest) and my digestive track has never been the same. But, it's an African-American staple on U Street and has been graced with the presences of everyone from Bill Cosby to the current president. Get the chilli cheese fries, but don't plan on doing too much after.
6. National Archives: For no charge, you can enjoy films, public programs, and lectures from an array of speakers for Black History Month. Sounds "ehhh", but the National Archives are cooler then you'd think.
7. Mount Vernon: Hit up George Washington's old estate and enjoy tours that honor the slaves who lives and worked here. With a daily wreathlaying at noon and reenactments presented by two of George Washington's slaves, try your best not to harass the actors and learn a little bit about life in Mount Vernon as an African-American.
Sure, I'm definitely one for having a crazy fun weekend. But how about this weekend, have two drinks instead of seven, and make time to visit one of these events? Except for my birthday on Saturday night, of course...
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