Black Capital: African Americans in Washington, D.C.

Overview

Eavesdrop on little-known stories about the soul of Black culture in our nation’s capital. This course uncovers a captivating perspective on Washington, D.C.’s rich cultural landscape through the eyes of African Americans who contribute to shaping the city.

Course Details

Uncover surprising accounts of resilience, creativity, and cultural contributions from a variety of African Americans who live, work, and thrive in D.C. Over three engaging lectures, you’ll gain insights into the impactful narratives that define the capital’s Black community.

Video Lessons

1. Not All Poets Rhyme (18 min)

• E. Ethelbert Miller shares his journey as an African-American poet influenced by the history and culture of D.C.

1. From the Look of Things (18 min)

• Meet Nekisha Durrett, an award-winning artist, as she discusses her large-scale public art installations that reshape cultural narratives in D.C.

1. Little Drummer Girl (18 min)

• Dr. Thomas D. Tyler highlights unsung heroes from the African-American community, featuring the inspiring story of percussionist Dianne Grainger and The MusicianShip nonprofit.