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20th Century African American Civil Rights Tour
Washington, D.C.

As the nation’s capital and, by 1957, the first large U.S. city to become majority Black, Washington, D.C. was central to the 20th century African American Civil Rights Movement. This tour highlights 100 sites associated with the people and events that defined the local and national battle for civil rights.

20th Century African American Civil Rights Tour

From picket lines to court rooms, D.C. residents organized to secure the end of the legal segregation that marked most aspects of daily life. In their homes and at work, at churches and schools, and at sites of communion and protest, they fought for political self-determination, equal education and employment, adequate housing and health care, access to public facilities, and the freedom to travel safely throughout the city and beyond.

Protests
MCT picketing at Lowe’s Palace mss_6228high
Housing
Langston Terrace Dwellings Move-In Day
Politics
Butler Josephine
Education
Burroughs Nannie Helen-Students of Natl Training School
Legal Campaigns
Sousa JHS Jennings family bolling v. sharpe Star
Jobs
Pride workers painting houses
Recreation
Park View pool Star 1969 Small
Women
Bethune Mary McLeod at Phyllis Wheatley YWCA July 1943 CROPPED

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This project has been developed by the DC Office of Planning/Historic Preservation Office with grant funds provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, African American Civil Rights Grant program. The contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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DC Preservation League
1328 Florida Avenue, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20009

Tel: (202) 783-5144
Email: info@dcpreservation.org