All remaining Architecture Month tours, including this one, has been officially canceled due to coronavirus delays. If you’re still interested, the Black Broadway Tour is now being offered on Airbnb Experiences. Check out our new Tour page for more details!
Our Black Broadway Run Tour is less than two months away! Originally scheduled for April 25 (see previous post here), the tour has been rescheduled for October 10, 2020 due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
This 3.5-mile tour from Columbia Heights to Shaw neighborhoods in Washington, DC will give participants an active and engaging experience focused on the visionaries, businesses, and entertainment venues that shaped “Black Broadway,” and how the pride and dignity born out of this neighborhood helped to bridge racial divides. Built for all fitness levels, the self paced running tour will explore the history of Howard University’s role in educating notable African American professionals who went on to become leading figures in U Street’s thriving entertainment scene. As participants dive into the legacy built by these DC neighborhoods and businesses, they will encounter musical inspiration by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and DC’s very own jazz legend Duke Ellington.
To comply with new safety guidelines the following has been implemented by AIA DC:
This tour is limited to 5 attendees plus one guide. Walk-ups without reservation will not be permitted and there will be no waitlist should any attendee cancel their reservation due to illness or suspected symptoms of a COVID-19 infection. Participants who cancel will be refunded.
All participants are required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth at all times. AIA|DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation requests that all participants avoid physical contact with others, bring their own hand sanitizer and bottled water, and practice social distancing of at least six feet between participants at all times.
By participating in this tour, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, acknowledge that such matters are beyond the control of AIA|DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation, and agree to abide by our safety guidelines for this tour.
With regards to the face mask requirement there are many styles available that are comfortable and safe for exercising — And lucky for us we’ll be running in the Fall when it’s much cooler. Check out Runners World’s Best Face Masks for Runners or the Strategist’s The Best Face Masks for Running Outside for reviews of the various options that are available.
The last few months have brought increased attention to the vast number of books about anti-Black racism in the United States. As a result, I’ve been able to get my hands on a number of these texts, which have enriched my thinking on various aspects of this tour. Some of my favorites have been African American Architects, The Color of Law, and How to be an Antiracist. A quick google search will uncover many more book lists and other resources, including this one – 5 essential books to read on making cities anti-racist, according to architects who specialize in equity and justice. If you’ve found other relevant books please let me know in the comments below.
To reserve your spot on the tour, and to also check out the other available “Architecture Month” offerings, head over to AIA DC. Looking forward to seeing you on the tour!