Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital

The District of Columbia became the first majority Black major city in the United States in 1957. Over time, as the Black population grew, it subsequently became known as the nation’s “Chocolate City,” a name conferred by a popular funk song shortly after the passage of the District of Columbia’s Home Rule Act in 1973 and proudly embraced by Washingtonians. While the city’s Black population today is now less than 45% partly as a result of economic policies and gentrification, the history and legacy of DC’s central Black culture, power, and identity remain significant forces. These co-curricular offerings, in conjunction with other webinars and programs constructed throughout the semester, will provide a contextual historical illustration of Washington, DC and the roots of Chocolate City today that continue to bolster the Black power movement.

Previous Sessions

• "Go-Go City: Displacement and Protest in Washington, DC" Film Screening & Discussion
  September 28, 2021 | Virtual Webinar
  
  
• Film Screening: What Happened 2 Chocolate City
  March 30, 2021 | Virtual Webinar
  
  
• "The Future of Chocolate City"
  March 23, 2021 | Virtual Webinar
  
  
• "Stories to Tell"
  November 20, 2020 | Virtual Webinar
  
  
• "Taxation Without Representation"
  November 6, 2020 | Virtual Webinar
  
  
• "Lay of the Land"
  October 16, 2020 | Virtual Webinar
  
  
• "DC GoGo and Funk"
  September 25, 2020 | Virtual Webinar
  
  
• "Welcome to Chocolate City"
  September 4, 2020 | Virtual Webinar