The Apollo in New York, the Pearl in Philadelphia, the Uptown in Baltimore, and the Howard Theatre in Washington were the preeminent African-American venues for stars like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and the big bands of the 1930s to rock and roll and the Motown sound.
Take a trip down memory lane to the Dixie Chicken Shop on 14th Street NW in 1939. Read the Baltimore Afro-American ad, see the photo, and reminisce about the good ol’ days of fried chicken!
Explore the tragic story of Josh Gibson, one of baseball’s greatest hitters, who faced severe mental health challenges and his cause of death at 35 was a stroke, just months before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
From the Blue Bird Cafe and Tea Room to Shaw’s Tavern, learn the history of 520 Florida Avenue NW in Washington, DC. Discover the stories of Benny Lerner, the Baloney Bandit, and more!
