Photos by: Javier Orellana Ostorga, Cisneros Class of 2025
For many Cisneros Scholars, DC is a new city – one that encompasses both the past and the present. Part of DC’s rich history is the cultural and political contributions of African Americans. The African American Heritage Trail project and guide book aim to highlight, educate, and archive the stories of African American individuals and communities. These two resources provide a wealth of information on African American politicians, activists, artists, and neighborhoods that were active in DC since the 1800’s. Along with plaques marking 100 of these sites, the mapped trails encourage visitors and residents to “learn about the people and places that shaped [this] city” (CulturalTourismDC.org). Below are a few pictures taken by Javier as he explored parts of Greater U Street.
For more information on Black Broadway and U Street, the Black Broadway on U is an amazing resource. To explore this and other heritage trails, check out Cultural Tourism DC’s African American Heritage Trail Page.
Javier Orellana Ostorga is a first-year Cisneros Scholar majoring in Political Science. He is from Annapolis, MD and originally from El Salvador. Javier’s views are his own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.