BLACK mobile logo

united states

African Americans’ Undeniable Contributions to D.C. History and Culture

February 11, 2026

The Washington Informer highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans to building the nation's capital, including the White House, Capitol, and other landmarks, which were constructed with enslaved labor. As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History commemorates the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week's founding by D.C. resident Carter G. Woodson, the publication emphasizes local Black narratives in the DMV area.

Who is affected

  • Black Americans and African American communities in the DMV area
  • President Donald Trump (criticized in the article)
  • President and Mrs. Obama (referenced as targets of racist video)
  • The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members
  • Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)
  • Ward 7 community leaders and residents
  • Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
  • House Leader Hakeem Jeffries (quoted as CBC member)
  • The Washington Informer and its readers
  • Publisher Denise Rolark-Barnes and founder Dr. Calvin W. Rolark

What action is being taken

  • The Washington Informer is highlighting Black narratives in the DMV area
  • ASALH is marking 100 years since Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week
  • CBCF is celebrating its 50th anniversary
  • The Washington Informer is providing free, fact-based local journalism

Why it matters

  • This matters because Black history represents an indispensable part of the American story that is currently under threat of erasure. The physical infrastructure of the nation's capital—including its most iconic buildings—was literally built by enslaved Black people, yet this history is often ignored or minimized. Preserving and sharing these narratives is essential for understanding America's true history, empowering communities, and providing insight about the future. At a time when African American contributions are being actively dismissed or erased by political leaders, documenting and celebrating these stories becomes an act of resistance and a necessary correction to historical narratives.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer

African Americans’ Undeniable Contributions to D.C. History and Culture