Howard Theatre's Black entertainment legacy

The Howard Theatre, opened in 1910 at the northern edge of Shaw, became a premier venue for African American performers and audiences through the 20th century. It hosted artists such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald and played a key role in the development of jazz, R&B, and soul scenes in Washington, D.C. After a long period of decline, the Howard underwent restoration and reopened in 2012 and now presents concerts and cultural programming reflecting its historic role.