Visiting Washington, D.C., has become my annual combination of solo and girlfriend getaway. This time, I scheduled my trip around the 10th anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Although this was my fourth visit to the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum, which opened its doors in the nation’s capital on Sept. 24, 2016, I’m always moved by the thoughtful curation that chronicles our painstaking path and phoenix-like rise as a people.
As a creative, I’m especially drawn to the rich contributions made by African Americans in the arts. On this trip, I took note of pearls of wisdom posted throughout the regal institution’s cultural galleries that resonated with me, including quotes by author bell hooks — “People resist by … telling their story” — and jazz musician Herbie Hancock — “The beauty of life is to be outside the box, so that the box doesn’t exist … to limit a human being to one mode of expression is really a crime.”
I also never miss the chance to savor the freshly made soul food at the museum’s cafeteria-style Sweet Home Café, and the fried catfish with hearty sides of baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and yams didn’t disappoint.
The legacy continues
This moment in the museum’s legacy is crucial. Before the 10th anniversary kickoff, dubbed “The Reunion,” Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the NMAAHC (2005–2019) and 14th secretary of the Smithsonian (2019–2026), announced his retirement.
Founding director of the NMAAHC Lonnie G. Bunch III. (Robert Stewart photo) 
Soul food at Sweet Home Cafe. (Tracy E. Hopkins photo) 
NMAAHC’s Purple Ball: Echoes of the Pearl. (Tracy E. Hopkins photo) 
Dressed to impress: Attendees at the NMAAHC’s The Purple Ball. (Tracy E. Hopkins photo) 
NMAAHC lobby. (Tracy E. Hopkins photo) 
Isla crab patties. (Tracy E. Hopkins photo)
“[Lonnie] envisioned a museum of which the American people and their descendants could be proud, a place that would serve as a beacon of hope, reflection, and remembrance for future generations,” said Shanita Brackett, acting director of NMAAHC, in a statement.
Bunch and Brackett gave optimistic speeches at the milestone fundraiser, “The Purple Ball: Echoes of the Pearl,” named to honor the 77 freedom-seekers who boarded the schooner Pearl from the District Waterfront in 1848. The event at the Wharf’s Anthem music venue was hosted by comedian Bill Bellamy, and attracted guests who dressed to impress and danced the night away to the sounds of producer Jermaine Dupri and DJ D-Nice. Free events on the waterfront concluded the multi-day celebration, including performances by Tamar Braxton and the Roots.
Where to eat
When in D.C., dine in style at Isla (pronounced Eye-luh), perfect for a sophisticated lady outing or date night done right. Menu standouts include the Isla crab patties, fire-grilled branzino, and Miss Paula’s carrot cake.
“I think Isla came at a time where Afro-Caribbean cuisine is definitely having its true moment,” said owner and executive chef Lonie Murdock, “and I think when people walk into it, which a lot of people have said, the space reminds [them] of old D.C.”
The Canadian restaurateur with Jamaican roots decorated the swanky eatery’s dining room with local Black artworks and an eye-catching pink chandelier centerpiece. Since Isla’s opening in fall 2025, Murdock has made the District her home and is proud of the inclusive space she’s created.
“I’m actually honored that this is my space, and I have it here for everybody. Even though I’ve had this kind of space on a smaller scale in Toronto, I have never sat down with so many amazing human beings in my life — doctors, lawyers, judges, politicians — and every night, I meet somebody and I’m amazed by what they do in their profession, and (they’re) just like the most humble people. It’s been really wonderful.”
More arts and culture
Step Afrika!’s “The Fruits of Our Labor,” at Arena Stage through Nov. 1, is an electrifying body percussion work that examines what it means to build, to belong, and to believe in a nation still in the making.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts has a compelling exhibit, “Routed West: 20th Century African American Quilts in California,” through Jan. 17. Enjoy free admission on community days: the first Sunday and second Wednesday of every month.
Where to stay
Hotel Zena is a centrally located boutique hotel with a feminist art theme, near Thomas Circle and about a 15- to 20-minute walk to the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall.
