Whitelaw Hotel

In 1919, the Whitelaw Hotel first opened its doors. It was a beacon of hope and elegance. The Whitelaw Hotel stood proudly at the corner of 13th and T Streets NW in Washington D.C. It was a symbol of African American achievement. This grand hotel was financed, designed, and built entirely by African Americans. It was a haven for Black travelers during the era of segregation. The Whitelaw Hotel offered luxurious accommodations. It quickly became a social hub. Its ballroom hosted countless celebrations. Luminaries like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Joe Louis, and Thurgood Marshall graced its halls. Imagine young Jean Bess peeking into the ballroom, mesmerized by the glittering gowns and the sounds of jazz. She dreamed of one day twirling under the magnificent stained-glass skylight. The Whitelaw was more than just a hotel. It was the heart of the U Street Corridor’s vibrant Black Broadway. It symbolized a community’s resilience and self-sufficiency. John Whitelaw Lewis, the visionary behind the Whitelaw, believed in Black economic empowerment. He rallied the community, share by share, to fund this dream. The Whitelaw’s architect, Isaiah T. Hatton, one of the nation’s first African American architects, crafted a masterpiece in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. The Whitelaw Hotel flourished for decades. It was a testament to a community’s strength. But the tides of change, brought on by integration and the rise of drug use, began to erode its foundations. The 1968 riots following Dr. King’s assassination dealt a heavy blow to the neighborhood. The once-grand hotel fell into disrepair, becoming a shadow of its former self. Yet, like a phoenix, the Whitelaw Hotel was destined to rise again. In the 1990s, thanks to the efforts of Manna, Inc., the Whitelaw was painstakingly restored. Its historic ballroom, with its intricate moldings and stunning glass ceiling, regained its former glory. Today, the Whitelaw Hotel stands as a reminder of a rich history. It serves as affordable housing, continuing its legacy of providing shelter and community. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of those who built it. It serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of preserving our past.