The Story of D.C.'s Black Broadway on U before Harlem

Re-enactment: It's May 1940, and the illustrious actress/singer, Pearl Bailey (portrayed by D.C. native/actress, Roz White) sits in her dressing room getting dolled-up before her performance at U Street's historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC. Mother Pearl shares her tale about the rich culture, history, heritage during the good ole' heydays of D.C.'s Black Broadway on U Street era in the 1930s, 40s and 50s -- despite the ugly and racist Jim Crow laws this black community continued to "strive and thrive."

HISTORICAL NOTE: The late entertainer Pearl Bailey is credited with coining the moniker "Black Broadway" for this historic and storied black U Street community in Washington, DC, where she jumpstarted her singing career.

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