Despite the occupant of the White House ignoring Black History Month, working to erase African American narratives, and recently taking to social media to post a racist video of the Obamas, the truth surrounds him. President Donald Trump lives in a building and city built by Black people.
“We now know that slaves baked the bricks used for the building’s foundation and walls, sawed lumber for the interior walls and floors, dug the trenches for the foundation, worked the Virginia quarries where the sandstone was cut, and laid the stones that hold up the Capitol to this day,” wrote Jesse J. Holland is his 2007 book: “Black Men Built the Capitol: Discovering African-American History In and Around Washington, D.C.”
History reveals that from the White House to the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol and beyond, Black people contributed to building landmarks, boosting the District’s economy, and influencing local, national and worldwide culture.
As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) marks 100 years since its founder, Carter G. Woodson — a D.C. resident — established Negro History Week, The Washington Informer is highlighting Black narratives in the DMV area.
This week, dig into the history of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and a Ward 7 community leader who influenced many in the District and beyond. As CBCF celebrates 50 years, learn about the work of the organization and members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), who are walking in the legacy– and hallways– built by African Americans. Further check out how….
Dive into these local stories, be inspired by these change makers, and remember the power of learning about the past to offer insight about the future.
Black history is an indispensable part of the American story,” said House Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a member of the CBC, in a 2026 Black History Month statement.