Explore and Experience Arlington’s African American Heritage

From late 2022 through 2023, the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (a division within Arlington County’s economic development department) brought together nearly 20 community and county partners to catalog and promote the full array of visitor sights and experiences that showcase Arlington’s African American heritage.

The project, made possible through Virginia Tourism Corporation’s DRIVE 2.0 grant program, seeks to inspire exploration, understanding and celebration of the invaluable contributions of Black culture and life in Arlington.

Following are several sightseeing highlights grouped by proximity across various neighborhoods, and including numerous Black-owned businesses you can enjoy during your stay. To ensure you don’t miss anything, please see our most current, complete list of African American Sights and Black-Owned Businesses and download our convenient map, designed by the renowned Charrette Agency.

Hall’s Hill & Langston Boulevard

Nearby businesses include: Mr. Moore’s Barber Shop, Magnum Opus Hair Salon and the Langston Technology Hub

Credit | Jonathan Kozowyk

Green Valley

Nearby businesses include: Majestic Barber Shop and Star Barber Shop

Pictured | FREED sculpture by Walter Hood at John Robinson Jr. Town Square Photo by Lloyd Wolf

Columbia Pike

Nearby businesses include: Azi Flowers, Bethel Café, Dama Restaurant & Café, Idido’s Coffee & Social House

Pictured | Black Heritage Museum of Arlington

Pentagon City & Crystal City

Nearby businesses include: Matchbox, Queen Mother’s Kitchen, Enjera Restaurant, Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique, and Puppet Heaven

Pictured | Queen City
Credit | Jonathan Kozowyk

Arlington National Cemetery

Pictured | Arlington National Cemetery

The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service extends its sincere thanks to the wonderful team of community and county partners who contributed their knowledge and expertise to this landmark project:

  • Portia Clark, President, Green Valley Civic Association
  • Saundra Green, Langston Boulevard Alliance and Calloway Church
  • Dr. Scott Taylor, The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington
  • Wilma Jones-Killgo, Author, Speaker and CEO, "My Hall's Hill Family"
  • Cathy Hix, President, Arlington Historical Society
  • Stephen Smith, Columbia Pike Partnership
  • Matt Jones, National Landing Business Improvement District
  • Monica Cannon, Arlington Convention and Visitors Service
  • Serena Bolliger, Arlington County Historic Preservation
  • Mary Dallao and Henry Dunbar, Bike and Walk Arlington
  • Judith Knudsen and John Stanton, Center for Local History, Arlington Public Library
  • Leslie Pelzer, Arlington Parks & Recreation
  • Jim Byers and Tomora Wright, Arlington Cultural Affairs