Wandering: The Shaw Neighborhood

My first taste of Washington, D.C. originated as countless others have: Summer Internship (scoff if you must). Aside from downplaying the heat ("It's really not that bad, guys, I'm from the South"), I spent the summer exploring the city, taking in all the nitty-gritty of the politics you don't read about in your Poli-Sci classes, and becoming fascinated by the paradoxes of Washington--its oft-troubled history vs. its revitalization; its traditional mask vs. its funkier side; its divisiveness begetting its reputation vs. its inclusiveness and distinct neighborhood identities.  Sure, I loved Georgetown and its frequenters.  But there was more to experience, and I felt I was only scratching the surface.

Fast-forward 8 or so years, and here I am.  I am married to a wonderful guy, living in the heart of the District, having recently relocated to the Shaw neighborhood.  Like many others in D.C. proper--NoMa, H Street NE, Brightwood, Brookland--the Shaw neighborhood is currently experiencing a revitalization.  Rewriting its story after a history of violence?  Yes.  But at risk of its role in the Civil Rights movement becoming a distant memory, even a fuzzy tale, in the mind of its residents.  Transforming into a vibrant neighborhood, full of young people invested in its future?  Yes.  But at risk of succumbing to the downside of gentrification, including the displacement of longtime residents with true roots in the neighborhood.  

As with many new residents of Shaw, we were drawn to the neighborhood in part because of this revitalization: You can't turn a corner without running into a construction crane, it seems, and the promise of new, unique restaurants, coffee shops, and watering holes certainly added to the allure.  But my husband and I also are keenly aware that these changes are not black and white, not wholly good or wholly bad.  As new members of the community, we are given a unique opportunity to involve ourselves in cultivating the best future for the neighborhood.  

Stay tuned for spotlights on some of our favorite spots in Shaw!