Shaw in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Phyllis Wheatley YWCA
901 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —
This was the city’s first Young Women’s Christian Association and the nation’s only independent Black YWCA. It was organized in Southwest Washington as the Colored YWCA in 1905 by members of the Book Lovers Club, a Black women’s literary group led by Rosetta Lawson, one of the co-founders of Frelinghuysen University. The founders sought to provide affordable housing and services to African American women and girls flocking to the city to seek employment. In 1920, after a number of moves, the YWCA opened here. The group changed its name to honor Phillis Wheatley (ca. 1755-1784), considered the first published African American poet.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 38° 54.702′ N, 77° 1.457′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Shaw. Marker is on Rhode Island Avenue Northwest (U.S. 29) west of 9th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 901 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington DC 20001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Safe Havens (within shouting distance of this marker); Carter G. Woodson (within shouting distance of this marker); Working for the Race (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carter G. Woodson House (about 300 feet away); Squares 336, 337 & 364 (about 400 feet away); Planning the Federal City (about 400 feet away); Benjamin Banneker - A Man of Science (about 400 feet away); The City & The Stars (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
More about this marker.
[Photo caption:] A program for girls, around 1950.
Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University.
Also see . . .
1. "On Phillis Wheatley". Poems by Phyllis Wheatley archival website entry (Submitted on April 16, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Phyllis Wheatley Women's Clubs - 1895. Black Past website entry (Submitted on April 16, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
3. Phillis Wheatley. Wikipedia biography (Submitted on April 16, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. Phyllis Wheatley Club; Phillis Wheatley
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,169 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on March 8, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 16, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 25, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.