By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
The Go-Go Museum and Café has officially opened in Anacostia. Residents, artists and go-go lovers from across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area attended the Nov. 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony, held during the District’s Go-Go Preservation Week, which took place Nov. 17 to Nov. 23.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the historic importance of the new cultural center during her remarks.
“We have over 80 museums in Washington, D.C. But until today, we had one that was missing. When people come to visit our city and young people are talking about our history and culture, they will have this place– the Go-Go Museum and Café– to experience,” she said. “They can learn about the legends of Washington, D.C. They’ll also be able to learn more about the intersection between go-go, hip hop and the civil rights movement and how they intersect with D.C.’s history.”
In 2020, Bowser signed the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act, which made go-go the official music of Washington, D.C.
The museum will feature interactive holograms of Backyard Band pioneer Anwan Glover, also known as a star in the popular television series, “The Wire,” and Experience Unlimited’s (EU) front man, Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott. Artifacts from those who helped establish go-go music are also included, such as a bomber jacket from Rare Essence and a cutout of the Godfather of Go-Go Music, Chuck Brown.
In the mid-1970s, Washington, D.C. was dubbed “Chocolate City” by the legendary master of funk – George Clinton, the leader and founder of the iconic band, Parliament Funkadelic. The title appropriately described one of the nation’s first cities in which African Americans dominated the local political, business and social scenes. The District also boasted a majority-Black population of an estimated 70 percent.
But something else was emerging at the same time that would eventually spread from D.C. ‘s Ward 8 community to other urban locales in America and later, around the world.
As a means of self-expression, young musicians and vocalists forged a new musical genre called go-go because of its ability to keep fans “going and going” on the dance floor. Characterized by Afro-Latin rhythms infused with funk, improvisation and syncopated beats, audiences still today are eager to participate in the energetic live gogo shows that include a signature call and response element, reminiscent of the Black church.
Nearly 50 years have passed since bands like Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers, The Young Senators, EU, Trouble Funk, Rare Essence and Little Benny and the Masters emerged from Southeast Washington, D.C.
The Nov. 18. opening of the museum, located at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., solidified the legacy of go-go music in front of proud native Washingtonians, politicians, clergy and business owners from the area.
D.C. Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie, who initiated efforts to secure go-go as the official music of the District, spoke during the celebration about the importance of the new venue.
(Courtesy of the IG / Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser)
“A lot of blood sweat and tears went into this day and I am honored to see the culmination of a lot of work led by museum founder and CEO, Ron Moten, and the chief curator, Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, whose vision and dedication were essential in making this museum and café a reality,” said McDuffie. “This day is particularly important because there were those who were determined to mute go-go music. That’s why in 2019, I was inspired to sponsor [legislation] that led to D.C. making go-go the official music of Washington, D.C.”
“It’s not just about recognition but preservation, supporting the culture and people who love go-go – the soundtrack of our city,” McDuffie continued. “We’re here to do more than just open a museum but to solidify go-go’s place in the history and everyday lives of D.C. residents who have been doing this for more than 50 years.”
Moten echoed McDuffie’s sentiments.
“We’ve never had anything here in Southeast built by the people that represented our town and our community and I’m so glad that we finally have this space,” Moten said.
The more than 8,000 square foot venue will open to the public on Feb. 19, 2025, and includes a café, three exhibition and interactive areas, a recording studio and an outdoor stage for live performances.
Darryll Brooks, the co-owner of CD Enterprises Inc. and one of the first concert promoters to support go-go music, said he had goosebumps over his body as he considered the historic nature of the day.
“What transpired in Anacostia Park back in the 70s was a breeding ground for local bands,” Brooks said. “I’m very proud that we are here today to celebrate something that our ancestors brought forth and fought for centuries ago. That heartbeat that drumbeat came way before we got here. And a lot of people prayed for us to get here.”
“It was a brotherhood and a community that made go-go happen,” he continued. “I urge you to give thanks to and patronize this place and help to make this town what it’s supposed to be.”
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