The neighborhoods of Shaw and U Street are located in central Washington, D.C. and were once home to many freed slaves following the Civil War. These communities include several smaller neighborhoods in the area south of U Street and Florida Avenue and north of M Street, between 4th and 16th streets. The communities flourished with music and culture until riots broke out in 1968 following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., causing Shaw’s economy and community to suffer.

A revitalization of the communities has taken place over the past few decades. Their central location and historic homes have drawn many people and businesses into the neighborhood. Victorian townhomes have been renovated, and various businesses have spilled into Shaw from such neighboring communities as Logan Circle and Adams Morgan. The community is still known for its historic jazz venues, which introduced such musical talents as Duke Ellington to the public.

Shaw and U Street residents also enjoy convenient access to the WMATA Metrorail green line, which stops at the Shaw-Howard University and U Street-African American Civil War Memorial-Cardozo stations.