In past years, crowds have gathered on the steps of the National Archives to see a festive July Fourth celebration. This year's events are all online and include family-friendly activities. (Photo courtesy of National Archives Foundation)

The DC Lineup for this weekend: activism, the arts and Americana

By Jennifer Anne Mitchell On Jul 3, 2020 Last updated Jul 6, 2020

Social justice, multiculturalism, history and the arts are themes in The DC Lineup for this Fourth of July weekend.

Whether you decide to go to the National Mall to see President Donald Trump’s “Salute to America” military flyover and fireworks or instead to follow DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s recommendation to stay at home to limit the spread of the coronavirus, there are a variety of ways to celebrate the holiday throughout the city. (The U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for face masks and physical distancing are encouraged for those venturing out.)

The weather will be mostly sunny on Friday and partly cloudy on Saturday and Sunday, according to the forecast. Temperatures will range from 73 to 96 degrees.

1. History: Look back at history in honor of July Fourth this year with The Untold Story at the Saturday Morning Forum. This event highlights ideas for restorative justice nationally and locally. It is hosted by the National Congress of American Indians, which advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, and Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a membership organization founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson that fights for social change — and grew out of a group established by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The talk is on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. on Zoom; it will also be livestreamed to the public on Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s Facebook page, Virtual Townhall Facebook page, YouTube page and website.

2. History: The National Archives is hosting its first-ever virtual Fourth of July celebration. The Declaration of Independence is usually read on the museum’s steps; this year, it will be shared online along with family-friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Archives houses the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. All of Saturday’s activities are free; registration is required for the education programs.

3. Comedy: Washington Improv Theater provides a unique look at DC through the series People of the District, which is described as an “interview+improv comedy exploration of life in DC.” A special guest is interviewed about their life in the District, and then performers improvise scenes based on their responses. This Friday’s guest is Nora Dell, a community activist and executive policy assistant with the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. The show will be livestreamed on Facebook from 7:30 to 8 p.m. and is free to view, though donations are welcome.

Nicole Barden will join musicians on Sunday afternoon for the online Sisterfire SongTalk as part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Barden and Smithsonian Folklife Festival)

4. Culture: The Roadwork Center states that its mission is “building multi-racial coalitions through women’s culture.” This weekend, the group produces Sisterfire SongTalk as part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s virtual “Beyond the Mall” series. DC-based Roadwork board member Nicole Barden will join musicians with six decades of experience as activists to discuss the role of cultural expression in social change. The conversation with Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, Martha Gonzalez and Barbara Dane will be livestreamed on the festival’s Facebook and YouTube pages on Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

5. Social Justice: The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law’s Black Law Students Association and Student Bar Association are holding a peaceful sit-in for Black women, “We Won’t Stand for This,” on the sidewalk in front of the Supreme Court, 1 First St. NE, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The demonstration — eight hours long to signify the eight gunshots that killed Breonna Taylor — aims to bring awareness of Black women’s names and stories. Watch the organizers’ video for an overview of their message.

6. Music: In honor of July Fourth, the Washington National Cathedral is presenting a free online concert We the People on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. Highlighted participants include “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, gospel artist Michael W. Smith, operatic mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and former Sen. Elizabeth Dole. The concert is presented as a tribute to all who are helping the country fight the COVID-19 pandemic, such as health care workers and other first responders. Register on Eventbrite for a link to the concert.

7. Social Justice: The Black Out March is a protest happening on Saturday that asks participants to wear all black clothing since the color black “signals a desire to reclaim one’s power,” according to the organizers. Part of the movement to dismantle systemic racism, the demonstration is held on the Fourth of July to demand liberty and justice for all. It is organized by the Freedom Day Foundation, which was behind the Freedom Day March on Juneteenth. The group will gather at the Capitol Reflecting Pool on First Street SE at noon and march until 3 p.m.

8. Art: The Dupont Circle First Friday tradition has been continuing online with Virtual First Fridays. DC-based artist Julia Kwon’s face masks will be among the artwork featured in this weekend’s edition. The First Friday events will be streamed from 6 to 9 p.m. on Facebook Live; Kwon’s portion of the program will also air on the Korean Cultural Center’s YouTube page at 6:15 p.m.

9. Music: Ten local house DJs will come together on Saturday for the digital livestream In Good Company DC. Each DJ will broadcast from their home on twitch. The program runs from 11 a.m. until approximately 10 p.m. Blindstares, Dee Jay Clutch, Ed Alexander, Jeff Rick, Jon Carlson, Kane, Steve Weir, Tsavor and Twonski are slated to perform. The event continues every Saturday through the end of August. … The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District concludes its “Friday Nights from Home” concert series with a livestream performance by the DC “funk with soul” band Aztec Sun. The show is on Facebook Live on Friday from 7 to 8 p.m.

10. History: While continuing to offer Facebook Live tours, the Congressional Cemetery is starting in-person tours this weekend: Sunday Strolls in the Cemetery will take place at 1 p.m. (as the name suggests, on Sunday). Rather than a formal review of the cemetery’s history, these informal gatherings will feature docents sharing historical information centered on a topic of their choice. Reservations are required, as a maximum of nine people may attend each tour; the entry fee per person is a $5 donation. Face coverings are required for all participants over 2 years old, and comfortable clothing is suggested. The group will meet at the front gate, 1801 E St. SE. Tours last one hour and continue on Sundays throughout July.

The DC Lineup Things to Do