Washington, D.C., took a historic step on Monday as Mayor Muriel Bowser and local leaders cut the ribbon on the highly anticipated Go-Go Museum and Café located in the vibrant Anacostia neighborhood. This new institution is the first of its kind dedicated to celebrating and preserving go-go music, which holds the prestigious title of the official music genre of the U.S. capital.
The grand opening attracted attention and excitement, featuring legendary go-go bands, including the Junkyard Band and the Backyard Band. Ronald Moten, the museum's founder and longtime advocate for this unique music genre, expressed joy and pride at the event, which aimed to honor go-go's rich legacy and cultural significance. Situated at the heart of historic Anacostia, the museum promises to be much more than just a showcase of artifacts; it's intended to become a community hub.
Go-go music is beloved by many, known for its electrifying blend of funk, R&B, and call-and-response, resulting in high-energy live performances typically driven by heavy percussion. Emerging from Washington, D.C., as early as the mid-1970s, go-go has become synonymous with the city's cultural identity. Officially recognized as D.C.'s music genre by the city council in 2020, this unique sound has earned its rightful place at the forefront of the district's cultural narrative.
The Go-Go Museum and Café is envisioned as a living tribute to the genre and its creators. Visitors can explore exhibits chronicling the history of go-go music, reliving the stories of iconic figures such as Chuck Brown, often referred to as the "Godfather of Go-Go," and tracing the evolution of go-go's sound and influence across generations. By weaving together artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia, the museum sets out to educate and engage visitors of all ages.
More than just exhibitions, the museum includes facilities like a café where visitors can gather, socialize, and enjoy performances, fostering community connections. The goal is to establish the museum as both an informative space and a vibrant venue for local musicians to showcase their talent, ensuring the sound of go-go remains alive and thriving.
Go-go music, originating from the diverse cultural roots of the African American community, reflects resilience and creativity, particularly evident within the predominantly Black neighborhoods of D.C. The genre has long served as a unifying force, bringing people together through various events, including block parties and concerts. This celebration of community and culture stands at the core of the museum's mission.
The ribbon-cutting of the museum is celebrated as part of D.C.'s larger effort to honor go-go's powerful and enduring legacy. This movement can be traced back to the 2020 "Don't Mute D.C." campaign, sparked by community protests when go-go music was threatened by gentrification and noise complaints. Through grassroots activism and persistent public support, residents won their fight, paving the way for formal recognition and celebration of go-go, and now this dedicated museum.
Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, museum chief curator and author of Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City, articulated the museum's significance, stating, "Black people, throughout history and across time and space, have used our trauma of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade of forced displacement". She emphasized how go-go allows for expressions of pain transformed through art. Hopkinson's contributions affirm the museum's role as more than just a repository of artifacts but as part of the lineage of Black liberation music.
Encompassing over 8,000 square feet, the interactive Go-Go Museum features photo displays and artifacts celebrating the legendary performers pivotal to go-go's history, including Junk Yard Band and DJ Kool. A highlight is the café managed by renowned chef Angela Bethea, as well as spaces designated for live performances and music programming. Visitors are greeted by impressive displays, including holograms of go-go legends, ensuring the museum provides not just historical insight but also immersive experiences.
Despite the vibrant festivities, it's important to acknowledge go-go's challenging history. Many believe the genre was heavily criminalized during the '90s amid misconceptions linking it to violence. This, combined with economic and social disparities faced by predominantly Black neighborhoods, posed significant threats to the genre's survival. The official recognition of go-go as D.C.'s music embodies the community's efforts to reclaim and celebrate their sound.
Reflecting on the new museum, Mayor Bowser remarked, "We have over 80 museums in Washington, D.C., but until today, we had one missing. Now we can say when people come to visit our city, we have a Go-Go Museum to showcase our cultural heritage". Her sentiments highlight the museum's integral role as part of D.C. narratives, ensuring future generations will appreciate the rich history of go-go music.
An exhibit dedicated to the #DontMuteDC movement pays tribute to those who fought for the survival of go-go music. It tells the story of community activism and the persistent fight against the forces of gentrification threatening the sound of the district. Dr. Hopkinson’s exhibition shines light on the pain experienced due to gentrification, tying it back to the idea of community resilience where "go-go music will never be muted again".
Residents and individuals of all backgrounds come together, celebrating their culture and the power of local music. The opening of the Go-Go Museum signals hope for many. Local historian Yvette Tariq noted the significance of this venue for Anacostia, saying, "Once you have a museum pop up, then you’ll see people will start to respect it more". This opening is seen as a catalyst for change, holding the promise of respect and acknowledgement for the contributions of local voices.
Looking at the future, the museum's curators have ambitious plans aiming to develop educational programming targeting local youth, fostering the next generation's connection to their cultural roots. With its officially opened doors, the Go-Go Museum and Café not only serves as a landmark reflecting D.C. traditions but guarantees the vibrant rhythms and beats of go-go music continue to resonate within both local communities and beyond.
The Go-Go Museum and Café is currently set for full public opening by February, already sparking excitement about what it will bring, ensuring the spirit of go-go lives on, echoing through the walls of this new space dedicated to both remembrance and community.
