Shaw Community Center

Founded in 1991, Shaw Community Center’s mission is to enhance the lives and expand the opportunities of Shaw residents in NW DC. As a 30-year community anchor and the sole, remaining community-based afterschool program in Shaw, our Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) families have relied upon the “Center” as a place for refuge, talk, and emotional support. We listen to our community and, as a direct result, we develop program services in accordance with what they say they need – not what we want to provide. In return, our families have developed a “currency of trust” that cannot be bought or faked. We take a holistic and inter-generational approach toward the development of youth through the successful engagement of parents, educators, community partners, and our youth. Our vision is that each person, regardless of color, race, gender, class, age, income, mental/physical challenges, or sexual orientation, perceives him/her/themself and is regarded by others as a valuable Cultural Asset (person of intrinsic worth). Years ago, SCC realized that an arts and humanities program would be key to its success - that by creating a cultural knowledge store grounded in Black heritage and instilling pride in their cultural identity we could promote connection and investment within the Shaw community. Today, as a recognized arts organization, SCC integrates the arts and humanities into its programs starting with the youngest, who receive weekly art instruction and participate in a number of cultural activities throughout the year and culminating in our workforce development program in which our older youth, among other things, learn Afrocentric design, create a culturally - informed fashion line, and act as brand representatives, models, and social media influencers. We can effectuate change, disrupt violence and poverty, and address systemic racism, gentrification and cultural displacement.