Washington DC has a long storied history when it comes to nightlife, particularly spaces where Black folks can be their full selves all while feeling safe and comfortable. The pandemic and gentrification have caused plenty of these spaces to shut down in recent years. For a moment, things looked bleak for Chocolate City, it seemed to be losing some of its identity through all the new businesses popping up to cater to “newer” residents. Fortunately, a new guard of Black folks is bringing back that feeling.
At the forefront of this movement is Shanklin Hall, founded in 2019 by a group of friends and siblings during a visit to Pharrell’s “Something in the Water.” Their goals were simple, bring back the type of community-spirited events that DC has always had, with their own flavor. You would be excused for assuming that Shanklin Hall is the name of a long-running Washingtonian institution. The name is an amalgamation of all the founders’ last names, three of which are siblings(Shanklin) and two that conveniently share a surname(Hall). It is very important that they are able to bring something to the city that feels like the culture they grew up experiencing and is connected to their family and heritage as DC natives.
In the years since its conception, Shanklin Hall has been responsible for hosting some of the most innovative events and activations that the area has seen in recent years. They’ve done adult summer camps, therapy sessions, art events, brunches, and many parties. It makes sense that the next logical step in their journey is tying down a permanent brick-and-mortar space to operate out of. They chose to occupy the space formerly occupied by “Columbia Station” on 18th Street NW. Formerly home to one of the most historic jazz clubs in DC, they want to bring back space for “us” in an area that needs some rejuvenation in the face of gentrification. The space will be a continuation and moving forward of a long legacy and history that exists in Adams Morgan and DC as a whole, the feeling of Black Broadway and Chocolate City.
Shanklin Hall intends to be a “non-membership-required” social club where all are welcome. They plan on having a wide array of events including live music, entertainment and food pop-ups. A full kitchen also allows for the possibility of a curated dining experience. To achieve this, they plan on fully rebuilding the space from the inside out in order to fully realize their vision. It is with this in mind that the founders have commenced a fundraising campaign based on engaging everyone in the community. Their shared belief in collective economics, similar to the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, is the driving force behind this initiative. The funds will be used for purchasing materials, furniture and rebuilding the space. Perks for donors include branded merch, free memberships, discounts on events, and much more. There are plenty of options for those interested in buying equity as well.
Shanklin Hall aims to be an ecosystem of potential, a place for connecting dots, birthing new ideas together, and acknowledging talents in the community. They want to break down barriers and create space for others all while defining what black economic prosperity means to them. For more information or to donate to Shanklin Hall, visit their website.
