Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, Colonial Revival building in Shaw, Washington, D.C., United States.
The Phyllis Wheatley YWCA is a four-story brick building in Shaw with classical architectural details and a decorative corbeled brick cornice running across its symmetrical facade. The structure now houses housing assistance and other community services.
The organization started in 1905 as the Colored YWCA and relocated to this building in 1920 under Rosetta Lawson's leadership. This move reflected the growing importance of the organization to the Black community.
The building served as a gathering place where Black women attended educational classes and found community support during a period of limited opportunities. Its spaces continue to reflect the importance of this organization to the neighborhood.
The building sits within easy walking distance of public transit options and is straightforward to reach. Keep in mind that this is an active community facility, so access may vary depending on current operations.
During World War II, the organization created its own support center for Black soldiers who faced discrimination at segregated facilities elsewhere. This initiative showed how the YWCA actively responded to injustice.
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