Weekend Recap: The Greater U Street Festival (SLIDESHOW)

September 20, 11:26 AMDC Community ExaminerKhadijah Ali-Coleman

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The Greater U Street Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19 took place this year on the street parallel to U street which has been renamed Langston Hughes Way. On the street's corners are the popular eatery Busboys and Poets and the new eatery Eatonville. To commemorate the life and work of Mr. Hughes and the rich history of U Street - and also celebrate the unveiling of Langston Hughes Way there - the Greater U Street Historic Foundation Inc. (GUSHF) hosted the festival with the theme for "Before the Harlem Renaissance, There Was U Street."

GUSHF (www.greaterustreet.org) is a nonprofit organization whose stated mission, according to its Web site, is "to celebrate and promote the historic retail establishments, educational institutions, youth organizations and businesses throughout the Greater U Street Historic District; to educate the community about the significance of [that district] as the birthplace of the Black Renaissance (1920-1930s); to emphasize the importance of environmental preservation by encouraging beautification projects and recycling efforts."

The new festival was very low key this year, with a smattering of vendors and activity but free fun for youngsters to enjoy. Highlights for the kids included the moon bounce and face painting while adults could enjoy the sounds of musical acts including the band Lucky Dub. Below is a snippet of a group of young people performing at the festival and a slideshow of some of the sights.