Chicago History

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“How Africans Fought Slavery,”** on the hidden history of resistance to the Transatlantic Slave Trade among those targeted by it, with Richard Bell, professor of history at the University of Maryland, College Park. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/africans-fought-slavery](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/africans-fought-slavery) .] The Transatlantic Slave Trade was the largest forced migration in human history. In all, more than 12 million African men, women, and children were kidnapped and made to board European ships destined for the New World. Generally left out of our history books is the fact that African people fought the Transatlantic Slave Trade from the moment raiders approached their villages throughout every stage of the deadly Middle Passage. Join Profs and Pints fan favorite Richard Bell for a talk that turns the slave trade’s history inside out by examining the huge varieties of African resistance to this 400-year-long nightmare. He’ll discuss how African people fought capture through fortified villages, armed flight, and deception awareness. Their struggle to stay free involved rebellions inside African coastal forts, hundreds of shipboard mutinies, hunger strikes, and mass drownings. You’ll learn how African suicides and revolts, as well as the constant threat of captive rebellion, forced European traders to spend enormous sums on weaponry, guards, surveillance, and ship redesign. Such costs, historians now calculate, saved more than a million Africans from ever being trafficked across the Atlantic. Far from being helpless victims of an unstoppable system, African captives proved relentlessly defiant, leaving a record that reshapes our understanding of the trade and the roots of African American resistance. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The slave ship La Amistad, site of a famous mutiny by the slaves on board. (Artist unknown / Wikimedia Commons.)

For the first half hour of class, beginners will learn 5 organ & spirit enlivening qigong exercises. After a brief meditative walk, beginners will learn the first of six section of Lao (old) Yang tai chi chuan as taught by Teacher Lu Hung Bin. Remember to wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing & flat comfortable shoes. For more information, call 301-466-5894 or email: info@dancinginsilence.com

**A drop-in game every Tuesday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Central Library, located at the corner of 9th and G Streets NW.** The Gallery Place Metro station (9th Street entrance) is located across the street. Street parking is available. We play in the Great Hall -- as you enter the library, we are on the right of the room. **All skill levels are encouraged to participate.** Lessons for new players (as needed) at 6:00pm. Please arrive on time. Games for all skill levels begin at 6:00. Games wrap up at 8:00. **If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring.** More resources (especially for new players) are available at http://linktr.ee/davidmahj

Join Blackout as we visit Hush Harbor on DC's H Street Corridor as we have a night of convo, games, and retro vibes. It's a Black-owned cocktail bar focusing on interesting drinks and inspiring connections. If you're not familiar with Hush Harbor, the concept is that it is a phone free cocktail bar. They put your phone in one of those cases but you can still access it in a pinch. More info: https://hushharbor.co/#info Remember when we could hold conversations without needing to refer to cellphones? House phones? Numbers on napkins? Remembering people's names? Printing out MapQuest directions? We're going back to that time. We'll have some conversational topics and games that we'll play as we get to know each other. Hold your spot by sending $5 via CashApp ($Blackoutbaltimore). This'll go towards the Polaroid film--yep, it's a throwback kind of night. And, yes, I'm actually bringing a Polaroid for the group shots. Can't wait to see you there! \-\-\- **About Black Everywhere®** Black Everywhere is a global community bringing together Black professionals, creatives, couples and singles alike for brunches, mixers, hikes, wellness, and cultural outings. Whether you're looking for connection, networking, or just fun, you'll find it here.

Last year, members of our group went to the National Portrait Gallery to see a show of work by the late gay conceptual artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres. (Gonzalez-Torres died from AIDS at age 38 in 1996.) Now, that exhibition's curators have released a catalog for the show, and they are appearing at Politics & Prose in DC on Sunday, January 25th at 5 p.m. to talk about Gonzalez-Torres in relation to portraiture and identity. To learn more, here is the event page from Politics & Prose: https://politics-prose.com/charlotte-ickes-and-josh-t-franco-012526 The event is free. If someone wants a copy of the catalog, Politics & Prose is selling copies for $60.

Out-and-back, go-at-your-own-pace hike of 10.2 miles on former right-of-way of a historic railroad through lovely wooded sections of Northwest DC, with an optional indoor lunch stop in Bethesda, MD. Total of 350 feet of elevation climbed on a few hills, at your own pace. [https://www.cctrail.org/points_of_interest](https://www.cctrail.org/points_of_interest) Level: Moderate 10 miles: Allow min. 4 hours for this hike. Meet at Fletcher's Boat House - 4940 Canal Rd, NW We meet by 9:30 am on the first/upper parking lot for registration. If there is no room in the first parking lot when you enter, proceed through the tunnel under the canal to a much larger parking lot, then walk back up the stairs/bridge to the meeting point. There are bathrooms there. Dress in warm layers, bring (hot) water, snacks and or lunch ...plus anything you might need for balance and to stay warm. Leaders: Rob Anderson 202-258-1010 and Vicky Hsu 240-370-7011 **ONE DAY HIKE** Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the [One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304791832/) (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May. 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/) for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304792694/) . For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io. **SCPRO DONATION:** A voluntary $2.00 donation per event is appreciated. You may donate via PayPal by sending money to ECommerce@SierraPotomac.org using “For friends and family” as payment type, or in cash at the event. You may join the Sierra Club by clicking "JOIN" on the Virginia Chapter's [website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia).

Please register for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978714749080?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. **This is a don't miss private tour!** Located just off Dupont Circle, the 1893 [Whittemore House mansion](https://www.thewhittemorehouse.com/) houses [The Woman’s National Democratic Club](https://democraticwoman.org/welcome) (WNDC) and hosts [private events](https://www.thewhittemorehouse.com/). **This tour is free of charge.** The WNDC Museum is housed in a landmark 19th-century residence, originally built for Sarah Adams Whittemore, an opera singer and member of the distinguished Adams family of Massachusetts. The building, designed by Harvey Page, is informally called The Whittemore House. Significant interior features include the Arts and Crafts foyer and stairwell and an elaborate plaster ceiling in the former music room, now the Hamlin Room. In addition to its architecture, The Whittemore House contains a rich permanent collection of fine art and furniture. The WNDC Ballroom and art galleries feature rotating exhibitions from Washington-area artists. This rare tour is officially hosted by Go Gay DC, Washington, DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC](https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC) Go Gay DC leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. Name tags will be provided. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. See the [directions](https://democraticwoman.org/hours-directions-parking). **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Dupont Circle Metro station North exit on the Red line is the closest Metro stop. **Plan to arrive promptly by 7:00 p.m. When you arrive, ask for David Hoffman, the club member who is the tour leader.** (Note: Preceding the tour is an optional **[Get Out the Vote](https://democraticwoman.org/submaster.cfm?aPage=calendardetails.cfm&CalID=1568)** letter/postcard campaign starting at 6 p.m. hosted by WDNC to swing states that you may opt to attend. Ask for David Hoffman when you arrive. Pizza will be served at that!) There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc For more exciting events like this, stay tuned to Go Gay DC at [https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC/](https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC/) This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol at the bar is carded of course. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex non-binary women

You don't need to know what NoMa means to walk around there. **Time:** \~6pm-8:15pm **Start/End Location:** NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station, start northern entrance/exit **Map:** [Plotaroute](https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3201781?units=km), [Caltopo](https://caltopo.com/m/R8P1P1R) **Millage:** 4.2 **Terrain:** There will mostly be paved and level ground. **Route:** * Start at NoMa–Gallaudet U Metro, north entrance * Warm up loop up towards Monroe Johnson Plaza. * Snake south from N -> L * Short stint north on MBT, getting off M * Head earth towards Florida ave, meandering along the way between M and I * Walk north along Floria Ave / Gallaudet * Walk through union market area * End back NoMa–Gallaudet U Metro, \~south entrance \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

**🎉 Book Swap: Bring Your Books to West End Neighborhood Library!** 📅 **Date:** Saturday, January 24th, 2026 🕒 **Time:** 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 📍 **Location:** West End Neighborhood Library, Meeting Room 2 2301 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037 **Agenda:** * **3:00 PM - 3:30 PM** \- Check\-in and chat * **3:30 PM - 4:00 PM** \- Introductions * **4:00 PM - 5:00 PM** \- Book swap Fiction and non-fiction alike are welcome. Gently used books are ideal for swapping. **Please note**: If a book you bring isn’t swapped, you are responsible for taking it home. This is a “stay-and-swap” event, so please join with the intention of engaging and connecting with the group.

**BreadBreakers is a community where people of all different belief systems and backgrounds can create community - and what better way to do that than reading together?** Join us as we combine the kind, curious, and welcoming atmosphere of a BreadBreakers dinner with the thought-provoking, fun format of a book club. Here's what to expect: * We'll be reading *Of Mice and Men*, by John Steinbeck. * This will be a one-meeting club, so if you've ever wanted to do a book club but couldn't commit to multiple meetings, here's your opportunity! * Snacks :) * BreadBreakers ground rules apply - we'll lead with curiosity, converse with kindness, and strive to dig beneath the surface level. * We'll be gathering in Meeting Room 1 at the Reston Regional Library. * Participants will be responsible for obtaining their own copies of the book. [Here's the Amazon link, if helpful.](https://www.amazon.com/Mice-Men-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140177396) * Our BreadBreakers table hosts will come ready with questions and facilitation skills - you come ready to discuss! **I've never attended a BreadBreakers event before - what is BreadBreakers?** BreadBreakers is a community where neighbors from all different beliefs and backgrounds can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** Most frequently, we do this through the ancient practice of breaking bread around a common dining table. But we're more than just a discussion group - we're a movement to heal our world's broken discourse and forge togetherness in a time of isolation and loneliness. **Through the sacred act of just "being" together, we're working to rebuild the town square, one table (or book club) at a time.** BreadBreakers is a religiously inclusive by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA. All faiths, beliefs, and stripes are welcomed, and our leadership and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Please join us on **Sunday, January 25 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm** as we head back to **[Mookie's BBQ](https://www.mookiesbbq.com/index.html)**, a venue in Virginia, in support of a fellow meetup member. This is a bonus meetup outside of our normal weekday meetups. **Please RSVP to indicate your attendance and HONOR YOUR RSVP**. If your plans change and you are unable to attend, please update your RSVP particularly since this venue has limited space. Regular no-show or late notices may get you dropped from the group. It is important that we are able to provide an accurate count to the venue and that all people who want to AND are able to attend are able to do so. **We ask all attendees to pay $1 to participate in the meetup.** This money helps maintain our meetup membership & cover various meetup costs that arise. You can pay $1 on Venmo @amanda-uherek, via Pay-Pal, or in-person (please choose paying friend/family not a business, good or service). **REMINDER:** everyone is responsible for their own tabs. If you have questions / comments / suggestions please message us. We'll have hand sanitizer & decks of cards on hand. Cheers - Amanda

Are you missing the feel of a cold breeze; the chill down your spine? The sound of steps down a darkened hallway, wings of bats in the moonlight, and the whispers on the wind? **It’s time to share Ghost Stories!** This event is geared towards those with tales of experiences from the great beyond. Come with an open mind and a story of your own, and we will together explore and hold space for sharing experiences and embracing the spooky side of life…. And death! We will provide popcorn – but please feel free to bring a spooky treat of your own to share with the group! Additionally, you can also bring a blanket or something cozy to sit on while we share. Event cost: $5

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics could range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

This month's selection is "Unscripted: The Epic Battle for a Media Empire and the Redstone Family Legacy," by James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams! Real life "Succession" drama!! If you're new, welcome! Don't worry if you can't finish or don't like the book, we're here for good casual conversation...

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.