News

Graham Bill to Identify Two Streets Near Howard Theatre In Honor of Duke Ellington and Chuck Brown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Yuckenberg
(202) 727-5820

October 23, 2007

Washington, DC: With the revitalization of the Howard Theatre and the upcoming return of the Broadcast Center One headquarters, a premier African American broadcast company, Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) introduced a bill today to identify two streets in Ward One in honor of two prominent DC musicians, Duke Ellington and Chuck Brown.

Graham’s bill would change the name of T Street, NW between 7th Street and Florida Avenue, NW (in front of the Howard Theatre) to Duke Ellington Avenue.

“Duke Ellington was one of the most important composers and musicians the world has ever known,” said Graham. “It is a privilege to re-name a street in his honor.”

The bill would also recognize Chuck Brown by symbolically designating a part of 7th Street, NW from T Street, NW to Florida Avenue, NW as Chuck Brown Way.

“Chuck Brown has been called a national treasure,” said Councilmember Graham. “He is a living legend.”

Throughout the seventies and eighties Chuck Brown had the opportunity to perform at the Howard Theatre numerous times, as well as the National Mall, Constitution Hall, Kennedy Center, and the 930 Club.

“Duke Ellington and Chuck Brown profoundly influenced the District of Columbia,” said Graham. “I look forward to honoring them as we restore the Georgia Avenue and U Street Corridors.”

###