The Go-Go Museum and Café has officially opened in Anacostia, Washington, D.C., providing a dedicated space to celebrate the unique musical genre that originated in the city. Founded by Ron Moten, the museum aims to showcase the cultural and historical significance of Go-Go music, often referred to as the “heart-beating soul” of D.C.
The museum not only highlights the rich history of Go-Go but also focuses on community engagement by involving young people in its operations. Moten emphasizes the importance of educating students about Go-Go’s historical roots and its impact on literacy, career development, and overall quality of life.
The opening coincides with the five-year anniversary of the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019, which officially recognized Go-Go as the city’s sound. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who attended the opening, stressed the importance of preserving the music’s history, acknowledging its cultural significance to D.C.
Go-Go music, which began in the mid-70s with Chuck Brown, blends elements of funk, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and Afro-Latin rhythms. By the late 1980s, it had gained wider recognition and was featured in popular media, such as Spike Lee’s film “School Daze.”
The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to Go-Go’s history and aims to be a hub for cultural preservation and education. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Go-Go music and its integral role in the cultural identity of Washington, D.C.