The True Reformer Building 12th and u streets nw
the daily lives of residents of this historic African American community were often woven together through hundreds of social and civic organizations — fraternal organizations, clubs, school alumni associations, civic associations and the like. The grand, five-story, Italianate build- ing at the southwest corner of 12 th and U Streets, known as the True Reformers Hall and later the Pythian Temple, was the setting for many of their activities. Completed in 1903 , it was among the grandest buildings in the nation to have been designed, built, and financed by African Americans. The United Order of True Reformers, based in Richmond, Virginia, provided insurance and other benefits to its members. The organization built this lavish building in a prominent place in the nation’s capital to symbolize the achieve- ments of African Americans. It was designed by John A. Lankford, the city’s first registered African American architect, who went on to national prominence. In 1906, Lankford said, being in Washington, it stands out to the civilized world as an example of what the Negro can do and has done with his brain, skill, and money.” Duke Ellington played one of his first paid performances with his own band in a room des- ignated number five within the building. Its lofty second-floor auditorium provided the setting for debutante balls, sorority and fraternity dances, plays, and, from 1938, for basketball and other activities of the Police Boys Club No. 2 . The First Separate Battalion, an African American reserve unit that served with distinction in World War I, drilled on the ground floor. Today it is home to the Public Welfare Foundation, which shares the original mission of the True Reformers in dedicating itself to the well- being of people and communities in need.
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