Why is Washington DC called Chocolate City?

To answer that question, we've got to go way back to the early 20th century and the 'Great Migration'. From the 1910's to the 1940's, a large population of African Americans left their homes in the rural South, looking for opportunities and employment in cities such as Los Angeles, Detroit, New York and Washington DC.

Because of the changing demographics, many white families left the cities for the suburbs in what became known as 'white flight'. As a result of these two major population shifts, in 1957 Washington DC became the first major American city to have a majority Black population.

At the same time, there was an ongoing and growing movement to give DC residents voting rights. While DC residents still do not have full representation in Congress, Nixon signed and executive order in 1974 which gave DC "Home Rule" and allowed DC residents to elect a city council and mayor, and to pass laws governing the city.

Not long after, in early 1975, Parliament Funkadelic released their song "Chocolate City" from their album of the same name. In the song, George Clinton raps about "chocolate cities" - cities with majority Black populations, where Black people support each other and are unified. He says that the real chocolate city is Washington DC. In the spirit of DC's newly instated "Home Rule", the 'Chocolate City' nickname stuck and is still widely used today!

DC no longer has a majority Black population, but the Chocolate City name remains as a celebration of our history and legacy.

Our Chocolate City tote bag commemorates this history in a simple, elegant and functional way. The bag was produced in collaboration with Bailiwick Clothing, a local Black owned clothing brand. Grab one now and show of your DC pride!

Chocolate City Tote

100% Cotton Bandanas

Our bandanas are inspired by African and African American textiles, art, craft, mythology and history. While each one tells a story on its own, they were created to help you express and share who you are and who you want people to see.

The MVP - Madame Vice President!

It's back! Our limited edition MVP bandana was created in 2020 as a way to celebrate the election of our first woman Vice President. We've reprinted a small number in collaboration with the National Archives Foundation.

The 100% cotton bandana features and imagery representing some of Ms. Harris' background and her trailblazing achievements, including her Jamaican and Indian heritage, her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and her service as the Attorney General of California.

The bandana is only available in the National Archived shop and website for a limited time. If you missed your chance to purchase one before, grab one now before they're gone again!

The National Archives Kamala Collection

ALL VERY GOODS

The foundational philosophy of All Very Goods is that representation matters.

We imagine an alternate universe where the celebration and appreciation of diverse cultures and peoples, and in particular Black culture and Black people, are a normal part of everyday life. We design products that would exist in that world and create them here. 

The hope is that by doing so, we can help make this world a little better.