“An iconic presence in the community for over three decades is saying farewell.”

1524 U Street, NW via google maps

Thanks to Donna for passing on the sad news from Zawadi: “An iconic presence in the community for over three decades is saying farewell.”

Zawadi writes:

“This will be our last newsletter of 2023. We take this opportunity to convey that we will be closing our brick and mortar store on Friday, Jan. 27, 2024. As you can imagine, it has been a difficult decision and one that has taken many years to reach. However, we are satisfied in knowing that I have lived my dream life for 32 years and have walked unimaginable roads with Zawadi. I have touched and been touched by many lives. Now it is time to move on to the next chapter.

There is much more to be said and I will be offering thoughts and plans through a series of blogs. I will also continue the e-commerce site as I cannot totally detach myself from the beauty of African art and creativity. I thank and appreciate all of you who have enabled me to sustain Zawadi over these many years. This has been the book I would have written for myself. Thank you and best wishes for 2024!

On Dec. 26th, we will begin the celebration of Kwanzaa and the principles of seven days which in many ways have resonated in my life and continue to impact me. It is 30 years since Ron Kerenga, the Kwanzaa founder, created this multi-purposed holiday and one of the main aspects was its non-commercial nature. While we are suggesting ways to complement our settings, we encourage using your own creativity. Kente, the rich traditional fabric of Ghana’s Asante people, has become an integral part of many of our celebrations so we offer napkins that can be placed on the table or that can be used as a mat. Kente strips can also be used during various celebrations. Other small items that complement the themes might include small figures from South Africa, baskets from Rwanda, the Sankofa napkin rings with its imagery of learning from the past and, of course wearing clothing from the continent.

Again, thank you for 32 years and best wishes for 2024.”

Zawadi’s website says:

“ZAWADI opened on U St. in Washington, D. C. in 1992 and has grown and evolved along with the street which is now a major attraction for a diverse and well travelled population of city dwellers and visitors.

The owner, Irene T. Whalen, lived and worked in East, West and Southern Africa over a ten year period and thus brings to ZAWADI a knowledge of the continent which has helped create a very special mixture of contemporary and traditional pieces that reflect the very best of Africa.

ZAWADI features both contemporary and traditional african art with a focus on home acccessories. The textiles, home accessories and art pieces change frequently and are sometimes one of a kind. However, there is always something special to be found in Zawadi.”