On Saturday the Florida Avenue Grill posted:
“We regret to inform you of the passing of Lacey C. Wilson, Jr., the former owner of the Florida Avenue Grill @floridaavegrill. In 1970, he purchased the Grill from his father Lacey Sr who founded the Grill in 1944. Lacey served 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps ultimately as a Gunnery Sergeant and was a Karate Grandmaster. He taught martial arts to numerous black youth in DC at a time when few saw the value in it. He famously defied National Guard orders to leave and defended the Grill with a shotgun for three days and nights during the uprising that followed Dr King’s killing. The Grill was still firebombed but he was able to put the fire out.
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He continued to serve as guide a mentor to our current owner Imar Hutchins. It is due to Mr. Lacey’s determination and spirit that the Grill is now able to celebrate 75 years of serving the DC community. Mr. Lacey was 83 years old.”
11th and Florida Avenue, NW