Washington, D.C. has officially renamed a street in honor of celebrated painter Alma Thomas. The new street signs now read “Alma Thomas Way”, marking a lasting tribute to the artist’s life, career, and love for her hometown.
The ceremony took place on Monday, bringing together family members, local leaders, and art supporters. Signs can be seen at the corners of 15th and Church Streets and 15th and Q Streets NW.
D.C. Honors Alma Thomas With a Street Renaming
The street where Alma Thomas lived and painted for over 70 years now carries her name. This tribute is meant to keep her story alive for future generations.
D.C. Council member Christina Henderson introduced the renaming bill in May 2024. It received full support from all 11 council members and was signed into law by Mayor Muriel Bowser in October.
Henderson explained, “When we do these street renaming projects, it’s in honor of individuals, but it’s also in an effort to elevate and introduce local heroes to folks for the next generation.”
A Life of Art, Teaching, and Community Impact
Alma Thomas wasn’t just a painter; she was also an educator and community leader. She taught at Shaw Junior High School in D.C. for 35 years while creating bold, colorful abstract paintings in her spare time.
In 1924, Thomas made history as the first person to earn a fine arts degree from Howard University. This milestone opened doors for many young Black artists who followed her path.
Later, she became the founding vice president of Barnett-Aden Gallery in 1943, one of America’s earliest Black-owned art spaces.
National Recognition for a Trailblazing Artist
Thomas earned nationwide attention for her bright, patterned paintings. In 1972, she became the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.
Her artwork eventually joined the permanent collection of the White House, further confirming her place in American art history.
One of her best-known pieces, “Breeze Rustling Through Fall Flowers” (1968), shows her signature style—bold color bands and patterns filled with movement and energy.
Family, Friends, and City Leaders Celebrate the Honor
About 30 people gathered for the official street renaming ceremony. Attendees included Thomas’s grand-nephew, Charles Thomas Lewis, and Susan Talley, founder of the Friends of Alma Thomas group.
This event wasn’t the first time D.C. recognized the artist. In 2021, the city declared September 12 as “Day of Remembrance for Alma W. Thomas” to mark her 130th birthday.
Supporters say the new street name stands as a symbol of resilience and pride, especially after recent political debates about public spaces honoring Black figures.
Alma Thomas’s Home Studio Still Stands Today
Thomas’s longtime home at 1530 15th Street NW remains an important site in D.C.’s history. Her parents purchased the house in 1907 when Alma was just 16 years old.
She painted many of her most famous works in the kitchen studio of this red-brick house. After her passing at age 86, her sister, J. Maurice Thomas, had the home added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, both her street and her story continue to inspire the art world and local communities alike.
