The Old Man of Anacostia Players Lounge Turns 50

nity, I was ready to purchase. I fell in love, first, with the family-centered culture and, second, with the charm of the house. Deanwood felt like home because it is a closeknit community in the city. This charm reminded me of my childhood down South but complemented my professional interest.

My neighborhood is one of the District’s oldest African American communities. Located in Ward 7, it is considered the greenest ward in DC. I spend a lot of my free time enjoying green spaces or exploring the 15 cultural and historical landmarks that have been identified by Cultural Tourism DC. Deanwood is home to Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden, a state-of-the-art recreational center with an indoor pool and Marvin Gaye Park, the longest municipal park in DC.

My neighborhood has nothing like the incidents of crime that are often amplified by media outlets. It is a community with a history of resilience and selfsufficiency. This history is remembered through the works, activism and history of my ancestors. The Strand Theater was the first motion picture theater open to African Americans east of the Anacostia. It was home to the National Training School for Girls, founded by Nannie Helen Burroughs, a place of residence to activist and songwriter Marvin Gaye and skilled architects and contractors like H.D Woodson. It is a safe and resource rich community.

Over a decade later, I am more excited than ever by my decision to move from Capitol Hill to Deanwood. My community is historically rich, with unique green spaces and important landmarks. Homeownership is an accomplishment, no matter the ward.

Leniqua’dominique Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston and has worked on Capitol Hill and in Africa, India and Spain. She is a preschool teacher at a language submersion school in Ward 7. u

The Old Man of Anacostia

Players Lounge Turns 50

by Philip Pannell

In 1984, I was a volunteer in Jesse Jackson’s campaign for president and was registering voters and circulating petitions to qualify Rev. Jackson’s delegate slate for the ballot in the Democratic primary. One evening, when

I was petitioning in the Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue business corridor, I decided to check out the

Players Lounge, 2737 MLK Jr.

Ave. SE, a bar and restaurant that

I had never visited. I entered and saw a long bar to my right and to my left booths of lively diners enjoying their plates of soul food and the R&B on the jukebox.

I asked the bartender if I could speak with the owner and was introduced to Steve Thompson. I became an immediate member of his fan club, taken in by his jovial personality. He showed no hesitancy in permitting me to register and petition his staff and customers. When I went to the second room in the rear, I encountered the entertainers, who unlike DC’s politicians had nothing to hide. They were strippers. When they were not performing, I registered them to vote or had them sign Rev. Jackson’s petition. That evening was the most enjoyable time

I had experienced doing political work. After finishing my petitioning, I stayed, had dinner and drinks and remained until closing.

Players Lounge immediately became my favorite restaurant and nightspot. Fast forward 38 years and it still is. The strip shows ended years ago, but the food is still fantastic, affordable and plentiful.

This month Steve Thompson will celebrate his 50th year as the co-owner of Players Lounge along with his charming wife Georgene. In 1972, Steve purchased the business, then named Massie’s Cavern, and, as they say, the rest is history. Over the years it has become a watering hole for community activists, a must campaign visit for politicians and the place to go if you are simply look-

ing for good food. It is indisputably the oldest restaurant and bar east of the river. The people who go to Players Lounge are as flavorful as the food and as soulful as the music. Don’t worry about the decor, the people are the atmosphere. It is the “Cheers” of Ward 8. As a Players Lounge regular, I have vivid memories of Marion Barry singing “Papa Was a RollPlayers Lounge owner Steve Thompson ing Stone” at the weekly karaoke, and the author. Rev. Al Sharpton stopping by for dinner, Washington footballers Art Monk and Charles Mann having lunch, Donna Brazile chilling out after a day managing Eleanor Holmes Norton’s first campaign for Congress and the countless political events and birthday parties. It has been the site for various activities, and Steve Thompson’s S&G Catering has been a constant positive force in the community. Players Lounge has hosted political fundraisers and benefits for youths and other worthy community causes. It has hosted memorial services, repasts, free Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and delivered free food to the sick and shut in. The former strip club was once even the site of Sunday church services. Although, during recent years, some folks refer to the business as Georgena’s Restaurant, for the old timers it is and will always be Players Lounge. The restaurant and bar business is challenging. For an establishment to be around for half a century is truly remarkable, but Steve and Georgene Thompson have the right stuff. Players is an iconic institution in Ward 8. Stop by this month and raise a toast to the owners, staff and customers of the oldest bar and restaurant east of the river. And order some food. Long-time Ward 8 community activist Philip Pannell can be contacted at philippannell@comcast.net. u