Alain Locke was a Black scholar, writer, and professor who helped change how African American culture was understood in the United States. He became the first African American Rhodes Scholar in 1907 and began teaching at Howard University in Washington, DC, in 1912. In 1925, he edited The New Negro, a collection of writing and art that helped shape the Harlem Renaissance. This movement gave Black writers, artists, and thinkers more recognition at a time when racial discrimination was widespread. Locke believed that different cultures deserved respect and that Black Americans should have the freedom to express their identities and achievements.

Locke lived at 1326 R Street NW in Washington, DC, where his former residence remains an important reminder of his work. He spent more than 40 years teaching at Howard University and helped support the study and appreciation of African American art, literature, and history. In 1935, he established the Associates in Negro Folk Education to help make educational materials available to adult learners. His ideas encouraged people to challenge racial prejudice by recognizing the achievements of Black Americans. Today, his former home is used as an apartment building and is recognized as part of Washington's African American Heritage Trail. The residence is also a contributing historic property within the Fourteenth Street Historic District.