The Urban Odyssey of Washington D.C. A Bicentennial Celebration of Washington D.C.'s Heritage 1791 -1991. The story unfolding since the founding of the District of Columbia in 1791 recount the arrival of Africans , Europeans , Asians and Hispanics and their struggles to create community, home and sense of place. Seven Episodes each Episode's Focus on an Individual Civil Rights Leader: Sterling Brown ( 1901-1989 ), Nannie Helen Burroughs ( 1879 - 1961 ), Nicholas De Carlo, Isaac Franck, C C Hung, Carman Monico and Lillian Walker. Many Voices on a Common Ground. Urban Odyssey reveals a different side of Washington , D.C. and tells a different story about our nation's capitol. Urban Odyssey will travel the cIty with a series of special events