President of both the Fairlawn Citizen Association and the D.C. Federation of Civic Associations, Graylin Presbury, describes the Covid19 pandemic and its disproportionate impact on Black residents of low-income and elders in particular. He recounts various adventures as a volunteer for the Student Conservation Association and the majestic wild spaces he witnessed. He also regales harrowing experiences in which both he and his Father (on separate occasions) were arrested due to racial discrimination and injustice. Graylin later describes his knowledge of professional fireworks displays and the history of community engagement, gentrification and redevelopment in communities East of the Anacostia River. He mentions the years leading to his retirement and the issues addressed as President of the Fairlawn Citizens Association, including community conversations around the 11th Street Bridge project, in which the opinions of D.C. residents East of the Anacostia River seems routinely dismissed. He closes by listing numerous National Parks that he and his wife have visited, as well as advice for young listeners and residents of the D.C. in general. This oral history interview was conducted under a grant from Humanities D.C. to the Ward 8 Woods Conservancy.