Walter Staples interview, 2022-07-28
Scope and Contents
D.C. Oral History Collaborative (DCOHC) is a citywide initiative to train community members in oral history skills, fund new and ongoing oral history projects, connect volunteers with oral history projects, and publicize existing oral history collections. DCOHC is a project of DC Public Library, HumanitiesDC, and the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. This collection contains oral history interviews, transcripts, and indexes produced by DCOHC grantees.
Dates
- Creation: 2022-07-28
Conditions Governing Access
This series of interviews is still being processed and will eventually be available online in Dig DC. Until then, please contact us for access: peoples.archive@dc.gov
Biographical / Historical
Pastor Staples was born and grew up in Beckley, West Virginia surrounded by his grandparents, a schoolteacher/minister father, his mother, and siblings. He learned early in life the monstrous effects of drugs and racism. The family moved to Maryland, and he attended Suitland High School. Walter attended Liberty College and again was faced with racism. It almost drove him to commit suicide. He transferred to Prince George's Community College and ultimately attended Andersonville Theological Seminary. Walter married and had two children. He has preached throughout the D.C. metropolitan area. Currently, he is pastor at his father's church, Temple of Praise.
Extent
From the Collection: 1.13 Terabytes
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Pastor Staples is a local minister who has presided over several children's funerals, including innocent children killed by gun violence. One of the youngest of these to date was Carmelo Duncan, who was only 15 months old.
Topical
Repository Details
Part of the The People's Archive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library Repository