Scope and Contents This is an oral history interview of Carol Thompson Cole. She discusses what her membership in the Asbury United Methodist Church means for her. With the encouragement of her parents, she decides to attend Smith College. She reflects on what it was like to be a young African American woman of faith at Smith in the 1960s. Thompson Cole trailblazer new places for African American women in D.C. government, shortly after the city was granted home rule. Thompson Cole would serve 12 years for...

Scope and Contents In this oral history Carol Travis reflects of her life as a lifelong Washingtonian. She was christened at Asbury United Methodist Church. Carl discusses her impressions of Washington, D.C., as it has changed over the decades starting in the 1940s. Topics that she discusses that are related to the city's transformations include gentrification, the 1968 riots, and how increased congestions keeps potential parishioners away. Throughout the interview she often returns to the value of education,...

Scope and Contents In this oral history Dr. Leonard Haynes III reflects on his time as an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., as well as his career as an educator and advocate for historically Black colleges and universities. He talks about why he believes that historically Black colleges and universities are essential to the United States, as well as challenges that they face. He has served in education departments around the country, including for D.C. Mayor Marion Barry,...

Abstract Everett P. Williams Jr. discusses growing up musically gifted, starting a career in music during his studies at Oberlin Conservatory of Music and subsequent experiences that led him to his role as minister of music at Asbury United Methodist Church in D.C. Mr. Williams talks about Washington, D.C. from 1981 up to the time of the interview (2022), particularly as a center of culture, the impact of COVID on Asbury United Methodist Church and his role in the church’s response, reactions to the...

Abstract Everett P. Williams Jr. discusses growing up musically gifted, starting a career in music during his studies at Oberlin Conservatory of Music and subsequent experiences that led him to his role as minister of music at Asbury United Methodist Church in D.C. Mr. Williams talks about Washington, D.C. from 1981 up to the time of the interview (2022), particularly as a center of culture, the impact of COVID on Asbury United Methodist Church and his role in the church’s response, reactions to the...

Abstract Everett P. Williams Jr. discusses growing up musically gifted, starting a career in music during his studies at Oberlin Conservatory of Music and subsequent experiences that led him to his role as minister of music at Asbury United Methodist Church in D.C. Mr. Williams talks about Washington, D.C. from 1981 up to the time of the interview (2022), particularly as a center of culture, the impact of COVID on Asbury United Methodist Church and his role in the church’s response, reactions to the...

Abstract Everett P. Williams Jr. discusses growing up musically gifted, starting a career in music during his studies at Oberlin Conservatory of Music and subsequent experiences that led him to his role as minister of music at Asbury United Methodist Church in D.C. Mr. Williams talks about Washington, D.C. from 1981 up to the time of the interview (2022), particularly as a center of culture, the impact of COVID on Asbury United Methodist Church and his role in the church’s response, reactions to the...

Abstract A career federal employee who answered the call to ministry in the United Methodist Church later in life, Rev. Irene C. Pierce reflects on her 95 years. This includes her early childhood and a later visit to Pickens, South Carolina; her church life, extending beyond Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., to the general church and then pastoring a small Black church in a mostly white town; dealing with racism while trying to climb the ladder at the Treasury and Commerce...

Abstract Dr. Joseph N. Yearwood III reflects on the racial discrimination that caused his parents to send him to Brooklyn, N.Y., in the mid-1940s for his early education; the life he experienced upon his return to the District of Columbia at the age of seven, and his subsequent education and career choices; the joy of service and connection through membership in his fraternity, ROTC, the Masons, and his church, Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. He talks about the impact of the...

Abstract Educator, administrator, editor and musician, Dr. Marion E. Hines reflects on her life of 80 years, including her work in the DC Public Schools and two universities; her education in the public schools, then at Howard University and Georgetown University; her approach to teaching languages; her love of travel and music. She speaks in depth about the Wesleyan Choir of Asbury United Methodist Church, what it means to her and to the church; Asbury’s participation in various historic events such...