Abstract In this interview, Mrs. Frances Robinson, a long-time D.C. resident, discusses her life and experiences moving from Huntingdon, Tennessee, to Washington, D.C., in 1968. Mrs. Robinson discusses her upbringing and family life in Huntingdon, her family’s work as sharecroppers, and race relations in Huntingdon during her early life. She also talks about her move to D.C. in 1968 to provide childcare for her sister, the transition to city life, pursuing an education in Washington, and her 43-year...

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In this interview, Francine Berkowitz discusses growing up in Northeast Washington in a predominantly lower-middle class Jewish neighborhood. She also describes attending Tifereth Israel Synagogue, school integration, shopping, and her career with the Smithsonian.

Abstract 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...

Abstract In this oral history interview, Mr. Jerome Bettis, a longtime D.C. resident, discusses his life and experiences moving from Graniteville, South Carolina, to Washington, D.C. Mr. Bettis discusses his upbringing and family life in Graniteville as well as his experiences with racism and segregation during his early life. He then talks about his move to D.C. for junior high and most of high school and his return to South Carolina to complete the twelfth grade. He also talks about his passion for...

Abstract Lawyer and activist, Kemi Morten, begins by discussing her family dynamic and childhood moving between Chicago, Illinois and Baltimore, Maryland. She describes learning the importance of celebrating and protecting her identity as an African-American from the persistent pressures of white-centering cultural influences. Whether it was her Father describing his mistreatment as a journalist during the Emmett Till trial, or her own experiences avoiding threats by white people at gunpoint, Kemi...

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In this interview with Barbara and Martha Saragovitz, the sisters discuss growing up in Lamond Riggs, when the neighborhood was brand new and largely Jewish. They recount their experiences during the real estate blockbusting and their family's eventual move to Capitol Hill in 1963. Martha remembers a few violent incidents after moving to Southwest, D.C., and her time as an undergraduate at American University.

Abstract In this interview, Muriel discusses her childhood and her years as a young woman. Muriel discusses her experiences navigating her K-12 schools. Most notably, Muriel discusses her experience of racism and racial integration at Roosevelt High School. Muriel draws from her experiences and the observations she made of her classmates. Muriel discusses her higher education experiences at Howard University. During this time and after graduating from Roosevelt, Muriel was able to travel for social...

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In this interview, Phylicia Fauntleroy Bowman discusses her family history; growing up near Washington Circle and then on Ingraham Street NW; attending D.C. public schools, including during desegregation; demographic changes to her neighborhood; her post-secondary education; and her career.

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The Mount Pleasant Riot Oral History Collection contains 10 audio interviews of people who were members of the Mount Pleasant, D.C. community during the riot of 1991. The interviews were conducted by Pat Scallen in late 2017 and early 2018. Transcripts are included for all interviews.

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ARTS DC: CETA and the Arts in the District of Columbia 1977 – 1982 collection contains five audio interviews of ARTS DC artists. The interviews were conducted by Jonetta Rose Barras in 2017. Transcript and indexes are included for all interviews.