Abstract In this oral history interview, Mrs. Bertha Smoot, a long time D.C. resident, discusses her life and experiences moving from Sampson County, North Carolina, to Washington, D.C.. Mrs. Smoot begins with a discussion of her family life and upbringing in Sampson County, North Carolina. She then talks about her move to Washington, D.C., in 1953 to study at Howard University. Mrs. Smoot also discusses her career in Washington with a particular focus on her years working in the Women’s Bureau of...

Scope and Contents This six box collection consists of the personal papers of Margaret Cooper and documents her professional; civic and community activities; and achievements. The collection consists largely of certificates, plaques, programs, administrative materials, and miscellaneous materials documenting Cooper’s involvement as an active member and leader of several organizations and institutions, including Third Baptist Church, Christian Endeavor, D.C. Federation of Civic Associations, Inc., the East...

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The four scrapbooks that make up this collection contain clippings, programs, and photographs documenting the successes and failures of the Metropolitan Police Department. Also included in these scrapbooks are clippings related to the King and Queen of England.

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Elinor Hart discusses moving to Mount Pleasant in 1974, changing demographics of the neighborhood, the controversy of the neighborhood's Historic District designation, her memories of the 1991 riot, police-community relations, and gentrification.

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Mark Poletunow discusses his arrival in DC, teaching English as a second language to Spanish-speaking people, identification with immigrant communities, his work at the Spanish Catholic Center, poor treatment of the latino community by DC police, his memories of the Mount Pleasant riot and their aftermath.

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Mr. Hamilton recalls stories about living in segregated America, the start of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, owing the Central Ave Market in Marshall Heights, serving on the Metropolitan Police Department, and as Director of Security of the Jefferson Hotel. He provides great advice about how to treat people and maintaining strong relationships.

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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.