Monroe School Library

Before there was the Bruce-Monroe school, there was a Bruce and Monroe school. Here is an image from the library of the Monroe school from a photograph by Addison N. Scurlock.

(Courtesy Smithsonian Institution)

The Battle to Desegregate the DC Transit System Part II

This is the second part of a three part series documenting the importance of the Washington street cars in the battle of desegregation. If you missed part I, you can see it here. I was created by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689.

Description: The 15 year battle to integrate the Capital Transit Company (predecessor of the Washington Metro system) succeeds in 1955. Contains photos of the first African American streetcar and bus operators.

The Battle to Desegregate the DC Transit System Part I

This is the first part of a three part series documenting the importance of the Washington street cars in the battle of desegregation. I found it interesting and important story worth sharing. I think its great that the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 has chosen to share these.

Description: Washington, DC African Americans fight discrimination on streetcars. 1st part ends with “Streetcar War” of 1919. The companies that ran these streetcars were the predecessor companies of the Washington, DC Metro rail and bus system.

This Date in History

June 24, 1953: The Board of Education was asked to transfer Raymond grade school and Macfarland junior high to teach African American children beginning in September.

Scurlock Captured Spirit of Washington

Like a lot of great things sometimes, I stumbled upon a great photo archives owned by the Smithsonian on the work of Washington photographer Addison N. Scurlock. The National Museum of American History currently has an exhibition of his work that runs through February 28, 2010.

From the National Museum of American History Archives, it states: Addison Scurlock and his sons spent much of the twentieth century photographing leaders, luminaries, and local Washingtonians. From the original Scurlock Studio on U Street to the Custom Craft Studio and the Capitol School of Photography, the Scurlocks’ imagery was viewed and shared by thousands of people.

I really liked the three portraits posted here. The dress really struck me, as did the poses. Scurlock’s work really captures life in Washington during the mid-twentieth century.

(Two more photos after the jump)