Oral History Interview with Helen Greenwood Allen and Reginald Greenwood

Helen Greenwood Allen, an African American woman, and her brother, Reginald Greenwood, an African American man, recount their time in Anacostia, focusing on topics, such as public education, religion, and recreation. She recalls having to cross the 11st Street Bridge to attend Dunbar and Armstrong High Schools as well as Bethlehem Baptist Church and St. Teresa's Catholic Church being the two largest churches in the area. She also talks about how close-knit the community used to be and how the neighborhood was segregated. Reginald describes the geographical boundaries of Anacostia and what recreation was available to African American residents at that time. They both mention landmarks in the neighborhood, such as St. Elizabeth's Hospital. They further discuss banking at City Bank of Washington and National Capital Bank, community organizing and leadership with the NAACP, public housing and transportation, and the police department. They end the interview talking about their family business, Greenwood's Transfer and Storage Company, as well as other local business owners, including Almore Dale, Frances Mason Jones, and Dr. Charles Qualls, who could provide more information about businesses in Anacostia. Helen Greenwood Allen and Reginald Greenwood were interviewed by John Bradshaw on January 12, 1971. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts.