Oral History Interview with Russell Paxton

Russell Lockwood Paxton, an African American man born around 1911, discusses his experiences in Anacostia since moving there in 1948. He recalls his time as a child in Northwest Washington D.C., attending Dunbar High School, visiting his friends in Anacostia, socialization, and recreational centers like the YMCA. He also talks about typical government jobs residents held in the 1940s and 1950s; how Washington D.C. was integrated but has "unwritten rules" for African American residents; how close-knit families and the communities used to be; church-going and Sunday school; and Home Rule and other political involvement of his neighbors. Paxton discusses important landmarks in the neighborhood, including the Frederick Douglass Home and the Fort Stanton Recreation Center, as well as the different civic associations and community organizations he is a part of, including the Dr. Charles Qualls Anacostia Coordinating Committee and the Police Precinct Advisory Committee. Throughout the interview, he lists community leaders, such as Almore Dale, Ledru Koontz, Ella Foster, and James Banks. He ends the interview speaking about the current problems in Anacostia: crime, sanitation, and public housing and transportation. Russell Lockwood Paxton was interviewed on January 8, 1971, by an unnamed volunteer or staff member at the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now the Anacostia Community Museum). Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts.