Oral history interview with Jennie Greene Smith

Jennie Greene Smith, an African American woman born on January 29, 1907, talks about the different neighborhood families, including the Ellis, Williams, and Dale families, she grew up with in and around Anacostia until 1938. She speaks about the closeness of the neighborhood families and the typical multi-generational homes in Anacostia. She describes the community's transportation services, parks, churches, local businesses, and schools available at a time when many public spaces were segregated. Smith includes information about historical landmarks in the neighborhood, including the Frederick Douglass Home, Douglass Hall, a former community center, and the Anacostia Bank. She discusses friends and family, specifically her husband, Stanley Smith, and her sister-in-law, Florine McLendon, and their education at Miner's Normal School for teaching. Jennie Greene Smith was interviewed by Donna Coates. Stanley Smith was also present during the interview. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for some parts.