Oral History Interview with Arnett G. Lindsay

Arnett G. Lindsay, an African American man born around 1896, talks about his time living near Anacostia from 1939 to 1966 and working in real estate. He notes the changing boundaries in Southeast DC and Anacostia. Lindsay discusses how the neighborhood was segregated, so community leaders in the neighborhood, such as Jerry Forest, Ella Foster, and Harold Lewis, created their own transportation, parks, education, and housing. Lindsay notes how close knit the neighborhood was, particularly the streets and church congregations. Black families usually had at least two or three children with the father working for the federal government and the mother at home; however, many families worked extra jobs to supplement their income. Lindsay discusses how banking was sparse in Southeast Washington D.C., but the community participated in many social and civic organizations, including writing clubs and real estate associations. During his real estate career, Lindsay noticed that housing was a pressing problem for Anacostia and the rest of Washington D.C. because of the scarcity of homes and discriminatory covenants. Arnett G. Lindsay was interviewed in the spring of 1971 by an unnamed volunteer or staff member at Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now the Anacostia Community Museum). Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts. The interview is cut short due to the tape running out.