Oral History Interview with James Banks

James Banks, an African American man born in 1920, discusses growing up in Anacostia for the first 22 years of his life. He discusses topics such as education at Birney Elementary and Dunbar High and playing baseball in the sandlots or swimming in the Anacostia River. He talks about the geographical boundaries of the neighborhood as well as the changing demographics; how most families gardened and raised smaller livestock like chickens and pigs; segregation between the communities; and important landmarks in the area, such as Douglass Hall and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Banks mentions the prominent community members, including Elzie Hoffman, Almore Dale, Fannie Shipley, James Smoot, Martha Ellis, and Cora Wilkerson. He also speaks about the issues the neighborhood faces regarding the lack of healthcare, sanitation, and housing for residents. James Banks was interviewed by John Bradshaw on February 22, 1971. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts.