Oral History Interview with Leonard G. and Geraldine Ford

Leonard Jr. Ford, an African American man born around 1903, and his wife, Geraldine Ford, an African American woman born around 1905, they discuss the geographic boundaries, education, and community of Anacostia was like in the early years of their marriage. They recall how most children attended school through the 12th grade and how many classmates went onto college, despite the lack of public education in their neighborhood for African American children. Geraldine speaks about family structure and church attendance and Leonard recounts memories of fun activities and the racial tension in Anacostia. Leonard Jr. and Geraldine Ford were interviewed 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; interview is cut short at 00:17:21 due to recording failure. Transcript is also incomplete.