Oral History Interview with Ophelia Settle Egypt

Ophelia Settle Egypt, an African American woman born on February 20, 1903, discusses her time in Anacostia after moving to the neighborhood in 1940. She talks about the public education available (such as Dunbar High School), the "Social Work Row" in the neighborhood (a street in Anacostia where many social workers lived), the different occupations residents had, and the typical family structures. She describes how the neighborhood was segregated and how sit-in protests began the difficult integration process. Egypt provides information about her time at Howard University, recalling student involvement with the sit-in protests (including her own experiences) as well as with musical groups at Howard Theater and Constitutional Hall, where students saw Duke Ellington and Marian Anderson perform. She speaks about how the communities in Anacostia used to be much more close-knit by organizing civic organizations and neighbors helping each other with childcare and housework. She recalls the fight for integration of schools and other public spaces. The interview is cut short during Egypt noting the difference between childrearing now versus when she was growing up. Ophelia Settle Egypt was interviewed on December 9,1970, 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. The interview was cut short due to a recording failure of tape #16B.