Oral History Interview with Kalem Umrani

Kalem Umrani - community organizer and historian - talked about when and how he came to live in Congress Heights in 1991; why he moved to Washington, D.C.; difficulties trying to organize in Congress Heights and how he prevailed over those challenges; explained the history of Barry Farms, why the Barry Farms history intrigued him, and the significance/relevance of its history for everyone to learn; the importance of including the history of Barry Farms into the new Barry Farms (the redevelopment of Barry Farms); how protect child in inner cities as a single parent; issues/challenges surrounding public housing and the redevelopment of Barry Farms; community concerns about the Barry Farms redevelopment and other development East of the Anacostia River; and his vision for the Barry Farms community.

Interview created in conjunction with the Anacostia Community Museum's 40th Anniversary Oral History Project and the exhibition, 'East of the River: Continuity and Change.' Dated 20070504