Black Georgetown Remembered: A History of Its Black Community From the Founding of "The Town of George" in 1751 to the Present Day

by Kathleen Menzie Lesko, Valerie Babb

This book chronicles the rich but little-known history of the Georgetown black community from the colonial period to the present. Black Georgetown Remembered records the hopes and dreams, the disappointments and successes, of a vibrant neighborhood as it persevered through slavery and segregation, war and peace, prosperity and depression.

Drawing on interviews with descendants of prominent community members and on the archives of major Georgetown churches, local historical societies, libraries, and genealogical studies, it contains more than two hundred illustrations, including portraits, sketches, maps, and nineteenth-century and contemporary photographs.

Readers of Breena Clarke's novel, River, Cross My Heart, will find more information about the world in which it is set. They can learn about the daily lives of real people living then, often in their own voices, and they will find places familiar from the bestseller, including Poplar Alley, Bell's Court, Mt. Zion Cemetery, and the Francis swimming pool.

This journey through two hundred years reveals a compelling and inspiring chapter in the larger story of African-American history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

219 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[SDestinie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitate to write a review for this wonderful book, as my ancestors are mentioned (Booth) in the book. Nevertheless, this is a very informative and surprising book in many ways. A history of a part of Washington, DC which predated the city itself, and should not be forgotten.

Some of my notes posted with my gr. grandparents profiles:
Notes from book on Black Georgetown with more photos and family in GTown (1991): P. 26 of "Black Georgetown Remembered: A History of its Black Community from the Founding of The Town of George in 1751 to the Present day" by Lesko, Babb and Gibbs



says "prominent Gtowner" arrived 1865 from Port Tobacco, MD and rented 2906 O St., NW. Family lived there until moved to 1628 32nd st. Helped plan for 1925 est. of Epiphany Church, catholic, for Blacks.

Moses Z. Booth was employed at No. 7 local police pricint



3 photos on p. 28 and 29: one of which is a photo of MZB and Elizabeth Oliver Booth...
In Service to Community,
S.Destinie Jones Booth

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fifth generation Washingtonian. The cover of the book is my great-great grandfather. And despite growing up in the city until I moved away for college — I knew nothing about the history of Black folx & DC until now. This book is deeply resonate, full of history often overlooked and a tale of overcoming racism despite the odds through collectivism & gathering as a Black community. It’s also a lesson on how gentrification worked historically that mirrors today and what Black communities can do to preserve our properties, wealth and relationships amongst each other.

Thank you Georgetown for conducting this research and bringing these stories to light.

[Terri R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it 3 stars only because of the importance of its content. It is a pity that the project started so late, because earlier generations could have conveyed even more precious memories or perhaps even preserved more space for the original residents and residences. It is also a pity that black folks were driven from or priced out of their homes, even disinterred from their graves; poorer folks have been driven out in "gentrification" all over the USA. There must be a better way. Glad to understand more about the role of the churches and that they persist.

[Lakita Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revealing and necessary read.

[Mary Tharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting