Longtime Petworth resident, Arvella Farmer recalls growing up in Petworth and still living in the same home she was raised in. She remembers how members in the community looked out for one another, opportunities to sing at the Catholic Church, and how music was a uniting thread between herself, her brother, and the broader community. She met Andrew Hesbacher, who lived in Petworth for a brief period in 2018, when she heard him practicing his trumpet on his front porch and walked over to introduce herself. When asked what makes Petworth unique, Farmer answers: “The people who live in it…and love each other.”
Angelyn “Angie” Whitehurst grew up in Petworth from the age of eleven and recalls the tight-knit community that existed between area schools, small, black-owned businesses, and the library. She discusses the long history of the neighborhood, originating before the Civil War as a plantation and the regentrification that she has seen occur in recent years, bringing a diversity of people and businesses. She wants to see the neighborhood be “happy, balanced, [and] incorporating of others” in future years.
Denise Berry, Tonya Cauley, and Sabrina Spurlock grew up together in the Petworth neighborhood. They all lived on the same block, attended school together, and spent free time together, as their mothers were close friends. The Petworth of their youth felt like “one big family,” and they traveled by foot to local shops, school, and the park, without fear of safety. Tonya Cauley closed the interview with a powerful call for the members of the community to love and take care of one another.
Joan Thomas has lived in the same house on Varnum Street since 1949, and in the Petworth neighborhood since 1945. The Petworth she initially encountered was significantly different that the Petworth of 2019—she recalls the segregated establishments and schools and, in particular, the date when every white family on her street, save one, moved out rather than remain in an integrated neighborhood. Her recollections include the integration of the neighborhood, her local/national political activism, and her hopes for the future of the Petworth community.
Lifelong DC resident Lionell Simpson shares his experiences skating in Anacostia Park. He started skating at the Anacostia rink at the age of four with his stepmother, and later became a performer and volunteer rink guard. He explains why he loves skating and the hard work it takes to win a gold medal. Lionell reflects on the friendly people he's met at Anacostia Park, and expresses how he'd like to see the Park and the skating rink updated. Above all, he stresses his passion for skating: "this is my life ... it's fundamental."
Pamela "Pam" Vaughn, who grew up in Anacostia, reflects on her experiences skating and with Anacostia Park. She discusses how she comes to the Park almost every weekend, and loves the free events and friendly people. She remembers when the skating rink was built and skating there as a child. Some of her favorite memories of the park include potlucks with family from near and far. In the future, she wouldn't change anything about the park except for some minor updates. Pam expresses her gratitude to those who organize free events at the park: "there's always something here."
Paula White came to the Petworth neighborhood in 1987. At the time of her arrival, she recalls a finding a mixed community made up of older white families and younger black families, a trend that has flipped in recent years. Her husband grew up in Petworth and they raised their children in the neighborhood. The library and pool feature prominently in her memories of their childhood, and she misses the closeness that existed between the community before familiar neighbors moved out. She is encouraged by the recent upsurge in community events and hopes it will revitalize the Petworth she once knew and bring the diverse residents of the neighborhood together.
Reginald Thomas, Roosevelt Daniels, and Michael Vanison grew up together in the Petworth neighborhood. They attended Petworth Elementary School, played together in the area that is now occupied by the Recreation Center, and have fond memories about how closely knit the community was. The three shared recollections about the way the community has changed, naming stores that no longer exist but still provoke fond memories. Additionally they recall difficult moments such as the riots surrounding the Martin Luther King, Jr. assassination. Their strong ties to the community led them to form the Petworth Reunion Committee, which seeks to commemorate the Petworth of their youth.
Tyrone Hall, a member of the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, reflects on his life experiences, the role of his organization, and the significance of go-go music. He explains how he returned from prison 8 months ago and the work he's done since to provide services for other returning citizens. He expresses the need for events like Late Skate for kids to prevent violence in the community. Tyrone discusses the significance of go-go music to DC, and the inspritation its served him as a rap artist. He reflects on gentrification in DC and the role of events like Late Skate that bring races together: "bringing everyone together is small, but it's monumental to me."