“A shantytown?” you whisper, looking around at the tidy homes of Marshall Heights. It’s hard to believe that this neighborhood, nestled in Southeast Washington, D.C., was once a collection of makeshift dwellings. Marshall Heights has seen a remarkable transformation. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s visit in 1934 shone a spotlight on the area’s poverty. Her advocacy led to significant improvements, bringing running water and other essential services to many residents. The community fought hard in the 1950s to prevent the demolition of their homes under a national redevelopment plan. They valued their community, despite its challenges, and they won. Marshall Heights faced another crisis during the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s. Drake Place SE became a notorious open-air drug market, earning the grim nickname “Dodge City.” But even amidst the violence, hope arrived. Queen Elizabeth II visited Marshall Heights in 1991, touring homes built by the community development organization. This visit, and the now-famous hug she received from resident Alice Frazier, brought international attention to the neighborhood’s ongoing struggle and resilience. Marshall Heights is more than just its struggles. It’s a place where residents fought for their homes, welcomed royalty, and continue to build a better future. The echoes of its past, from shantytown to Queen’s Stroll, resonate in the present-day Marshall Heights.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to