dc1968

curated project commemorating the 50th anniversary of 1968 in dc

dedicated to bobby r. hale
2 feb 1968 & history display at wilson

2 feb 1968 & history display at wilson

#OTD-ish Friday 2 February 1968 this exhibit was featured in one of the display cases in the front lobby of Wilson High School. According to the Wilson yearbook, the purpose of the display was "to increase the student body's awareness of Negro history." 

The exhibition has a continental Africa theme. It is back-draped with fabric. There are three figurines and four books on display. One of the books is Africa: A History of a Continent by Basil Davidson.  Another book is The New Nations of Africa by Ben Wattenberg & Ralph Lee Smith. 

This display represented a growing Pan-African consciousness among students. It also reflected their awareness of anti-colonial struggles for independence. In this context, "Negro history" included the U.S. and the diaspora.

Please comment below. Were you at Wilson in 1968? Do you remember the exhibition? Do you recognize the other books in the display case? Do you remember celebrating Negro History Week? Do you recognize the other two books in the display? You may comment privately here

Photo source: Sumner School Museum & Archives, Woodson High School yearbook, 1968. Photographer unknown.
The Sumner School Museum & Archives is the official repository of DC Public Schools. Kimberly Springle is the Executive Director.

 

3 feb 1968 & black pearl awards

3 feb 1968 & black pearl awards

1 feb 1968 & associated publishers/asnlh

1 feb 1968 & associated publishers/asnlh