Black History Month Comes With Concerns and Controversy
Black History Month has begun, marking a crucial moment to reaffirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Despite President Trump’s recent efforts to undermine these initiatives, many remain determined to preserve the progress made thus far.
President Trump’s proclamation recognizing Black History Month underscores the enduring importance of this celebration, even as his administration seeks to dismantle federal DEI programs. Historians and advocates argue that attempts to restrict access to Black history and DEI initiatives will ultimately fail, as these efforts are essential to understanding our shared past and building a more just future.
As a historian and museum curator, I strongly believe that despite challenges like DEI restrictions, anti-wokeness, book bans, and curriculum limitations, history cannot be erased, and its lessons can only empower us to create positive change for a better world.
Dr. Scott Edwin Taylor, PhD
(President)
A Historical Marker to Honor ‘Lost Community’ of Queen City
By Scott McCaffrey
Construction of the Pentagon’s road network in the early 1940s was responsible for the mass displacement of an African-American neighborhood in South Arlington.
A new historical marker aims to bring the history of that community — Queen City — and its residents to future generations.
The Arlington Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) on January 15, took another look at proposed wording for the marker. Members then gave conditional approval, after final wordsmithing is completed.
The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington joined with an HALRB subcommittee and county historic-preservation staff to find the right words to fit available space on the cast-aluminum, double-faced marker.
“It sounds wonderful, and long overdue,” said Dr. Scott Taylor, executive director of the Black Heritage Museum. “People need to know what happened.”
The “what happened,” as Taylor put it, is a story known to local-history aficionados, but not necessarily the broader public.
Queen City by the late 1930s had matured into neighborhood of about 900 residents plus businesses on the eastern end of Columbia Pike. A trolley stop connected the community to points in Arlington, Alexandria and D.C.
The community had grown up around a church established nearby in the late 1800s by former residents of Freedman’s Village, which had served as temporary housing for those emancipated from slavery in the 1860s.
In the early 1940s, with the nation preparing for war, President Franklin Roosevelt personally selected a nearby site for location of what initially was known as the War Department Building, but because of its five-side shape soon was better known as the Pentagon.
Queen City residents found themselves and their neighborhood imperiled by the expansive set of roadways planned to accommodate the world’s largest office building and the nearby Navy Annex complex.
The federal government used its eminent-domain powers to acquire the homes and businesses, offering limited compensation.
Some residents moved to other segregated neighborhoods in the county, including Green Valley and nearby Arlington View. According to contemporary news coverage, others moved to D.C., Baileys Crossroads and Merrifield.
Because so much time has elapsed, the historical marker will have to be explicit in describing what happened to Queen City, and why, HALRB member Gerald Laporte said.
“Don’t assume these are only being read by people who are familiar with Arlington history,” he said. “Assume that someone is just passing by on the sidewalk.”
As wording for the marker is further refined, a decision will have to be made on its placement. One possibility is near the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Joyce Street, roughly where a part of the community once stood.
Taylor expressed chagrin that the aluminum-style markers do not incorporate photography. HALRB officials said it was possible that additional, “table-top” historic panels could be placed in the vicinity, providing further context.
After World War II ended, Arlington officials — who had no say in the siting of the Pentagon — seemed to have pangs of conscience about what had transpired to Queen City.
In 1947, county leaders considered whether to establish a local housing authority that could, among other responsibilities, construct replacement housing for Queen City residents who had lost theirs.
Arlington leaders eventually abandoned the idea owing to opposition of the broader county electorate, including one attack that branded the whole idea as “revolutionary, communistic or socialistic.”
Construction of the Pentagon’s road network in the early 1940s was responsible for the mass displacement of an African-American neighborhood in South Arlington.
A new historical marker aims to bring the history of that community — Queen City — and its residents to future generations.
The Arlington Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) on January 15, took another look at proposed wording for the marker. Members then gave conditional approval, after final wordsmithing is completed.
The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington joined with an HALRB subcommittee and county historic-preservation staff to find the right words to fit available space on the cast-aluminum, double-faced marker.
“It sounds wonderful, and long overdue,” said Dr. Scott Taylor, executive director of the Black Heritage Museum. “People need to know what happened.”
The “what happened,” as Taylor put it, is a story known to local-history aficionados, but not necessarily the broader public.
Queen City by the late 1930s had matured into neighborhood of about 900 residents plus businesses on the eastern end of Columbia Pike. A trolley stop connected the community to points in Arlington, Alexandria and D.C.
The community had grown up around a church established nearby in the late 1800s by former residents of Freedman’s Village, which had served as temporary housing for those emancipated from slavery in the 1860s.
In the early 1940s, with the nation preparing for war, President Franklin Roosevelt personally selected a nearby site for location of what initially was known as the War Department Building, but because of its five-side shape soon was better known as the Pentagon.
Queen City residents found themselves and their neighborhood imperiled by the expansive set of roadways planned to accommodate the world’s largest office building and the nearby Navy Annex complex.
The federal government used its eminent-domain powers to acquire the homes and businesses, offering limited compensation.
Some residents moved to other segregated neighborhoods in the county, including Green Valley and nearby Arlington View. According to contemporary news coverage, others moved to D.C., Baileys Crossroads and Merrifield.
Because so much time has elapsed, the historical marker will have to be explicit in describing what happened to Queen City, and why, HALRB member Gerald Laporte said.
“Don’t assume these are only being read by people who are familiar with Arlington history,” he said. “Assume that someone is just passing by on the sidewalk.”
As wording for the marker is further refined, a decision will have to be made on its placement. One possibility is near the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Joyce Street, roughly where a part of the community once stood.
Taylor expressed chagrin that the aluminum-style markers do not incorporate photography. HALRB officials said it was possible that additional, “table-top” historic panels could be placed in the vicinity, providing further context.
After World War II ended, Arlington officials — who had no say in the siting of the Pentagon — seemed to have pangs of conscience about what had transpired to Queen City.
In 1947, county leaders considered whether to establish a local housing authority that could, among other responsibilities, construct replacement housing for Queen City residents who had lost theirs.
Arlington leaders eventually abandoned the idea owing to opposition of the broader county electorate, including one attack that branded the whole idea as “revolutionary, communistic or socialistic.”
We Enjoyed Our Visit from Mt.Olive Baptist Church
Mount Olive Baptist Church launched a powerful celebration of Black History Month with a visit to the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, marking a significant moment of community engagement and education.
Their large-scale attendance demonstrated a strong commitment to exploring African-American history in Arlington, while also sharing personal stories that fostered a deeper sense of connection.
The presence of local Civil Rights legend, Joan Mulholland added depth and inspiration to the event.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mount Olive Baptist Church for their ongoing support, and to their exceptional pastor, Rev. Dr. James E. Victor, for his leadership and vision.
Salute to Our Own Superbowl Champion: Kamal Ali Salaam (Born Reginald Harris)
Kamal Ali Salaam-El, formerly known as Reginald Harrison, is a trailblazing athlete who played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for four seasons, inspiring countless fans with his remarkable skills on the field.
Born on January 9, 1951, Harrison’s journey took a profound turn in 2000 when he embraced his Moorish heritage, symbolizing a powerful commitment to self-discovery and cultural identity.
As a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers and St. Louis Cardinals, Harrison’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive stats, embodying the values of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. His iconic block of Mitch Hoopes’ punt in Super Bowl X will forever be etched in the annals of football history, serving as a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for the sport.
Today, Harrison’s enduring bond with former teammate Frenchy Fuqua stands as a shining example of the transformative power of friendship and camaraderie. With a storied career marked by numerous triumphs, including a remarkable performance in the 1976 AFC Championship game, Harrison’s impact continues to inspire generations of athletes and fans alike, illuminating the boundless potential that lies within us all.
Growing up in Arlington, Virginia where graduated from Washington & Lee high, Harrison’s exceptional talent and tireless work ethic earned him a coveted spot on the University of Cincinnati’s football team, paving the way for his eventual draft into the NFL in 1974.
As we reflect on Harrison’s remarkable journey, we are reminded that, with unwavering determination and an unshakeable commitment to our values, we too can overcome obstacles, shatter expectations, and forge our own paths to greatness.
