Langston Terrace

By: Eli Alford Jr.

Image Information

Caption: Langston Housing Project. General view of building at Langston Housing Project II.

Original Source: Horydczak, Theodor, ca. 1890-1971, photographer.

Location: LC-H814-T01-2189-026 (b&w film dup. neg.)

URL: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?horyd:10:./temp/~pp_wrVD::@@@mdb=fsaall,app,brum,detr,swann,look,gottscho,pan,horyd,genthe,var,cai,cd,hh,yan,bbcards,lomax,ils,prok,brhc,nclc,matpc,iucpub,tgmi,lamb

Description:

Langston Terrace was the city’s first federally funded housing program.6In 1938, the federal government began to build 51 housing projects across the District in response to the New Deal. Langston Terrace was unique from previous African American communities because it was designed by Hilyard Robinson, an African American architect,. Robinson wanted to give black residents a place to live that reflected their heritage and would bolster support for equal rights and reform. Langston Terrace is located overlooking the Anacostia River on the corner of Benning road and 21st. In 1987, Langston Terrace was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.7

African Americans and Langston Terrace

Langston Terrace is important because it finally established African Americans as permanent district residents, who left a lasting mark on there environment. High rent housing had plagued the district making it nearly impossible for low income blacks to find decent housing. The economic state of the nation and the politically racist climate left few options. Langston Terrace was the end result of the need for public housing. It was a place that allowed blacks the same amount of community and safety afforded to white residents. As a result, the residents of Langston Terrace formed a community whose modest beginnings led to a stronger black community.

The neighborhood art of Langston Terrace provides a unique look at the artistic stylings and imagination of the districts black residents. Langston Terrace is famous for artwork that surrounds the community. “The Progress of the Negro Race, a terra-cotta frieze by Daniel Olney, lines the central courtyard and chronicles African American history from enslavement through World War I migration. Olney's Madonna and Children is also found in the central courtyard, and sculptures of animals double as climbing structures for children.”9 The art of Langston Terrace is as important its construction. It marks the point where blacks gained the ability to alter their surroundings and improve their city.

References:

“Deserving a Better Life at Langston Terrace.” http://www.wam.umd.edu/~kaq/kathy2.html. 2000.

African American Heritage Trail. Langston Terrace Dwelling/ Hilyard Robinson. http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/info-url3948/info-url_show.htm?doc_id=204981&attrib_id=7978.