In Part 1 of the interview, Alice and Loretta Tate, mother and daughter, talks about life in the Marshall Heights community., Alice Tate is native Washingtonian that spent the majority of her childhood in Marshall Heights. She lived on one of the few farms in the neighborhood. She worked for the federal government and also raised her children in the Marshall Heights neighborhood. Mrs. Tate is an avid church-goer and a devout Christian. Loretta Tate is a native Washingtonian and was born and raised in the Marshall Heights community. She is daughter of Alice Tate. She is the former Chair of the Marshall Heights Civic Association and was instrumental in the start up of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization and bring other resources to the community. Ms. Tate is Sunday school teacher and continues to live in the neighborhood.
In this Part 1 Interview, Debbie Thomas talks about growing up on C Street, memories about the Marshall Heights community during her childhood, and life after retirement., Debbie Thomas, born Debbie White is a native Washingtonian. She still lives in the house where she was born. Mrs. White worked for the Newspaper Guild and after her retirement, dedicated her time to working with elementary schools in a program that reads to students in various languages. Mrs. Thomas helps organize an annual Central Ave reunion of neighbors that grew up in the community. The Thomas lost their son, Chris Thomas, to gun violence on C Street SE.
Dr. Rutherford, 'DOC,' speaks about his life long passion of education. Dr. Rutherford was the principal of Fletcher-Johnson School in the Marshall Heights neighborhood., Dr. Rutherford was born in West Virginia. At an early age, his sister inspired him to pursue his education. After returning from college, he came to the District as a physical education teacher. The school administration recognized his commitment to and effectiveness with the students and continued to be promoted eventually rising to an Assistant Principal and finally as the Principal of Fletcher-Johnson all while earning his PhD. Dr. Rutherford has a wife and three children.
In Part 2 of this interview, Mrs. White talks about growing up in the Marshall Heights community. Mr. White talks about his initial perspective of the Marshall Heights community., Debbie Thomas, born Debbie White is a native Washingtonian. She still lives in the house where she was born. Mrs. White worked for the Newspaper Guild and after her retirement, dedicated her time to working with elementary schools in a program that reads to students in various languages. Mrs. Thomas helps organize an annual Central Ave reunion of neighbors that grew up in the community. The Thomas lost their son, Chris Thomas, to gun violence on C Street SE. Charles Thomas is a native Washingtonian. He worked on various construction projects in the District of Columbia, including helping with the construction of Southern Ave. The Thomas lost their son, Chris Thomas, to gun violence on C Street SE.
Mr. Hamilton recalls stories about living in segregated America, the start of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, owing the Central Ave Market in Marshall Heights, serving on the Metropolitan Police Department, and as Director of Security of the Jefferson Hotel. He provides great advice about how to treat people and maintaining strong relationships., Richard Hamilton is a hard working man. Even in his retirement, he currently runs the Watkins Security and remains a very influential person in Ward 7. Mr. Hamilton has always been a hard worker, throughout his professional career, he has always held more than one job. He lived through segregation, and still managed to obtain an education, raise a family, own several businesses, raise through the ranks of the Metropolitan Police Department, and serve as the Chairman of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization.
