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Interview with Christina Blocker filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Christina Blocker filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Will Hausa filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
Volunteer Senior Hostesses at the USO #2 posed around a refreshment table, circa 1946, at an unidentified event at the club located at 713-15 Commerce St. Pictured in the standing row were, at far left, Lila Brown; second from left, Ethel Butler; fourth from left, Maude Leonard; fourth from right, Louise Beck; far right, Helen Beck Stafford. Minnie Harris is seated, partially hidden, in the second row. The remainder of the women are unidentified. Mrs. Leonard served on the Operating Committee of the club; she also volunteered over 5,000 hours during its years of operation. (brochure from Recognition Ceremony USO Number Two on 3/30/1947; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
In this photograph from around 1946, eight volunteer Senior Hostesses posed around a refreshment table for an unidentified event held at the USO #2 located at 713-15 Commerce Street. Pictured left to right: Lila Brown, Ethel Butler, Helen Beck Stafford, Maude Leonard, unidentified, Louise Beck, unidentified and Minnie Harris. (brochure from Recognition Ceremony USO Number Two on 3/30/1947; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
Interview with Frank Boykin filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Jim Walton filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Jonathan Johnson filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
In August of 1944, many servicemen of color turned out for dance night in the main auditorium of the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. During World War II, the US military was still segregated and USO #2 was sponsored by the YMCA for the entertainment of African American servicemen and women. The main auditorium was decorated with transparencies by the Washington State Progress Commission. The project was under the supervision of Bert Smyser. The auditorium was a large space that could be adapted for many uses. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma) (information provided by USO #2 brochure for Recognition Ceremony)
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
On Sunday February 3, 1946, USOs across the nation celebrated the fifth anniversary of USO (United Service Organization) operation by opening to the public. In Tacoma, all of the USO clubs had open houses but the main event was held at the USO #2, the club reserved for servicemen of color at 713-15 Commerce St. Guests of honor were Tacoma's Mayor Harry Cain (center back table) and Earl Marble, the chairman of the Tacoma USO Council. The anniversary program included performances by the Special Service Band from Fort Lewis, concert pianist Pvt. Glen Michaels and tenor Sgt. Soto Andrews. (TNT 2/3/1946, pg. A-7, 2/4/1946, pg. 1; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
ca. 1946. One of the purposes of the USO was to make the holidays more festive for servicemen stationed away from home and their families. This picture of a local pair, left, and four servicemen was taken around Christmas at the USO Club #2. All of the people in the picture are unidentified. The Club was reserved for servicemen of color; at this time, the military was still segregated. (Photograph by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma).
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
ca. 1946. A group of at a refreshment table at the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St., around 1946. The border in the background is formed of a line of thumbtacked photographs of the USO Club. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
Volunteers of USO No. 2 shown in this undated World War II era photograph include community activist Helen Stafford, second from right. USO No. 2 opened at 713 Commerce Street in September 1942 to serve Tacoma's African American servicemen and closed in March 1947. This location also served servicemen during World War I as the Army-Navy Club. TPL-5977
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
ca. 1946. One of the functions of the United Service Organizations (USO) was to create a welcoming atmosphere for servicemen and women away from home, especially during the holidays. From the look of the guests' hats and leis, the social event in this undated photograph was held during the holidays in the main hall of the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. The military was still segregated during World War II, so USO #2 was provided for the entertainment of African American soldiers.
Interview with David Boyd filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Victoria Woodards filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Korbett Mosesly filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Tony Montgomery filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Group Interview with Henry Yates, Regina Glenn, Dr. John Vassall, and Winfield Ezell Jr.
Interview with Regina Glenn, Dr. John Vassall, Henry Yates, and Winfield Ezell, Jr, filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
A group of African Americans look on for the cutting of a cake at an unidentified social event at the USO #2, 713-715 Commerce St., circa 1946. The cake has four candles, possibly indicating that it was in honor of the Club's fourth anniversary in September of 1946. In the group were Helen B. Stafford (second from left), Arthur Hayes (fifth from left), Maude Leonard (seventh from left) and Louise Beck (back of center, in hat.) (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
Part of Helen Stafford Papers
From September of 1942 until the end of March, 1947, 713-15 Commerce housed USO #2, a club reserved for the entertainment of servicemen and women of color. One of the unique activities in the club took place each year during "Be Kind to Animals" week. Servicemen assisted in the planning and production of a dog show with the pets of local children. Ribbons were presented to the best in each catagory. In this photograph dated September 16, 1945, unidentified children and servicemen pose with a variety of dogs at the club. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
Interview with Lyle Quasim filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Wayne Williams filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Pastor Gregory Christopher filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Dr. / Attorney Gerald G. Burke filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Interview with Aaron Pointer filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of
Interview with Alyce McNeil filmed in 2022 for the documentary project "The Evolution of Collective Wisdom."
Kwanzaa 2022 Celebration Presentation by Noni Ervin
Video recording of a presentation to the Black Collective by poet and author Noni Ervin for the 2022 Kwanzaa Celebration. Ervin is the author of "Verbatim: Living, Loving, Surviving" and a member of the Seattle-based African American Writers' Alliance. She is the Founder and Creator of Kinara Park Kids and the Founder of the Kwanzaa Awards.[1]