Oral history interview with Charles Walker by Michelle F. Treat conducted 04/24/1991. Long-time resident Charles Walker reflects back on thirty years of Hilltop history and describes the areas shifting demographics during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. A retired businessman, Walker focuses in particular on the K Street Business District and the local economic impact of the 1970s recession. He also comments on his work with the Tacoma Urban League, the Black Businessmen's Association, and the Now, Mr. Lincoln program.

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Hilltop Area

SCAM (Sheridan, Cushman, Ainsworth, and M Street) neighborhood group members are shown picking up litter in the alleyway between South Sheridan and South M Street. It was the second annual clean up hosted by SCAM. “In addition to cleaning the alleys, the group has put pressure on neighborhood landlords to clear vacant lots of trash and high weeds and to demolish the remnants of partially raised structures.” Photo by staff member Jerry Buck.

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Thirteen-year-old Jeffrey Colvin flashes the hand sign of the Crips. (See Story: Colvin is one of two teenagers interviewed who seem to watch and respect the gang members.)
K Street Story -- Amy Kunhardt

Taken for the Tacoma News Tribune article titled, "K Street Kids" Aug 19, 1988, Fri p.C1 (see "Hilltop Neighborhood 1988-1992"clipping file)

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Five-year-old Aisha Bell (left) eats her lunch on the front steps of a neighbor's house, watched by her older sister Lashanda, 10 and her niece, Tenika Posey, 3. (Tenika is sister of Cool Papa.)
K Street Story -- Amy Kunhardt

Taken for the Tacoma News Tribune article titled, "K Street Kids" Aug 19, 1988, Fri p.C1 (see "Hilltop Neighborhood 1988-1992"clipping file)

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Tooting her own horn! Carolyn "Mickey" Cunningham, Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho (her college sorority), toots down S. K Street in part of the ethnic fair on the Hilltop.
News/Szymanski
Photo by Bill Hunter

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Willie and Joyce Hellems, rows one and two, joined with others in the sanctuary of St. John The Baptist Church on 20th and J Street to pray for an end to the drug problem on Tacoma's Hilltop.
News/Eskenazi
Bruce Larson Photo

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Prayers before sweeping up S. L Street, from left to right: Laura Neal, Theda Cherry, Priscilla Lisicich, and Lynitra Jackson. For Sandy Nelson story.
Melissa Stevenson Photo

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Checking the net

Three men in suits hold the base of a ladder while two other men in suits stand on the ladder to check the net of a basketball hoop.

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Sewing Class Begins
Photograph by Jerry Buck

“Four of the 60 entrants in the first annual Eastside Great Pumpkin Carving Contest, get in a little practice prior to the competition Thursday. Contestants are, from the left, Yvette Woods, 10, Ricky Stokes, 7, John Manning, 10, and Diane Smith, 10. The event is one of the highlights of the Eastside Torchlight Halloween parade.”

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Eastside Youth Center
Oct 30 1968

"Pumpkin Carvers"

Photograph's by Richards Studio
Photographers since 1898
Pacific Ave MA 7-9111
Tacoma, WA 98402
Reorder by No. D154977-2R

Back of Photo:
J. R. Eyerman Photographer