Slideshow video of pictures from Paul Jackson and Jasmine Brown's wedding. "Jumping the broom" is a tradition within the Black community to signify a couple's commitment to each other, and dates back to the enslavement of Black people in the United States who were barred from legally recognized weddings.

U.S.O. #2, 713-15 Commerce St., circa 1946. During World War II, although black and white soldiers fought side by side, the United States Army was still segregated. In Tacoma, African American service men and women had their own USO Club at 713-15 Commerce. It was dedicated on September 4, 1942 and closed late in March of 1947. The Kaufman-Wolff building where it was located had previously housed the Soldiers and Sailors Clubhouse during World War I. USO #2 was enlarged in 1944 by adding an annex in the building to the north of the original club. The enlarged structure provided the following facilities: dark room, music room, hobby room, game room, showers, sleeping accommodations, library and snack bar. It was operated by the YMCA and staffed primarily by volunteers. (brochure from Recognition Ceremony USO Number Two on 3/30/1947; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma).

On October 22, 1945, this group of unidentified individuals were photographed seated around a table after what appears to be a dinner at the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

This undated photograph was taken in front of the snack bar at the USO No. 2 in Tacoma. At the head of the table was Arthur Hayes and at the end closest to the camera was Helen B. Stafford, local civic activist. 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.

Undated photograph of the Matrons Club. The woman seated front left is Helen Beck Stafford, one of the founders of the group. Dr. Stafford moved to Tacoma in 1926 to marry Wendell P. Stafford on New Years Eve. Even though she had taught for a few years in Kansas schools, Tacoma school personnel directors refused to hire a black teacher. She stayed at home and cared for her husband and daughter. She and several other women who stayed home to rear their children would get together for a social outlet. In 1927, they formally organized the Matrons Club. The women who attended the meetings often brought their children along and the children would play together. (TNT 2/22/1982- NWR clipping file) (photograph by Liberal Engraving Co., 907 1/2 Commerce)

Back of photo:
Eastside youth Center
Jul 9 1968
Constructive Cutting Work 

Back of Photo:
Monique Johnson, 3 yrs, can't contain her glee as she gets a horseback ride with Rich Gayles, a rodeo bull rider who rides by the name of "Daddy Rich", after the ethnic fair parade on the Hilltop.
News/Szymanski
Bill Hunter Photo

Back of Photo:
Volunteer Edward Fynn sweeps away litter and broken glass from the sidewalk at 23rd and L Streets on Hilltop this morning as volunteers from the Hilltop Action Coalition, St. Joseph Hospital and citizens of the Hilltop community joined several on-duty officers from Tacoma PD in a sweep into the neighborhood to deliver some TLC as part of the "Area 5" neighborhood clean-up project. The group swept, cleaned and painted over graffiti the area from South 23rd to South 25th and from South K street to South Sheridan.
News/Godchaux
Geff Hinds Photo

Back of Photo:
Hilltop (Home Ownership Program) Terence Thomas - Real-estate/Personal Banker, working with Evelyn Hargrove.

“Terence Thomas, a Seafirst real estate personal banker, talks with Evelyn Hargrove, one of the potential buyers, at a class Seafirst organized” to educate people about credit applications and real-estate transactions. Seafirst Bank, the Martin Luther King Housing Development Association, and the Tacoma Housing Authority organized a program to help low-income Pierce County residents purchase a home and revitalize Tacoma’s Hilltop Neighborhood.

Front of Photo:
Rep. Bill Smitherman, center

Back of Photo:
Tom Dixon
Staff photo by Jerry Buck

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Isadore Wallace conducted by dindria barrow on February 17, 2022. In this interview, Wallace discusses his personal life lessons, his resistance to being oppressed or defined by trauma, and how he relates to his family located across many different states. Isadore asks us to think about becoming a better person and moving through life's changes, "Why would you go back to the dark when you have been to the light? Even if it has all of the things you need, you can't see them!"

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Jamika Scott conducted by dindria barrow on August 10, 2022. In this interview, Jamika shares the purpose of the Tacoma Action Collective, what it was like to run for Mayor, and life as an artist. Jamika shows vulnerability and strength in recounting her experience with an assault and the city's response to her case. Jamika inspires us to live in the now, embrace creativity and work on healing our wounds.

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Candria Slamin conducted by dindria barrow on January 7, 2023. In this interview, Candria shares their story about coming to know themself over time. Even though Candria admits they have a long way to go in realizing where they will be in the future, they explain how identifying who they are is crucial to moving forward. “You can only be who you are, because of where you’re from.” In other words, you must know where you come from to figure out where you are going and who you truly are. Candria shares their work with the Rainbow Center and their work life thus far during the global pandemic. Candria also discusses how the past and the future can have dark parts along with bright parts—that life has an ebb and flow. “Not everyone’s race is at the same pace. I’m not running their race, I’m running mine.”

Interview with Ellen Smith 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."

Oral history interview with Lyle Quasim by Baboucarr Lowe conducted 05/07/2007. Lyle Quasim discusses civil rights issues in America and shares his history of social activism. Areas of focus include his time in the Air Force and his work with Shelter Half, an underground anti-war organization run by GIs. He also touches on his work with the Safe Streets Campaign and other local civic programs.

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)