Old Town West in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Alexandria Library Sit-In
Alexandria Heritage Trail
— City of Alexandria, est. 1749 —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 14, 2022
On August 21, 1939, five young African-American men, William Evans, Edward Gaddis, Morris Murray, Clarence Strange and Otto Tucker entered the Barrett Library, then a whites-only segregated, public facility. When they requested library cards and were refused, each selected a book, sat down, and began to read. Despite their polite demeanor, the police were summoned, arrested the men, and charged them with disorderly conduct. Samuel W. Tucker, a local attorney and civil rights advocate, and chief organizer of the protest, represented the men in court. They hoped the sit-in would challenge the Library's policy and lead to equal access for Alexandria's African American residents. However, the City delayed the case and no ruling was ever issued. In 1940, Alexandria built a separate facility, the Robert H. Robinson Library, for African Americans. Seen by many as a positive outcome, it was not the equality that Tucker sought. The Robinson Library now houses Alexandria's Black History Museum. In 1959, a new era commenced when the library system took steps to desegregate.
[Captions:]
Picture of the new Barrett Library taken in the late 1930s. The building has been expanded over the years.
Interior of the Barrett Library taken in the 1940s.
The protesters being escorted from the library by police.
Samuel W. tucker (1913-1990) Attorney Tucker spent a long career battling for equal access across the Commonwealth. He served as an infantry officer in the Second World War and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
The new Robert H. Robinson Library not long after its opening in April 1940. The new library for AFrican American residents was opened just seven months after the sit-in.
Erected by City of Alexandria, Virginia.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Civil Rights • Education • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1940.
Location. 38° 48.455′ N, 77° 2.834′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town West. Marker is on Queen Street just east of North Columbus Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 721 Queen St, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alexandria Quaker Burial Ground (a few steps from this marker); Elisha Cullen Dick, M.D. (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Alexandria Library Sit-In (within
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 14, 2022
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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