A while ago, a dear bud asked me if I knew much about Lewisdale, her lifelong home. After all, I’ve been highlighting the Route 1 Corridor for five years now; surely I could wax lyrical about this nearby, tight-knit community sandwiched between West Hyattsville and Adelphi. “Durr, I know Lewisdale. It’s the home of my favorite thrift!”, I responded. “No, you do not know Lewisdale,” she said, meeting my internalized side-eye with a deserved, external one. And Yolanda Rivera-Quintanilla was right.
Local History Buffs: Laurel Museum Reopens June 26
Dig local history? Then put a visit to the Laurel Museum on your list! The free museum reopens for in-person visits this Saturday, June 26th at noon with updated exhibits sharing Laurel’s history as well as its social justice work. And while you’re in Laurel, why not check out some lovely small businesses in this city, including divine coffee at Sip at C Street Flats followed by a visit to the Laurel Public Library (and its amazing kids room). Still got more energy? Take a walk/run along Laurel’s Riverfront Park, which is right behind Sip. You’re welcome!
Where to Celebrate Juneteenth Near Route 1
Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is a holiday that commemorates and celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. Check out the virtual and in-person events below for places to celebrate Juneteenth in/around Prince George’s County with your friends and family this year.
Hyattsville to Rename Magruder Park in Honor of Dr. David Driskell
Hyattsville City Council passed a motion at its May 3, 2021 meeting to rename the City’s Magruder Park as David C. Driskell Community Park. This new name honors former Hyattsville resident Dr. David C. Driskell, a preeminent artist, historian, curator, and scholar of African American art.
Lakeland Spirit: Virtually Explore this Historic African-American Community this Thursday
If you’ve enjoyed Route One Fun’s series on nearby Lakeland, the historic African-American community of College Park, then listen up! Register now for this Thursday’s virtual presentation, “The Lakeland Spirit: Through Digital Footprints.” At this virtual event, you’ll be treated to an evening full of oral histories, personal documents and photographs spotlighting the resilient spirit of this century-old African-American community in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Education & the African American Community of Lakeland, College Park
What do you know about Lakeland, a historically significant and tight-knit African American community in College Park? Did you know that this community fought to see their children education in their community – and many lost their homes when the Prince George’s County School Board decided to build a new school on land occupied by houses, including that of Maxine Gross’s grandmother? When asked about it, “my grandmother said she could build another house; children should be educated in their own community.” More from Maxine and Lakeland here.
