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.
Lakeland: Historic African American Community of 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 was established in 1890 just beyond the grounds of the University of Maryland? Did you know that Lakeland’s firm belief in the value of education brought about the 1928 opening of the area’s only high school for African Americans at the time (Lakeland High School)?
Did you know that the Lakeland community flourished and thrived for decades, despite institutional and de facto racism and segregation?
Read more about this historical African American Community of College Park in this new series about Lakeland by Maxine Gross (a Lakelander herself).
Riverdale Theatre (& Development at Riverdale Plaza)
Riverdale Plaza in Riverdale is slated for redevelopment. Before that happens, take in its history and visit to take in some cool signage and storefronts from days gone by, including that of the old 99-cent Riverdale Theatre.
Franciscan Monastery in Brookland, DC (with or without kids)!
Searching for something different to do with (or without) your guests over the holidays? Then consider exploring the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC (it’s free, though donation welcomed). Open to all, the Franciscan Monastery is full of amazing architecture, incredibly beautiful stained glass windows, breathtaking art, relics of pilgrimages from around the world, shrines that make room for you to spend a moment and grounds that remind you of what it’s like to feel peaceful (except if you have a 4-year old child nipping at your proverbial heels. Tips on visiting with kids, below…).
