How did Southwest Washington recover from the massive and widely condemned demolition of the 1950s urban renewal area, in terms of citizen organization and leadership? All are invited to join Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA) Co-Founder Neal Peirce and former SWNA President Thelma D. Jones in a thought-provoking, informative, and insightful discussion and recollections surrounding the film Southwest Remembered. The event will take place Thursday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church located at 555 Water St. SW, Washington, DC (opposite Arena Stage). The discussion will focus on how our quadrant of the city, in the wake of urban renewal’s massive demolition, was reclaimed for citizen leadership in the early 1960s. The evening will recall the key participants of that time—both black and white, men and women—what their vision was, how they formed SWNA for participation by all residents, and what the founders’ hopes and vision were for the then-opening next chapter of the area’s history. This first-hand history discussion looking back and looking forward is an event you don’t want to miss! A capacity crowd is anticipated. Plans are to record video of this historical event. For questions on the event or to RSVP, please contact Thelma Jones (202-251-1639) or Neal Peirce (202-554-8191). Refreshments will be served. This event is being hosted by the SWNA History Task Force.

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