The 1999 documentary, Out of Obscurity, details the little-known history of the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In. In 1939, five young men lead by Samuel Tucker staged what is believed to be the nation's first sit-in at the Alexandria Library to protest the "separate but equal" treatment of African Americans. Join us for a live interview with the documentary's creator, Matt Spangler. We will start the night with an excerpt from Out of Obscurity. Want to watch the whole documentary? Check out your copy of Out of Obscurity from your local library branch, and bring your questions for Matt Spangler, and for Library Director Rose Dawson.
Interested in learning more? Check out the Descendants Panel on the library's YouTube page, recorded in 2019 with the descendants of those involved in the sit-in for the 80th Anniversary. While you're on YouTube, check out our interview with Barbara Jean Ferguson, and our tribute to Gladys Davis. Keep checking back as we roll out new interviews with those involved in the history of Alexandria Library, including an upcoming interview with Karen Burgess as she details her experience as an African American working in the library. Want to see history in person? Be sure to stop by Barrett Library, site of the 1939 Sit-In during the month of August. Exhibit Panels will be on display in the branch detailing the history featured in Out of Obscurity.
And if you have kids, don't forget to attend Storytime with Young Historians on August 14th where we will explore the history of Alexandria’s local African American community through books, stories, and songs.
Did you miss storytime? The Office of Historic Alexandria has a great video for kids that includes the Alexandria Sit-In!
