Items

In item set Northern Virginia Archive of Black Community Resistance
Transcript of a Tape Recorded Interview With Dr. E. B. Henderson By WMAL 1966
Transcript of a Tape Recorded Interview With Dr. E. B. Henderson By WMAL 1966
1966 Radio interview on WMAL with E.B. Henderson, topics included Black education, E.B. Henderson's early work in Black sports programs and educational equality work in Virginia and in Washington D.C. The table of contents provides a detailed record of when and where the discussions takes place with page numbers.
Transcript of a Tape Recorded Interview With Dr. E. B. Henderson 1962
Transcript of a Tape Recorded Interview With Dr. E. B. Henderson 1962
Interview with E.B. Henderson from 1962, the interview covers a wide range of topics surrounding his experiences in Falls Church, the history of Black life in Falls Church, the work by the CCPL to organize and resist segregation, as well as discussions of the changes to Tinner Hill such as the placement of Lee Highway. The table of contents provides a detailed record of when and where the discussions takes place with page numbers.
Resolution to Encourage the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to Purchase the Johnson Property on Tinner Hill to Honor Those Who Fought Segregation, Pub. L. No. Res. 99-22 (1999).
Resolution to Encourage the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to Purchase the Johnson Property on Tinner Hill to Honor Those Who Fought Segregation, Pub. L. No. Res. 99-22 (1999).
Resolution passed by the City Council for the purchase of land owned by the City of Falls Church and County of Fairfax. Utilizing the NOVA Regional Park Authority to maintain the land. The land would have had the former Tinner home rebuilt and used as a museum after 2000. Today the Tinner land holds the Tinner Hill Historic Park with the Zig Zag monument, and the sunken foundation of the original Joseph Tinner home.
Town Council of Falls Church Minute Book, Vol. 1 1875-1921
Town Council of Falls Church Minute Book, Vol. 1 1875-1921
Assorted meeting minutes from the Town Council of Falls Church minutes book Vol. 1. Included minutes are all mentions of the Segregation Ordinance, the CCPL, and the fight to stop the passage of the ordinance from 1914 to 1916.
Falls Church Committee Meeting (CCPL First Meeting Minutes)
Falls Church Committee Meeting (CCPL First Meeting Minutes)
Meeting minutes for the first CCPL meeting. Here they elected rolls for each of the members present, including naming Joseph Tinner as the president and E.B. Henderson as Secretary. At the first meeting held on January 8th, 1915, the committee decided to write the letter read by E.B. Henderson at the January 11th, 1915. At the second meeting held on January 18th, the committee considered applying to become a branch of the NAACP - the first consideration of such an action by the CCPL. They also proposed a letter to send to town residents to ask for their disapproval of the segregation ordinance.
Tinner Hill Deed Signing Ceremony February 1, 2000 
Speech by Edwin Bancroft Henderson, II
Tinner Hill Deed Signing Ceremony February 1, 2000 Speech by Edwin Bancroft Henderson, II
Speech for the deed signing ceremony for the purchase of the Joseph Tinner land lots 106-108 on Tinner Hill. Edwin Henderson II - grandson of E.B. Henderson - delivered this speech discussing the importance of maintaining this land, the memory of Tinner Hill, and commemorating the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and its future.
Tinner Hill Civil Rights Pioneers of the Rural South Brochure
Tinner Hill Civil Rights Pioneers of the Rural South Brochure
An undated brochure prepared by the Tinner Hill Heritage foundation sometime between 1999 and 2000. The brochure provides background into the community's civil rights history, the work of the CCPL/NAACP, and prominent community members as well as the formation of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. The back flap outlines the future goals of the Heritage Foundation and the purchasing of the Joseph Tinner home to be used for a museum in Tinner Hill.
Tinner Hill Monument Unveiling Ceremony
Tinner Hill Monument Unveiling Ceremony
Speech delivered by E.B. Henderson II at the unveiling of the Tinner Hill monument arch using stones quarried from Tinner Hill, and local quarries. The first section of the speech discusses the legacy of Joseph Tinner's stonemasonry, and his historic arches. Important to note is the destruction of Tinner's greatest arch (in the words of Henderson II) by the creation of a Koons Ford dealership, highlighting the history of development and the way in which the myth of progress and the goals of expansion, development, and growth oriented mindsets destroy and diminish Black geographies and histories.
"Tinner Hill Heritage Home"
"Tinner Hill Heritage Home"
Proposal document made by the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation that outlines their goals and fundraising plans in the coming years. The document has a short history on Tinner Hill providing insight into the history of the Tinner and Henderson family's. The final section of the document outlines the creation and evolution of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and all of the work accomplished in a short span of time. The work of the THHF carries on the legacy of stewardship for Tinner Hill by the original Tinner's and Henderson's, and continues to protect and maintain the small community and foundation to this day.
The Colored Citizens Association Anniversary Booklet
The Colored Citizens Association Anniversary Booklet
Thirteenth anniversary celebration booklet for the CCA, a committee created by Tinner family descendants, and local Black Falls Church residents. Their work coincides with that of the CCPL and its later format as the Falls Church Branch of the NAACP while providing other avenues of organizing in the community. This research could not find the reason for its establishment, but presumes it was done so to establish a community organization separate from that of the NAACP. The booklet lists their achievements and goals - demonstrating their successes in the previous 13 years.
Executive Authorization for the Formation of the Falls Church Branch
Executive Authorization for the Formation of the Falls Church Branch
The Executive Authorization signed by the Chairman of the Committee on Branches, Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Secretary of the NAACP on July 17, 1918. This was sent along with a letter by Walter White on July 23, 1918. This document approved the Charter made by the CCPL in June 1918 and therefore established the Falls Church Branch of the NAACP. Their authorization and establishment is a testament to the work of the Black community in Tinner Hill and Falls Church in their efforts to maintain their space and place for generations.
Application for Charter of The Falls Church, Va. Branch of the NAACP
Application for Charter of The Falls Church, Va. Branch of the NAACP
Application submitted by the CCPL in June 1918 to the NAACP for the chartering of the Falls Church Branch of the NAACP. The document includes the list of all members who were attached to the first rural branch of the NAACP, listing their names, locations and occupations. The skilled work of these community members shows the vital and vibrant nature of Black communities in Falls Church and Fairfax County. It reiterates the importance of Black stonemasons like the Tinner family, as they were essential to building early structures in Falls Church. The work of the CCPL in the preceding 3 and a half years, and their ongoing existence in the NAACP also shows the transgressive nature of Black organizing in the face of displacement, slow violence, and racism.
Town Election! (1915 Referendum Vote)
Town Election! (1915 Referendum Vote)
Flier for the 1915 referendum vote regarding segregation within the Town of Falls Church. The Town held a Council meeting inviting all qualified voters to express approval or disapproval of the "segregation of the races within the town." The majority voted for the ordinance and the law was approved. The Town Council would meet one month later (June 28, 1915) and establish the system of two districts, one white and one Black - the latter comprising 32% of the town population confined to 5% of the land. While the law was eventually fought and denied constitutionality by court order and later Supreme Court order, it would stay in the town book of laws until at least the mid-1940s and was finally repealed in 1999.
Letter from E.B. Henderson to Miss Ovington, April 2, 1920.
Letter from E.B. Henderson to Miss Ovington, April 2, 1920.
This letter sent to a woman named Miss Ovington provides insight into the early work of the Falls Church Branch (at the point of sending the letter the Fairfax County Branch) of the NAACP. The letter notes the tribulations of the early years for the branch, squabbling over the name and the need to integrate other community groups led to the name change to the Fairfax County Branch. Yet, Mr. Henderson declares the work of the Branch is strong willed and vital to the County. He also notes their intentions moving forward, including developing a larger voting base and improving sidewalks and roads.
Letter from Walter F. White to E.B. Henderson, July 23, 1918.
Letter from Walter F. White to E.B. Henderson, July 23, 1918.
Letter from Walter White to E.B. Henderson, with the executive authorization of the Falls Church Branch. In the letter Mr. White gives suggestions on how to approach their first meeting as a branch of the NAACP, including two to three speakers, and a few short musical numbers, along with providing some literature for their new branch. White also notes that following the vote for creating this branch - comprised of 35 members - the NAACP changed the minimum membership requirement to 50 members going forward.
Letter from E.B. Henderson to Walter F. White, June 24, 1918.
Letter from E.B. Henderson to Walter F. White, June 24, 1918.
Letter sent from E.B. Henderson included with the Application for Chartering the Falls Church Branch in June, 1918. Mr. Henderson states that he believed they could quickly double the membership registration from the original 35 listed on the Application. In the letter Mr. Henderson stresses the importance of forming this branch as they declare that Falls Church's "problems are many and interesting and this step helps us to begin to solve some of them." The Falls Church Branch would be important, as Mr. Henderson believed, and would provide an outlet for greater support from a national organization to resist displacement, segregation, slow violence, and structural racism for decades - as the Fairfax Branch of the NAACP remains to this day.
Letter from Walter F. White to E. B. Henderson, May 20, 1918
Letter from Walter F. White to E. B. Henderson, May 20, 1918
A letter to E.B. Henderson from Assistant Secretary and historic NAACP figure Walter White. The letter outlines the importance of the CCPL and broader fight to dismantle segregation laws that would "herd colored people into ghettos." Mr. White declares his intention to send information to establish a Falls Church branch of the NAACP following Henderson's request in a previous letter, and elaborates on the process of application. This is important to both the history of Black organizing in Virginia and in the NAACP, as Falls Church's branch would be one of, if not the first rural branches of the NAACP.
Response from Secretary of the NAACP to E.B. Henderson, February 1, 1915.
Response from Secretary of the NAACP to E.B. Henderson, February 1, 1915.
The response by the NAACP to E.B. Henderson following their letter to W.E.B. Dubois. The unnamed secretary provides insight on who to talk to, and notes that currently a group in Richmond are working to oppose a local ordinance there as well. The author also lists a man who they could contact who may have background in the standing of the ordinance. This letter the running relationship between the NAACP and the CCPL for the next three years.
Letter from E.B. Henderson to W.E.B. Du Bois, January 20, 1915.
Letter from E.B. Henderson to W.E.B. Du Bois, January 20, 1915.
This letter from E.B. Henderson to W.E.B. Dubois is a call for aid from Henderson to seek assistance from the NAACP in regards to fighting the segregation ordinanced for Falls Church passed in early January 1915. Henderson asks for any records as to whether the law would stand in court or if others are fighting a similar law in other states. One interesting thing to note is that Henderson states that white people in Falls Church were also "expressing themselves as out of accord with such legislation." This research could not find examples of this, requiring deeper inquiry.
Letter written to the Falls Church Town Council on behalf of the colored citizens protesting the establishment of "Segregation Districts," January 8, 1915.
Letter written to the Falls Church Town Council on behalf of the colored citizens protesting the establishment of "Segregation Districts," January 8, 1915.
Letter written to the Falls Church Town Council on behalf of the Colored Citizens' Committee (later the CCPL) protesting the establishment of "Segregation Districts." This letter was both a brave and transgressive act and an outcome of the organizing by the Black Falls Church and Tinner Hill community in response to the segregation ordinance. Read before the Town Council on January 8, the letter marks the Black community's protest against the action to create segregated districts in the town. The letter notes the harmful nature of the law, and states that laws enacted like this would be dangerous for others who may be seen as undesirable (such as Irish, Italians or Jews) in other locations, as well as the white citizens due to the outcomes of what the law would bring. The letter ends with their plea that they are just as good of residents as those who are white, that they share the same god, and the same goals.
Letter from E.B. Henderson to Councilman, Dr. J. B. Gould, January 4, 1915.
Letter from E.B. Henderson to Councilman, Dr. J. B. Gould, January 4, 1915.
Letter from E.B. Henderson in early January, 1915. Henderson declares their protest against the potential adoption of the segregation, and a study on it in the Town Council in late 1914. Gould, the recipient, was a council member appointed to gather data for the potential ordinance. Henderson notes the dangers of such an ordinance to the Black community in Falls Church, and pleads their case citing reasons which segregation only hurts the Black community and the broader town itself.
The Town of Falls Church in 1915
The Town of Falls Church in 1915
A 1917 USGS map of the town with residential segregation districts data added. District one highlighted in black is the local district within which all sales could be made on property by Black residents. This primarily comprised of the Tinner Hill community and its surrounding residents. If the law for segregation districts were upheld according to the law this very likely would have created a ghettoizing effect on this region of Falls Church. This map also demonstrates the population per district demonstrating that district one was primarily comprised of Black residents. While the law was made unconstitutional by Buchanan v. Warley in 1917 it stayed on the book, and the segregation district was still "in effect" though nullified. This exemplifies displacement in place, and marked the region, as prior to this law the location was disproportionately Black land/homeowners while the rest were interspersed at much lower concentrations. This furthered their separation from white land/homeowners after the retrocession of 1887 by denoting their segregation plan on a map even if it was not legally enforceable.
Falls Church, Fairfax Co., Va.
Falls Church, Fairfax Co., Va.
Map drawn by Gregor Noetzel in 1890 for the town of Falls Church. The map includes the retroceded territory in South Falls Church demarcated by a dashed line under the title "Present Boundary of the Corporation." This land that was retroceded in 1887, and voted to return to the County in 1890 contained a large contingent of Black homes, and dropped the voter rolls of the Black community in Falls Church by half. The line splits the land of Tinner Hill in half (the land is bordered by Lincoln St. to the East, Fairfax St. to the North, and the boundary line in its midpoint). This act to cede land to the county was not slow violence in the way this research describes the concept. However, the action was a direct effort to gerrymander the community, and it removed Black members of the community. It established future actions of slow violence, and enabled displacement in place for these communities in the ceded lands and Tinner Hill as they lost their voice for power in Falls Church.
Laws of the Town of Falls Church
Laws of the Town of Falls Church
The 1916 Laws of the Town of Falls Church published in October to include the segregation ordinance passed in the beginning of 1915. While the Colored Citizens Protective League had fought to keep it from passing and staying on the law through court battles local courts upheld the validity of the law allowing the Town Council to keep it on the book. This law represented a clear challenge to the Black Falls Church and Tinner Hill community. While the segregation of town zoning was later made illegal by the Supreme Court in Warley v. Buchanan, the law stayed on the books until at least the 1940s, though it was not in effect. Though it is an overtly violent law, it paved the way for slow violence in the decades following its nullification by remaining both on the book and acting as a continuation of the 1890 zoning out of Black landowners by Falls Church south of Tinner Hill and the district zoned for segregation in 1915.