Camille Mosley-Pasley
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After the Federal Fair Housing Act, my family moved to a SE neighborhood that prohibited farm animals and persons of African, Asian and Semitic descent. The color of the neighborhood changed rapidly. As if to thumb his nose at the former restrictive covenants, one neighbor purchased a llama. The passerby would stare in disbelief before jumping to dodge the wad of black mucus it snorted. I wish I had a photograph of that llama. Several elderly neighbors were particularly kind to the newcomers. After they died, I wished I had photographs of them. Anacostia and surrounding neighborhoods are experiencing tremendous change. Shopping areas, older houses and large apartment complexes have disappeared. Plywood and vinyl homes have replaced tiny stucco houses and sprawling brick complexes. Every time I see major renovations and new construction, I wish I photographed the old structures and people.

Despite negative inferences about people ‘on the other side of the bridge,' I find the people and landscape quite charming. Strangers still greet one another on the street and strike up conversations while waiting in line or for the bus. Crossing the Sousa Bridge into the green hills of Anacostia as the sun sets is a glorious sight. As I crossed it a few months ago, I wished I had a photograph of it. The time has come for me to stop wishing and document my neighbors and surroundings because change will continue. The history of the region is fascinating and enlightening. So is the future.

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