The Library Sit-In of 1939: An Interview Series

For the past year and a half, New America has been conducting in-depth video interviews with researchers and community members in Alexandria, VA about the legacy of the library sit-in of 1939. Taking place well before the lunch counter sit-ins and bus boycotts of the 1950s and ‘60s, the sit-in led to the arrests of five young Black men for peacefully demonstrating their right to use the public library. This series explores the viewpoints and contributions of those with personal or professional connections to this event. Their reflections not only add to the historical record—they will also resonate with anyone experiencing today's education challenges. We hope they can help to deepen discussions of exclusion and inclusion in public libraries and schools.

--> See more about our larger project to illuminate this story for educators and the general public.