Suburban Market’s Henry Parker waits on niece Sarah Gay, mid-1940s. Suburban Market’s Henry Parker waits on niece Sarah Gay, mid-1940s.
for many causes, Burroughs carried out her mission—to shape young girls into independent women—under the banner of “Bible, bath, and broom.” The school attracted students from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. In addi- tion, Deanwood Elementary School demonstrated the city’s recognition of this significant African American community. Before long the school and surrounding churches formed Deanwood’s social center at Sheriff Road and 45th Street. A commercial corridor developed, too. Here, by the 1950s, away from the overt bigotry that kept many African Americans from patronizing down- town department stores, Deanwood shoppers found nearly everything they needed. Often the small groceries, pharmacies, print shops, dry cleaners, bakeries, clothing stores, barber shops, and beauty salons were owned and operated by their neighbors. There was even a movie theater, several blocks east on Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue. A commercial corridor developed, too. Here, by the 1950s, away from the overt bigotry that kept many African Americans from patronizing down- town department stores, Deanwood shoppers found nearly everything. Often the small groceries, pharmacies, print shops, dry cleaners, bakeries, clothing stores, barber shops, and beauty salons From the beginning the community paid great heed to matters of the soul and mind. The roots of Contee AME Zion Church were planted here in 1885, and many other congregations followed. By 1910 two important educational institutions were in place. First came the pioneering National Training School for Women and Girls, founded by Nannie Helen Burroughs. An outspoken activist for many causes, Burroughs carried out her mission—to shape young girls into independent women—under the banner of “Bible, bath, and broom.” The school attracted students from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. In addi- tion, Deanwood Elementary School demonstrated the city’s recognition of this significant African American community. Before long the school and surrounding churches formed Deanwood’s social center at Sheriff Road and 45th Street.
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