13 september 1968 & douglass jhs dancers and singers

“Coming here is just like going on Ed Sullivan.”
Mrs. Louis Hester

#OTD-ish 13 September 1968 Students at Douglass JHS (2620 Douglass Rd, SE) were practicing dancing and singing for their upcoming performances at the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum’s Festival of the Arts. (2405 Nichols Ave, SE). The festival was scheduled for a three-week run in March. Zora Martin was one of the festival organizers.

The dancing and singing teachers were Mrs. Lucille Hester and Mrs. Verdell Thompson, who were excited about their students’ first public performances. The singers were planning to perform five songs, including “I Feel Pretty” and “Moon River.”

Your comments are welcome below. Were you, family members or neighbors members of the dance troupe? Do you remember Mrs. Hester and Mrs. Thompson? Did you attend Douglass JHS? Do you remember seeing them perform? Do you have photographs, programs, costumes? Do you remember the Festival of the Arts? I love the set! Does anyone know the set designer? You may comment privately here.

Photo source: Courtesy DC Public Library. Evening Star Newspaper Collection. 14 March 1969. Joseph Silverman, photographer.
”Festival of the Arts: Anacostia Looks Back, Takes Pride,” Evening Star 16 March 1969.