University of the District of Columbia undergraduate Azzah Gant reflects on her experience as Community Engagement Intern at the DC History Center. Check out Azzah’s ArcGIS StoryMap which allows users to explore the history of Black Broad Branch and the families who were rooted there for over 80 years.
During my internship with the DC History Center, I explored the deep-rooted history of Black land loss in Chevy Chase, DC—learning how oral history, digital mapping, and reparative frameworks can powerfully preserve the voices and stories of displaced families.
I had an opportunity to work closely with oral histories from the descendants of the two families, the Shorter/Dorseys and Pointer/Harrises. These families owned land on Broad Branch Road NW, in Chevy Chase DC, and were displaced and lost their land through the process of eminent domain. Reflecting on the oral history transcripts of the descendants of these families was a powerful experience that helped to deepen my understanding of systemic racism, Black land loss, and the role descendants play in shaping conversations around reparative justice.
Azzah Gant stands beside a sign explaining the history of Black Broad Branch that sits on former Harris land in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Washington, DC.
Reading the oral history transcripts allowed me to appreciate the overall picture and firsthand accounts of the families’ histories, dynamics, and resilience. Each descendant’s narrative discussed early childhood memories, education and career experiences, and how they learned about their family’s history. These aspects of their life are important to understanding how systemic racism and Black land loss affected family dynamics. Their interviews and the stories behind Black land loss in Chevy Chase taught me to approach history with empathy and responsibility to amplify the voices of the descendants with care.
I also enjoyed learning about the UN Resolution 60/147 of the basic guidelines for reparations that shaped the ACE model developed by the Black Broad Branch Project, which stands for acknowledgement, compensation, and education. These guidelines relate to land dispossession, institutional accountability, and redress. The ACE model helps frame the context of reparations for descendants based on the oral interviews of the descendants.
One of the most impactful parts of my internship was creating a story map using ArcGIS. This digital mapping project allowed me to visualize the stories of the descendants and displacement to tie the stories to real places. Using the interview transcripts of the descendants, I mapped the location of their former childhood homes, schools, places they’ve visited or moved to, and their workplaces. Throughout this process, I learned how to use ArcGIS and research what features would be most helpful to tell these stories to a broader audience. I was able to compile data and summarize the narratives from the interview transcripts of the descendants.
Overall, this internship has strengthened my knowledge of local history and skills by analyzing oral history, reparations, and digital mapping. I leave this experience with a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving Black history in DC and using technology to tell these stories in ways that are accessible, truthful, and impactful.
Azzah Gant
Azzah Gant, proud native of Washington, DC, is passionate about research and education in various fields. She is a recent graduate of the University of the District of Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Interns at the DC History Center are compensated in alignment with equitable labor practices.