This is a 13-and-under boys baseball team sponsored by Arlington County’s Negro Recreation Section.

From 1948 to 1962, the Department of Recreation and Parks had a Negro Recreation Section headed by Earnest C. Johnson. The section sponsored sports teams, classes in dance and other arts, and put on children’s theater performances. It also held pageants, parades and other all-ages events.

In 1962, the county’s recreational activities and parks desegregated, but Johnson stayed with the department for many years afterwards. Johnson collected photographs of his time leading the Negro Recreation Section, and they were donated to the Virginia Room in 2001.

 

What About You?

Did you participate in any of the activities sponsored by the Negro Recreation Section? Do you remember Earnest Johnson? If you did, let us know!