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1939 ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY SIT-IN

One of America's first sit-ins took place at Alexandria Library on August 21, 1939.

The present-day Barrett Branch Library on Queen Street (originally called Alexandria Library) was the only library building in a city with a population of 33,000. It was built in 1937 with money donated by the family of Kate Waller Barrett (1857-1925). However, as with many public services in the country financed by the community's taxpayers, the library was only available to whites. African Americans, though they voted and paid taxes, were not allowed to use the library.

Samuel Tucker

Samuel Wilbert Tucker (1913-1990), who grew up only two blocks from the Barrett Branch, graduated from Howard University and prepared for the field of law. He passed Virginia’s bar exam at age 20, but Tucker, an outstanding student, was too young to be sworn in. A year later, he took the oath. Tucker tried for several years to establish equal access to community resources, but the white community, including the Alexandria Library Board, remained unswayed.

In the summer of 1939, Tucker, now 26, developed a strategy by preparing a select group of African American men for a deliberate act of civil disobedience. Ranging in age from 18 to 22 years, these Alexandrians challenged the status quo.

The Sit-In

On August 21, 1939, Alexandria Library staff and patrons watched as a young African American entered and asked to register for a library card. When he was refused, he picked up a book, took a seat, and began to read. Minutes later, another well-groomed and polite young adult repeated these actions. This continued until William Evans, Otto L. Tucker (the attorney’s brother), Edward Gaddis, Morris Murray and Clarence Strange occupied five tables. Each one sat in silence and read a book.

Flustered library staff called the police. As planned, Robert Strange (his older brother Clarence was one of the silent protestors) ran to Tucker's law office to let him know that the police were on their way. Officers arrived and escorted the protestors from the library, arresting them for “disorderly conduct.” Samuel Tucker had called a photographer, who took a photo, and then quickly arranged for their release. He planned to challenge the city in court on the grounds that all citizens were entitled to equal access to public services. But the city, in an effort to resist integration, stalled the process with intense negotiations.

What Happened Next

Virtually ignored by most newspapers, the case continued to be widely reported in the African American press across the country. Tucker became seriously ill and was unable to pursue the case. In 1940, community leaders proceeded without the young attorney’s involvement and accepted the promise of a “separate but equal” library. Tucker was infuriated. The Alexandria Library Board quickly approved the construction of the Robert H. Robinson Library, appropriated funding for books, and hired an African American librarian.

On February 13, 1940, Samuel Tucker replied to a letter from Librarian Katharine A. Scoggin inviting him to apply for a library card at Robinson Library. Click to read the complete text of Tucker's letter. His strongly worded reply demonstrates Tucker’s commitment to equal protection under the law: “I refuse and will always refuse to accept a card to be used at the library to be constructed and operated at Alfred and Wythe Streets in lieu of [a] card to be used at the existing library on Queen Street for which I have made application."

A Lasting Legacy

Samuel W. Tucker remained a leader in the war against segregation and intolerance. He argued groundbreaking civil rights cases across the state. He served as the lead lawyer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Virginia, appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court four times, and was a founding partner in the prominent Richmond law firm, Hill, Tucker, and Marsh.

On October 19, 2000, a decade after Tucker's passing, his hometown dedicated its newest elementary school in his honor. The sit-in is chronicled in a documentary called Out of Obscurity. Copies may be borrowed from Alexandria Library. On Friday, August 21, 2009, Alexandria Library hosted the 70th Anniversary of this first civil rights sit-in. Throughout 2014, Alexandria Library hosted events honoring the 75th anniversary of the peaceful protest.

Click here to watch portions of the Out of Obscurity documentary. The video also shows Library Director Rose Dawson interviewing Matt Spangler, creator of the Out of Obscurity documentary about the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In.

Click here to watch an interview by New America with Library Director Rose Dawson about commemorating the Library Sit-In of 1939.
 

85th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - 2024

Join the Alexandria Library in 2024 as we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the 1939 Library Sit-In with a year full of special programs, events, and exhibits honoring its “Legacy of Courage.”
 
On August 21, 1939, five young African American men entered the Kate Waller Barrett Library to use the facility and were subsequently arrested for just wanting to read peacefully. The Library recognizes the need to honor this story despite having been on the wrong side of the argument at the time.

“The events of that day started a lot of important conversations in Alexandria,” said Jimmy Lewis, Honorary Co-Chair for the anniversary celebration. “Progress takes time, but it can’t happen at all if you never start. Without the courage of the young men involved in the Sit-In, who knows how long progress would have taken?”
 
Library programs throughout 2024 will aim to educate about the history of the 1939 Sit-In by exploring themes of racial justice and equality, sharing the stories of those who were involved in this and other civil rights protests, and highlighting the impact of courage on our community.
 
“A community is shaped by all the people who call it home,” said Cathy Puskar, Honorary Co-Chair for the anniversary celebration. “I’m proud to be adding my voice to the many others telling this story so we don’t forget the courage it took to create the strong, diverse, resilient community we have today.”

Read the full news release here.

Honorary Co-Chair
Jimmy Lewis

Honorary Co-Chair Jimmy Lewis

"The events of that day started a lot of important conversations in Alexandria. Progress takes time, but it can’t happen at all if you never start. Without the courage of the young men involved in the Sit-In, who knows how long progress would have taken?"

Honorary Co-Chair
Cathy Puskar

Honorary Co-Chair Cathy Puskar

"A community is shaped by all the people who call it home. I’m proud to be adding my voice to the many others telling this story so we don’t forget the courage it took to create the strong, diverse, resilient community we have today."

Oral History Interview with Jimmy Lewis

Conducted by the Alexandria Oral History Center of the Office of Historic Alexandria

Descendant Panel: A Living Legacy of Courage

The newphews of Morris Murray, Stephen and Jackie Martin, discussed the legacy of their uncle's participation in the 1939 Library Sit-In and how it has impact their family, their outlook on justice, and the Alexandria community.

Community Scholars in the Parlor



Alexandria Library to Host 1939 Library Sit-In Film Festival in 2024

The Alexandria Library is excited to announce the 1939 Library Sit-In Film Festival, celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans throughout history.

Join us as we commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Alexandria Library Sit-In with a series of films that highlight courageous individuals standing up against discrimination and injustice.

Film has the power to educate, inspire, and unite people from all walks of life, and we are excited to share these incredible stories with our community. In-person and virtual screenings will be held throughout 2024, featuring documentaries, dramas, and comedies spanning decades of Black film.

All screenings are free and open to the public.


National Day of Racial Healing: The heart of racial equity

The National Day of Racial Healing is an opportunity for people, organizations, and communitiers across the United States to call for racial healing, bring people together in their common humanity, and take collective action to create a more just and equitable world.

Download a flier here or stop by any of our branches to pick one up.

Changing the Cultural Climate

Library Director Rose T. Dawson delivered the keynmote remarks at the City's 2024 MLK Staff Spirit Awards presentation. Her presentation highlighted the courage of the Sit-In participants and how telling the story today is a way of changing the cultural climate to one of understanding, equality, and acceptance.

1939 Sit-In Events
Fri, Oct 18, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles Houston Recreation Center

Sat, Oct 19, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles Houston Recreation Center


Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the 85th Anniversary of the Library Sit-In

Amazon logo WCLC logo
The Brown-Sanchez Family
Comcast Multicultural Ministries VA Am Water
NSC ARP logo Friends of Beatley logo
SirsiDynix Believe in Reading Libby
WEX
Other 1939 Sit-In Celebrations
2021 Events - Library Sit-In Anniversary

Beginning Monday, August 16, 2021, Local History/Special Collections Branch located within Kate Waller Barrett Branch will host the 'Anniversary of the 1939 Sit-In' exhibit to honor Samuel W. Tucker and the five courageous young men. The exhibit tells the story of Mr. Tucker, the five men, and what transpired as a result of the 1939 Library Sit-In.  Stop in to the branch to view this exhibit.

Young library lovers should join us at 10 am on Saturday, August 14, 2021 for Storytime with Young Historians.  Cosponsored by the Alexandria Black History Museum and the Office of Historic Alexandria.  This event will explore the history of Alexandria's local African American community through books, stories, and songs.

Then join us at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 19, 2021 as Library Director Rose Dawson interviews Matt Spangler, creator of the "Out of Obscurity" documentary about the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In.  The evening will begin with watching an excerpt of the documentary.  Bring your questions for Matt Spangler and Library Director Rose Dawson.  

Last Updated: September 2024