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Holding on to Home: The Story of Barry Farm

We are students at American University advocating against the threat of gentrification

Welcome to The Story of Barry Farm, a place where neighbors come together to make a difference. We believe that a strong community is built on the foundation of unity, compassion, and support. Get involved and be part of our mission to create a thriving and connected neighborhood.

Get Involved

The Importance Of Barry Farm

Meet the students on this Project

Iyana Briggs

Eliana Pisons

Ruth Mekonnen

Thulilani Chiura

Mina Diallo

Natalie Osei

Andi Yates

Community Research Project, developed by students in Dr. Mark Auslander’s class “Race and Racism” (ANTH 210), American University, Fall 2025.

Project Home Page: https://markauslander.com/2025/11/25/community-research-projects-race-and-racism-anth-210-fall-2025-american-university/

Our Research

Please Click the Image to Access Each Page

History & Legacy

Discover the origins of Barry Farm, one of D.C.’s earliest Black landowning communities, and learn how residents shaped civil rights, education, and local activism.

Redevelopment Promises

Redevelopment in D.C. transforms neighborhoods, often affecting long-standing Black communities.

Displacement & Housing Access

Understand how redevelopment and the voucher system affected residents, including barriers to returning, housing discrimination, and long-term displacement.

Community Culture & Go-Go

Learn how music, sports, and neighborhood traditions shaped local identity, and how cultural expression has been challenged by redevelopment and gentrification.

Comparative Analysis: U Street / Shaw

Compare Barry Farms to other historically Black neighborhoods transformed by redevelopment, including the dramatic demographic and cultural shifts on U Street.

Project Outline

Each step we took to publish this website overall.

Church Member of Saint John's Methodist Church, Barry Farms

"So, the church has been there forever and a day. And it's always played a pivotal part. in that part of Southeast. We're that beacon, that light that sits on the hill."

Community Engagement

Join The Story of Barry Farm community group to share ideas, discuss local events, and connect with fellow neighbors. Together, we can create a vibrant and supportive community.

Join the Community