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Eric K. Washington

@ekwashington.bsky.social
262 followers 234 following 75 posts

Author, “Boss of the Grips” — Winner, Herbert H. Lehman Prize | Winner, GANYC Apple Award | Finalist, Brendan Gill Prize

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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Had a great time being interviewed on the Additions to the Archive Podcast with Sullivan Summer about “Where Harlem Rests at the The Woodlawn Cemetery,” an initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
podcasts.apple.com
Where Harlem Rests at the Woodlawn Cemetery
Podcast Episode · Additions to the Archive with Sullivan Summer · June 23 · 47m
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
WHERE HARLEM RESTS – TROLLEY TOUR SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026, 12:00 PM Woodlawn Cemetery trolley tour led by Project Historian Eric K. Washington: examining lives of 25 Black figures, many of them unsung Harlem Renaissance notables. Space is limited; purchase tix here: www.woodlawn.org/conservancy/...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Application deadline for the XIVth cohort of Columbia's Bundles Community Scholars is April 17, 2026. neighbors.columbia.edu/news/your-20...
neighbors.columbia.edu
Your 2026 Guide to Applying for the A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars Program at Columbia
Applications for the next cohort of A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars open on Monday, Feb. 23, and we have answers for your questions about the program and application process.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
Thrilled to join @caroljenkins.bsky.social , w/ @aleliabundles.bsky.social, to discuss Black biography; “Joy Goddess” and “Boss of the Grips”; BIO’s Rollin Fellowship; Woodlawn Cemetery’s “Where Harlem Rests” project. View “No One Can Tell It Like We Can Tell It” here: tv.cuny.edu/show/blackam...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Wonderful to talk to biographer @ethelene-whitmire.bsky.social about her new book, “The Remarkable Life of Reed Peggram: The Man Who Stared Down World War II in the Name of Love.” Listen to BIO Podcast #247: biographersinternational.org/news/podcast... #blackhistory #lgbtqhistory #wwii
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
WHERE HARLEM RESTS Highlighting notable Harlem Residents at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bx. Eric K. Washington, historian, will present a tour preview (indoors). Sun, Feb 15, 2026, 1PM Woodlawn Cemetery Woolworth Chapel Jerome Ave entrance Free. Register: woodlawnconservancy.givecloud.co/product/Harl...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Thanks @gaofnyc.bsky.social for inviting me to speak last eve at Bklyn’s American Legion lodge about Chief James H. Williams and the Red Caps of GC Terminal. The venue gave poignancy to Wms’s special relationship w/vets, like the Harlem Hellfighters! To view, cue to 52:20: youtu.be/y1pBrrjuy18?...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Thanks @kayangrum.bsky.social for interviewing me during NBC News’s Black History Month coverage about the NYC-landmarked (Former) Colored School No. 4. nbcnewyork.app.link/q0BMKI2Nr0b
nbcnewyork.app.link
Future of landmark Manhattan school up for debate
A future is uncertain for a little-known school in Chelsea, previously designated a landmark, that once segregated students by race. NBC New York’s Kay Angrum reports.
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Reposted by Eric K. Washington
Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
The Rollin Fellowship awards $5,000 each to two authors working on a biographical work about an Atrican American figure or figures whose story provides a significant contribution to our understanding of the Black experience. Deadline: Feb 1, 2026 Apply: biographersinternational.org/award/the-fr...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
It was a pleasure to interview Marion Orr about his new biography, "House of Diggs: The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Consequential Black Congressman, Charles C. Diggs Jr.," for the Biographers International Org (BIO) Podcast. Check it out here: biographersinternational.org/news/podcast...
biographersinternational.org
Podcast #237 - Marion Orr - Biographers International Organization
House of Diggs: The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Consequential Black Congressman, Charles C. Diggs Jr., is the latest book by this political scientist and
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
The Rollin Fellowship awards $5,000 each to two authors working on a biographical work about an Atrican American figure or figures whose story provides a significant contribution to our understanding of the Black experience. Deadline: Feb 1, 2026 Apply: biographersinternational.org/award/the-fr...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Thank you, Michael Henry Adams, for your nice piece in the @nyamnews.bsky.social about my conversation last week with @aleliabundles.bsky.social on her new biography, “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance,” for the Leon Levy Center for Biography! amsterdamnews.com/news/2025/09...
amsterdamnews.com
Defining American greatness: A’Lelia Bundles discusses ‘Joy Goddess, A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance’
A full house at CUNY’s Segal Theater gathered for A’Lelia Bundles’s new book, "Joy Goddess, on A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance."
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Tonight, I’ll be talking to @aleliabundles.bsky.social about #JoyGoddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance (in-person and virtual). www.gc.cuny.edu/events/aleli...
gc.cuny.edu
A'Lelia Bundles on A'Lelia Walker in conversation with Eric K. Washington
Dubbed the “joy goddess of Harlem’s 1920s” by poet Langston Hughes, A’Lelia Walker, daughter of millionaire entrepreneur Madam C.J.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Log fwd to talking with @aleliabundles.bsky.social for the Leon Levy Center for Biography (@thegraduatecenter.bsky.social) about her book, "Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance," Tue, Sept 9, 2025, at 6:30pm. Register here (in-person or virtual): www.gc.cuny.edu/events/aleli...
gc.cuny.edu
A'Lelia Bundles on A'Lelia Walker in conversation with Eric K. Washington
Dubbed the “joy goddess of Harlem’s 1920s” by poet Langston Hughes, A’Lelia Walker, daughter of millionaire entrepreneur Madam C.J.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Great chatting with John Reddick at Innovation Triangle this evening about my remounted 2004 neighborhood history exhibit, “Manhattanville: Hidden in Plain Sight,” sponsored by @whaanyc.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
I’m thrilled West Harlem Arts Alliance has re-mounted “Manhattanville: Hidden in Plain Sight,” my 2004 panel-based public history exhibit — based on my 2002 book, “Manhattanville: Old Heart of West Harlem” — not seen in 21 years. Innovation Triangle, 450 West 126th St, every Wed & Thu, 12-4pm.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
R.I.P. Dame Cleo Laine (28 October 1927 – 24 July 2025) www.theguardian.com/music/2025/j...
theguardian.com
Cleo Laine, Britain's most successful jazz singer, dies aged 97
Versatile singer straddled jazz, classical, pop and musical theatre with four-octave range, and collaborated for decades with husband, John Dankworth
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
How fortuitous is it that I received an advance copy of Daniel E. Atkinson’s new biography of George Walker on the anniversary of the legendary comedian’s birth on July 15, 1872. Pre-order yours here: sunypress.edu/Books/T/The-...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
I’m overjoyed to talk to journalist and author @aleliabundles.bsky.social about her new book, “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance,” on the @biographersintl.bsky.social Podcast. Listen here: biographersinternational.org/news/podcast...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
It was wonderful to interview @prithik.bsky.social about her book, “Brooklynites.” To check out our conversation on @biographersintl.bsky.social Podcast #220, go to: biographersinternational.org/news/podcast...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
@peterbakernyt.bsky.social and @sbg1.bsky.social in conversation with Susan Page at James Atlas Plenary of 2025 @biographersintl.bsky.social (BIO) conference in Washington DC.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Enjoyed participating in a stimulating panel at the NCORE2025 Conference this morning, “Community in the Academy: The Columbia University A’Lelia Bundles Community Scholars Program,” with @aleliabundles.bsky.social, #georgecalderaro, #marthadiaz and #johnreddick
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
So excited that my colleague @aleliabundles.bsky.social’s “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance” arrived while I was away! Pre-order: bookshop.org/p/books/joy-...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Sculpture of Ira Aldridge as Othello (ca. 1860s), by Pietro Calvi (1833–1884), on display in the exhibit ‘100: A Century of Collections, Community and Creativity,” at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
neighbors.columbia.edu/news/your-gu...
neighbors.columbia.edu
Your Guide to Applying for the A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars Program at Columbia
Applications for the next cohort of A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars are open and we have answers for your questions about the program and application process.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Congratulations, Shennette Garrett-Scott and Fara Dabhoiwala, winners of @biographersintl.bsky.social’s 2025 Frances “Frank” Rollin Fellowship! biographersinternational.org/news/shennet...
biographersinternational.org
Shennette Garrett-Scott and Fara Dabhoiwala win 2025 Frances “Frank” Rollin Fellowships - Biographers International Organization
Shennette Garrett-Scott and Fara Dabhoiwala are the recipients of the 2025 Frances “Frank” Rollin Fellowship, awarded for biographical works-in-progress that
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Thanks Councilmember @ebottcher.bsky.social for arranging a site inspection with @nycsanitation.bsky.social of the (Former) Colored School No. 4 schoolhouse in Chelsea.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Had a great time today as guest lecturer at @columbiagsapp.bsky.social’s graduate historic preservation studio — “In Search of Black Bohemia: Reparative Preservation in Manhattan’s Tenderloin.” Thanks for inviting me, and for all the great questions!
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Reposted by Eric K. Washington
Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Sen. Booker’s speech was a substantive and moral account of this moment. He did not read the phone book. He did not babble. For 24 hours @booker.senate.gov laid out a detailed, damning, and critical narrative of truth, history, politics, morality, humanity. What will you do?
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Day II — “Telling the Stories of Black Lives through Biography” Conference, @troyuniversity.bsky.social @biographersintl.bsky.social #blackbiomonty2025
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Thank you, @gaofnyc.bsky.social, for last night’s Lifetime Achievement Award honor, and David Freeland for your very kind introduction! 🙏🏾❤️
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
The video of my recent talk for the Van Cortlandt House Museum, “The Legacy of Colored School No. 4,” is now viewable online: youtu.be/ZuOQDt7oT_k?...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
“Greenwich Village as Harlem’s Preamble and Echo” DOROT invites you to join Eric K. Washington for an illustrated talk, virtual. Free. FRI, FEB 28, 2025, 12 – 1:30 PM Register: dorotusa-org.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Thanks to the @us.theguardian.com, which interviewed me for today’s piece about the NYC designated landmark, #formercoloredschoolno4, and its notable staff and students, who included #sarahtompkinsgarnet, #williamappo, #jimogenhoward and #jameshwilliams. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
theguardian.com
An unassuming building in New York City educated Black leaders. What will become of it?
‘Colored School No 4’ was built in 1850 to serve Black kids, but it’s unclear what the city plans to do with it today
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
“Manhattanville: Old Heart of West Harlem” DOROT invites you to join Eric K. Washington for an illustrated talk, virtual FRI, FEB 21, 2025, 12 – 1:30 PM Register: dorot.trumba.com/Manhattanvil...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
medium.com/@ekwashingto...
medium.com
Wanamaker’s Colored Chorus
Around 1909 Philadelphia department store magnate John Wanamaker, an ardent music lover, began publishing The Opera News magazine. But his…
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Join historian Eric K. Washington’s talk on The Legacy of Former "Colored" School No. 4. This forgotten 19th-c. landmark served NYC’s African American students & teachers through the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Gilded Age. In person and on Zoom: Thu, Feb 13, at 6pm Registration: www.vchm.org
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
February 11th, Woodlawn Conservancy hosts its next Book Talk! Free virtual lecture; authors @aleliabundles.bsky.social and @erickwashington.bsky.social discuss some of the iconic Harlem Renaissance figures you can find at the Woodlawn Cemetery. Register: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
I'm deeply honored that I'm to receive the @gaofnyc.bsky.social's 2025 GANYC Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual gala, hosted by Mark Nadler, Merkin Hall, March 3: www.ganyc.org/2025-ganyc-a...
ganyc.org
2025 GANYC Apple Awards | GANYC
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
Segment of ABC7’s @hereandnowabc where Sandra Bookman interviews Andrew Berman of Village Preservation (@gvshp_nyc) and me about the Jacob Day Residence, at 50 West 13th Street, which the @nyc.landmarks recently designated. abc7ny.com/post/here-no...
abc7ny.com
Here and Now 1/5/25: Preserving Black history and landmarks in New York City
After a four-year campaign, a 19th century building in Greenwich Village connected to the abolitionist movement has been designated as a historical landmark.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Thx @cathleencampbellpix for pics from my gallery talk yesterday at CU’s @wallachartgallery.bsky.social — “Shifting Shorelines: Art, Industry and Ecology Along the Hudson River. I discussed Victor G. Audubon’s “View of the Hudson River at Manhattanville” and Glenn O. Coleman’s “Fort Lee Ferry.”
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Join me for an informal gallery talk about two paintings in “Shifting Shorelines” exhibit, Victor G. Audubon’s “View of the Hudson River at Manhattanville” and Glenn O. Coleman’s “Fort Lee Ferry.” Free: Wallach Art Gallery (Columbia/M’ville), Sat, Jan 11, 2pm: wallach.columbia.edu/events/walla...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Fun finish to a terrific @historians.org #AHA25 conference was their first-time Pitch Slam, where I of course talked about #sarahgarnet, #formercoloredschoolno4 and #hbogildedage. 📸: @blackinhistpres
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
The segment on @hereandnowabc where Andrew Berman of Village Preservation and I discuss the recently landmark-designated Jacob Day Residence, at 50 West 13th Street, will air Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 12-noon, on ABCTV7.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
Just four more weeks! The Frances “Frank” Rollin Fellowship awards $5K each to two authors working on a biographical work about African American figure(s) whose story significantly contributes to our understanding of the Black experience. Apply here: biographersinternational.org/award/the-fr...
Biography fellowship award deadline
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
Thursday, February 13, 2025 6 PM. This illustrated talk by historian Eric K. Washington visits an unassuming building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood that sheds a telling light on 19th-century Gotham’s forgotten past: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-legacy...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
First major nat’l Black bio conf. in nearly 40 yrs! “Telling the Stories of Black Lives through Biography” Key: A’Lelia Bundles (“Joy Goddess”) Feat: David Greenberg (“John Lewis”) BiographersInt’l/ Troy U. Mar 21 - 22, 2025 Montgomery, AL Register: biographersinternational.org/montgomery-b...
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Thanks to Sandra Bookman of Here and Now-ABC 7 for the wonderful interview today with Andrew Berman of Village Preservation and me about the Jacob Day Residence, at 50 West 13th Street, which the @nyclandmarks.bsky.social recently designated. The segment should air in January 2025.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
R.I.P. Nikki Giovanni (June 7, 1943 – December 9, 2024) www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/o...
nytimes.com
Nikki Giovanni, Poet Who Wrote of Black Joy, Dies at 81
Ms. Giovanni tackled race, gender, sex, politics and love. She was a celebrity poet and public intellectual who appeared on television and toured the country.
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Eric K. Washington @ekwashington.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
Mural, “Evolution of the Negro Dance”(1933), by Aaron Douglas (1899-1979). The Harlem Renaissance artist’s last in situ painting in New York still presides, hidden in plain sight, in a recreation room of the landmarked 135th Street Y.M.C.A. . #iphone12
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