Tales from the 202

Elani Lawrence

A podcast developed for and by (Native) DC Washingtonians

Episodes

  1. 02/19/2024

    Tales of 202 with Steve Anders

    ***Please note this was recorded during the summer of 2021.*** For Steve Anders, Washington DC is a living, breathing contrast. Back in the seventies and eighties, it was one of the murder capitals of the world - and yet it also felt safe. And this parallelism never felt truer for him growing up biracial in the US capital back in those days. This episode is a well-told time machine in the eyes of Anders, a native through and through who experienced the best and the worst that DC can offer. He narrates his fun childhood days living in the shadows of the White House, surrounded by massive monuments and landmarks that revealed the city's sense of grandeur and history. Then, he looks back on the massive changes that have occurred over the years—the gentrification and its impact on a small US city that wants to hold on to culture and tradition but also keep up with the rest of the world. In between, he tells personal stories of a black child who just wanted to fit in with a highly diverse population but ultimately made it because he had immense pride in his roots. This is a touching, powerful, and inspiring memoir about one man's journey through the ups and downs of life in America's capital. It is also a reminder that no matter how much things change, some things will always remain the same. Important Points of This Episode: Get a glimpse of Washington DC over 40 years ago from a child who grew up in the seventies and eighties. Trace the biggest developments—and downsides—of gentrification. Understand the struggles of biracial children to find their place in a diverse society. Hear an uplifting story about one man's journey to success in the face of adversity

    23 min
  2. 02/17/2024

    Tales of 202 with Yolanda Corbett

    ***Please be advised that this recording was made in 2021*** Is there a difference between Washingtonians and DC natives? Are all those who live and grow up in the city transplants? This episode answers these essential questions with Yolanda Corbett. Corbett knew the ins and outs of DC all her life. She was born and raised in DC. She has lived in Ward 7, Ward 8 and now Ward 5. After all, she grew up in caring neighborhoods, where people looked after one another. Thus, even if the seventies were difficult, especially for certain demographics, those were the days of immense growth and support she derived from those who surrounded her. But DC has changed, and along with it is the birth of new terms such as "Washingtonians" and “transplants.” What do these mean now for those who called the capital their home all their lives? Yolanda helps dispel the belief that all these words mean the same thing—that DC natives are real and ready to tell their stories when they and the capital were still young. Join her as she recounts what could be some of the best years of her life, the city’s development over the years, and what she fears the most about its transformation. Inside This Episode: Know the biggest differences between Washingtonians and DC natives Learn why “transplants” may not be the best description for DC natives Discover the younger days of the city—what is it like to live in the heart of the country? Relish the good old days of the city with someone who's seen it all grow Find out why the massive changes in the city can be frightening for a lot of DC natives

    24 min

About

A podcast developed for and by (Native) DC Washingtonians