Happy Resurrection Sunday POU! I love looking at old photos of our people celebrating the day!
But of course racism tried to mute our celebration. However, as with it all, we overcame!
Easter Monday at the National Zoo
Photo: Visitors on Easter Monday, 1936, National Zoo.
When the White House held its inaugural Easter Egg Roll in 1878, African Americans weren’t allowed to attend. In 1891 the Smithsonian’s National Zoo opened their doors the Monday after the Easter holiday to African American families. Known as Easter Monday, the tradition began as a pseudo-holiday for black domestic workers who had to work on Easter Sunday and were banned from attending the traditional White House Easter Egg Roll during segregation.
Photo: A crowd of young people enjoys Easter Monday at the National Zoo’s Lion House, National Zoo.
The egg hunt became a hit and tradition for Black D.C. families, with 55,000 African Americans attending in 1919. Today, the tradition has grown to include all interested families. Activities include an Easter egg hunt, games, and a chance to meet the “Easter Panda.”