Our Mission

The South Manor Neighborhood Association (SMNA) was organized in 1965 by local residents to promote a safe, viable, stable, clean, and livable community, where all people are accepted regardless of race, creed, color or national origin and where they can live in common cause with their neighbors.

History of the SMNA

The South Manor Neighborhood Association was established in 1965 by area residents and concerned citizens to prevent the building of the North Central Freeway – a planned 10-lane, nine-mile expressway to link Washington DC to the national interstate highway system.

Jordan Davis, Sr., Roosevelt Fuller, Madison Tignor, Adolphe Edwards, their families and other concerned residents led the fight against plans proposed by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) to demolish hundreds of homes in the area.

They galvanized neighbors, led petition drives, marched in organized protests at the U.S. Capitol, attended community meetings, presented testimony before City Commissioners (pre-City Council) and other officials, and coalesced with other community organizations in Brightwood, Riggs Park, Brookland/ Michigan Park, Catholic University and other affected communities to voice their strong objections and dismay over plans to demolish areas homes and the community.

Many adopted the theme “No White Man’s Roads through Black Man’s Homes.” When these concerned African Americans attempted to meet with the then existing community civic association (which was not integrated), these African American residents encountered resistance, so they formed South Manor Neighborhood Association.

After years of unyielding and unrelenting protests from D.C. residents including groups like South Manor Neighborhood Association, the National Capital Planning Commission withdrew plans to construct the freeway in 1977.

SMNA boundaries

The South Manor Neighborhood Association is bounded by Riggs Rd. NE and Missouri Ave. NW to the south, 4th St NW to the west, Underwood St. NW to the north, and the B&O railroad tracks to the east.

What we do

  • Hold monthly community meetings featuring guest speakers from city government, DDOT, other local groups and more

  • Host neighborhood clean-ups to pick up trash and beautify the community

  • Run an annual charity fundraiser to benefit neighbors in need

  • Advocate on behalf of the South Manor community with local government and other entities

Leadership

Alison Brooks
President

Alvin Owens
Treasurer

TK
TK

Andrew McGill
Secretary