Linda W. Cropp (Finding Aid)

Linda W. Cropp

1947 -

Favorite Color: Red and blue

Favorite Food: greens with tomatoes and onions

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: the beach

Interview Length: 116 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 13, 2005

Interview Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Linda Cropp discusses her parents' family backgrounds, and details her childhood trips to Atlanta to visit her extended family after her parent's divorce. Cropp then talks about what it was like being raised in a single-parent household. Lastly, Cropp describes her neighborhood surroundings growing up in Philadelphia in the 1950s. Linda Cropp recalls her education in Philadelphia's Catholic school system. Cropp then discusses the influence Girl Scouts had on her maturation process and describes her other extracurricular activities during her youth. Lastly, Cropp talks about a childhood encounter with racism while on a road trip to the South with her mother. Linda Cropp discusses the culture shock she experienced coming from a strict Catholic school environment to Howard University's system in the mid-1960s. Cropp then talks about the District of Columbia's local political system and how it differs from other cities in the U.S. She then briefly details her husband's career in teaching and politics. Lastly, Cropp talks about her career path after graduating from Howard and her foray into D.C. politics. Linda Cropp talks about her political campaign against Marion Barry for a seat in Washington D.C.'s City Council. Cropp comments on gentrification in Washington and the effects the U.S. Congress has on the inner workings of the city. She then talks about the greatest challenge in her political career going up against Major League Baseball. Lastly, Cropp comments on how she would like to be remembered and her legacy.

34 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)