Curated by Asha Abdul-Mujeeb, National Links Trust's Archival and Curatorial Intern, this exhibit tells the story of the first recorded tournament held at Langston Golf Course.
One year after opening its greens to African American golfers, who faced discrimination at other DC public courses under Jim Crow, Langston Golf Course held the Eastern Golf Championship. This historic event offered a rare space for Black golfers to compete, challenging the system that had long denied them equitable access to the sport.
Over 2,000 Black Washingtonians fellowshipped on the fairways watching boxer Joe Louis compete against experienced Black golfers including Dr. George Adams (President of the Colored Golf Association, now the Royals Golf Club), Claude Ross (District Open Champion), and David Wilson (Eastern Golf Championship Winner).
This exhibit is funded by the National Links Trust (NLT), a non-profit organization dedicated to positively impacting the Washington, D.C. community by changing lives through affordable and accessible municipal golf.
Swinging For Equity: Eastern Golf Championship Photo Exhibit Dates