She contacted the Atlanta University Center archives and explained what she was looking for: anything related to Clara Washington, born 1891, who would have been a young woman in the 1910s.

The archivist called back 4 days later, excitement clear in her voice. “I found something. Not much, but it’s definitely her.”

Rebecca drove to Atlanta that afternoon. In a temperature-controlled reading room, the archivist carefully placed a worn ledger on the table.

“This is from the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA,” she explained, “which served Black women and girls in Atlanta from 1910 through the 1960s. They offered classes, cultural programs, and social activities.”

part3