The Royals at Langston

Date2019

MediumPhotographic print on archival paper

DimensionsImage Size: 32 × 48 in. (81.3 × 121.9 cm) Paper Size: 32 1/2 × 48 1/2 in. (82.6 × 123.2 cm) Framed Size: 41 1/2 × 59 in. (105.4 × 149.9 cm)

Credit LineDC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Art Bank Collection

Object numberDCCAH2020.010.2

ClassificationsPhotographs

Locations

District Department of Transportation (250 M Street SE)

DescriptionThe Langston golf course, located on Benning Road, NE, opened with nine holes in 1939 and welcomed African American golfers who, at the time, were not admitted to most local courses. The course was named for John Mercer Langston, the first dean of Howard University’s law school and the first United States congressperson of color elected in Virginia. Sixteen years after opening, in 1955 Langston added the back nine holes. Frequented by both local residents and celebrities, Langston also became home to the Royals, one of the first African American golf clubs in the country. Joshua Cogan photographed several generations of Royals members during a 2019 reunion. Pictured here (left to right) are Edward Wright, David Ross, Ralph Davis, William Scruggs, J.L. Barnes, Robert McDaniel, and Robert Beebe.