Across North Capitol Street

The story begins in North Carolina. Jacob, the main character, lives on a farm. He worked the family farm and was hired out to other farmers to earn money for the things he wanted. He was an outstanding worker. He was such a hard worker that he stood out. It didn't matter if he was working the fields or falling trees.

A middle-aged Caucasian male noticed his work and offered him a live on his property for a job. For a couple of reasons, he accepted the job and moved to the man's farm. He lived in a small house close to the big house. His new chores were chopping wood for the fireplaces and feeding the farm animals.

Jacob didn't know that he would be given some other chores to do on the farm. One morning, he was startled by one of the farmer's daughters. This was the beginning of an affair that would upset his life on the farm and send him to Washington, DC.

After Jacob and Scarlet's rendezvous changed from hugs and kisses to more, Jacob knew that he had better relocate for his safety. He and Scarlet made plans to be together. First, he would go to Washington, DC to live with his brother and get a job. Then she would come to DC.

Richard lived in a two-bedroom apartment in Trinidad across the street from Gallaudet College. Arriving there, his brother welcomed him. Jacob's first two weeks in DC were used to familiarizing himself to his new neighborhood and making a plan to get a job. While learning the neighborhood, he became familiar with several people--a girl named Venus, the Pinkneys, and his brother's girl, Rose.

He met Venus on the playground in Trinidad. Rose lived in the same apartment building on the first floor. He met Mrs. Pinkney when he was walking to the Capitol. She had a flat tire, and he changed it. She introduced him to her husband. These people would play a large role in his life.

With a new job, new friends, and a safe environment, Jacob began to blossom. He worked in a department store as a clerk. There he met several coworkers. One was instrumental in him staying out late. The other had an effect on his unforeseen future. Living in a Black neighborhood, he felt at home.

The change in Jacob was rather sudden. He wanted to dress like the guys his age. With time on his hands, he explored his athletic abilities by playing football. He was given a crash course in how to gamble by learning how to play pool. He learned how to travel in his new town quickly. It seemed to him that all the important things in DC were across North Capitol Street.

In going across North Capitol Street daily, he was introduced to other people in Washington. The other people he met along the way also helped him in ways he could not have known. With luck, skill, and a sense of fair play, he became the Black man's version of Superman.