Welcome to DJ Black HD Multimedia’s community archive—a personal and historical journey through the Moton Community House, one of Southeast Newport News’s most cherished institutions. This blog is not just a record of brick and mortar, but of lives transformed, memories preserved, and a legacy that still echoes in our hearts, even after its closure in 2025.
Whether you're a lifelong resident of the city, a young person who once took a class in one of Moton’s rooms, or a newcomer trying to understand the culture of Newport News, this entry is a deep dive into the origins, evolution, and spirit of a place that did more than serve—it empowered.
Roots in a Segregated City: The Birth of the Moton Theatre
To fully appreciate the Moton Community House, we must first travel back to the early 1940s, an era of segregation in Virginia. The location at 2101 Jefferson Avenue was originally home to the Moton Theatre, a cinema specifically for the African American community during the Jim Crow era.
From around 1941 to 1966, this building was more than just a movie theater. It was a rare space of joy, culture, and gathering for Black families who were otherwise excluded from many public venues. It showcased Black cinema, newsreels, and even live performances. For many, this was their introduction to the arts, to storytelling, to shared laughter and community pride.
Named in honor of Robert Russa Moton, the African American educator and successor to Booker T. Washington at Tuskegee Institute, the theater carried symbolic weight as well. It stood as a testament to Black excellence and self-sufficiency—values that would continue to shape the building's identity for decades to come.
The Curtain Falls—and Rises Again
By 1966, the theater had closed its doors, a reflection of both desegregation progress and the fading of community-specific venues. However, by 1969, the building was reborn—not as a theater, but as the Moton Community House. This was more than a name change; it marked a reimagining of the building's role in the neighborhood.
No longer a place to sit and watch, the Moton became a place to act and learn.
Local leaders like Mr. Linwood DeBrew, among others, envisioned a future where the space would serve as a lifeline for underserved youth and adults. The new Moton was a safe place for creativity, education, personal development, and community gatherings.
Rebuilding the Community One Life at a Time
Through the decades, the Moton Community House stood firm in its mission: to build futures. Managed in its later years by organizations such as ForKids, the Moton became a thriving center for:
-
GED Preparation
-
College Readiness Programs
-
Carpentry and Skilled Trade Workshops
-
After-School Enrichment Activities
-
Mentorship Initiatives
-
Community Holiday Events
Many young people from the Southeast Newport News neighborhood entered this building with uncertainty and left with tools to build a better life. Parents saw it as a safe place for their children; seniors saw it as a center of connection; organizers saw it as a hub for positive change.
Its programming was accessible, meaningful, and often free—removing barriers and opening doors.
Capturing History: A Photographer’s Reflection
As the in-house photographer for the Moton Community House under DJ Black HD Multimedia, I had the unique honor of preserving these moments in time. With my camera, I didn’t just document events—I captured legacy in motion.
Over the years, I photographed:
-
Family portraits of proud parents and beaming kids
-
A group of local kids, fresh from their carpentry workshop, tools in hand
-
A circle of women, laughing during a wellness seminar
-
Two male portraits, framed in natural light, symbolizing the strength of Black manhood in our community
-
A young lady modeling, her confidence and posture shaped by self-esteem classes offered at the Moton
-
Smiles, tears, victories, and so many quiet moments of transformation
Each picture I took was more than an image—it was a moment of pride, a snapshot of growth, a family’s milestone, or a young person’s first professional headshot. Thank you to everyone who stood before my lens, especially to Mr. Linwood DeBrew, for entrusting me with that responsibility.
Voices of Legacy: Linwood DeBrew and Community Elders
In addition to photography, I took time to listen. To interview. To record stories.
One of the most impactful conversations I had was with Mr. Linwood DeBrew, a central figure in the operations of the Moton Community House. Conducted right in his office, our interview wasn’t just about history—it was about hope.
He told stories of:
-
Struggles to secure funding and keep the building operational
-
Young men and women who turned their lives around through programs offered there
-
Challenges of keeping kids off the streets and providing them with positive outlets
-
Volunteers and mentors who came and went, but left lasting impact
-
The building itself, which despite aging walls and fading paint, remained a beacon of light in a sometimes-forgotten part of Newport News
Mr. DeBrew’s dedication reminds us that leadership isn't always about titles—sometimes it’s about time, consistency, and love for your community.
Why the Moton Mattered
The significance of the Moton Community House can’t be overstated. Here’s why it stood tall:
1. Cultural Continuum
From its origins in segregation-era cinema to a modern hub for education, Moton told the story of Black progress in Newport News.
2. Educational Equity
By offering free resources—like GED prep, tutoring, and trade training—the Moton gave people the tools to escape poverty and thrive.
3. Safe Haven
In a community where safe spaces for youth are scarce, the Moton was a refuge from the streets and a guidepost toward responsibility.
4. Historical Symbol
Although not as nationally recognized as Farmville’s Moton School, the Moton Community House carried just as much meaning for those who called Southeast Newport News home.
The Closing Chapter: Moton Shuts Its Doors in 2025
In early 2025, the community received heartbreaking news: the Moton Community House was closing its doors permanently. The decision, brought about by funding cuts, declining attendance, and structural concerns, sent a ripple of grief through the neighborhood.
Programs were halted. Volunteers moved on. The lights were turned off.
But what couldn’t be shut down were the memories, the success stories, and the cultural impact of the Moton. Its legacy lives on in the people who passed through its halls, in the diplomas earned, and in every nail hammered by a young apprentice who learned the trade inside those walls.
Gallery of Memories
These photos were taken by DJ Black HD of DJ Black HD Multimedia, the official in-house photographer for the Moton Community House. I thank the community for the opportunity to capture and preserve so many powerful moments. Here’s a look back:
-
A family of four posing for their first professional family portrait
-
A circle of young girls holding handmade crafts with pride
-
Mr. DeBrew at his desk, surrounded by paperwork and purpose
-
A group of smiling teens graduating from a GED class
-
Local artists performing during the annual community open mic
-
And so many more…
Each photo is a memory. Each face, a part of Newport News history.
Final Thoughts: The Spirit of Moton Lives On
It’s hard to summarize what the Moton Community House meant in a single post, let alone a few words. But if there’s one truth to hold onto, it’s this:
The Moton was never just a building—it was a living, breathing organism made up of dreams, people, and a shared desire for progress.
Though its doors are now closed, the Moton Community House remains forever open in the hearts of those it served.
And to anyone reading this today—consider honoring that legacy. Volunteer. Mentor. Teach. Document. Advocate. Because every city needs its Moton, and every generation needs a space where they can believe in their future.
Thank you, Moton Community House.
Thank you, Mr. DeBrew.
Thank you, Newport News.
Written and photographed by DJ Black HD
DJ Black HD Multimedia | Photographer | Historian | Community Advocate
