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South 7th & Commerce 

Sergeant Mel Washington is seen here leading an all black 21st Army Marching Band down South 9th, followed by an all black marching group of soldiers as they make their way past the Bostwick & Winthrop Hotel.

 

Sergeant Meltarrus “Mel” Washington came to Fort Lewis Army Base in 1944 as the drum major for the 21st Army Band. 

 

After his military service, Sergeant Washington went on to a successful music career, sharing the stage with well-known musicians like Count Basie, Quincy Jones, and Cannonball Adderly. 

 

Northwest Room at The Tacoma Public Library, General Photograph Collection MW-002

 

Learn More Here

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