Afro Lifestyle 08-30-2024

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D.C. students enjoy back to school fun

Mayor Muriel Bowser held her Back to School Day on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Fields at RFK in Washington, D.C. The event brought out families for a fun day with free food, haircuts, activities, health checks and more. Families received backpacks filled with school supplies, while some received their school uniforms. Health officials were on hand to give children their immunizations needed to enter classrooms across the District.

The event was free and open to all that attended. It was truly a fun day for all that attended as they danced to the sounds of live music and various local artists.

Thousands of bookworms flock to D.C. for National Book Festival

Thousands gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Aug. 24 for the 24th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival. The three-story convention center was full of events from book reading sessions for children, author panels, book signings and so much more related to literary success. The free event is a way to allow book lovers to gather and hear from some of their favorite authors. Attendees had an opportunity to purchase books from the 90-plus authors that were a part of the festival, as well as get them signed by the authors.

Bookworms of all ages and authors across the country gather to connect each year at the annual Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. This year’s event took place on Aug. 24 at the

Kaiden Matthews-Findley (left) and Jazmine Hall are ready for school with their backpacks.
Candesse Cameron enjoys the event with her daughter, Karis-Lillian Cameron.
Pamela A. Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, D.C., takes time out of her busy schedule to participate in the Back to School Day at RFK with Z’riyaa Wade (left) and Mekhi Wade.
Nelson Anderson receives his back to school haircut by Master Barber Renee Sterling, of Spirit by Nature.
Zion Anderson (left), Ziona Anderson, Amariyah Anderson and Zamar Anderson enjoy a free meal.
Graffiti Artist Raj Sedalia makes character drawings for Anika James (left), Quincy James, Olu Pyne and Nyirah Newton.
Families celebrate the Mayor’s Back to School Day at RFK with food, music, free haircuts and more.
All photos by Patricia McDougall
Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Children and parents enjoy the space designated for read-aloud story time sessions.
Father-daughter duo John and Ava Pendleton attend their third National Book Festival.
Soraya Walker (back, left), Shamir Cole , Winter Wynn (front, left) and Naima Johnson are all smiles at the Book Festival.
Loren Spivery ( left) and Jasmyn Marsh spend their Saturday at the Washington Convention Center, enjoying the book festival.
The line to get into the National Book Festival is long and filled with eager book enthusiasts.
Monet Walker, of Baltimore, is a frequent book festival patron. She attended the 24th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival to see her favorite writer, scifi author Christopher Paolini.
AFRO Photos / Ariyana Griffin

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights honors local leaders

On Aug. 24 the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights held their Biennial Civil Rights and Fair Housing Gala inside of The Hall at Live! Casino in Hanover, Md. The program paid homage to both Governor Wes Moore, the first Black man to lead Maryland, and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, first woman of color to be lieutenant governor, for service to the state.

Other honorees for the evening of pomp and circumstance included Superintendent of the Maryland State Police Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr., and President and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance Lisa Rice.

Comptroller of Maryland Brooke E. Lierman and Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown were recognized with Visionary Awards during the program, which featured author and activist Dr. Michael Eric Dyson as keynote speaker.

Left: Dawn Collins and Richard Collin Jr., parents of Second Lieutenant Richard W. Collins lll, work to keep the legacy of their son

Lt. Governor Aruna Miller speaks moments after receiving a Visionary Award from the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.
Stephanie Suerth, a chairperson for the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, speaks to those gathered. Suerth was appointed March 12, 2021 and will serve in her role until June 30, 2025.
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, prolific author and activist, serves as keynote speaker for the event.
Gary Monroe
alive via a foundation named in his honor.
Kirk and Nonet Sykes show up to the Biennial Civil Rights and Fair Housing Gala in style.
Model Carolyn Phillips serves up a layered look at the gala.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown receives his Visionary Award.
Acting Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Cleveland L. Horton ll (left) and Yolanda Sonnier, president of the Maryland Association of Human Relations/Rights Agencies, present an award to Major Crystal Carter Savage (center), assistant bureau chief of support services, on behalf of Bureau Personnel Command for Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr. (not shown).
Honoree Lisa Rice, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance, speaks after being recognized for her work on affordable housing.
AFRO Photos / James Fields

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