East of the River Magazine – May 2024

E AST OF THE R IVER M AGAZINE

Ten Candidates Vie to Succeed Vincent Gray in 2025 by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Meet the Ward 7 Candidates by Theo Weller 30 The Ward 8 Race: More of A Walk Than A Run by Elizabeth O’Gorek 32 Meet the Ward 8 Candidates by Theo Weller 34 How to Vote by Elizabeth O’Gorek

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

36 The Sewer Overflows to The Anacostia are No More! What’s Next? by Bill Matuszeski

What’s on Washington

39 Commission Supports Lane Re-Configuration for Dangerous Intersection: ANC 7D Report by Sarah Payne

Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

WASHINGTON LIFE44 Building C 44 Meet Your Neighbor: DC Dream Center’s Christina Henderson by Anthony D. Diallo

46 The Man from Anacostia: The Quadrennial Dissing of DC by Philip Pannell

Zero Parking Affordable Development Questioned: ANC 8F Report by Andrew Lightman PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com

Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com

EDITOR: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com

Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com

Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert at the National Cathedral

On Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m., chorus meets big band: journey through jazz, blues, and choral music in Ellington’s Sacred Concert with the Cathedral Choral Society, Heritage Signature Chorale, and Pershing’s Own US Army Blues. Washington National Cathedral throws open its doors to welcome one and all to a free celebration of DC’s own Duke Ellington. The Cathedral Choral Society and the Heritage Signature Chorale are joined by Pershing’s Own US Army Blues for a journey through Ellington’s Sacred Concert, a work he considered to be his most important. This is a free concert but register in advance. PS – There are also always last-minute seats available. cathedralchoralsociety.org.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Bourbon and Bluegrass at President Lincoln’s Cottage

On Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 1 to 5 p.m., both days, President Lincoln’s Cottage, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW, hosts its biggest annual fundraiser: Bourbon & Bluegrass. On Saturday, award-winning singer-songwriter Letitia VanSant opens the festival with her dulcet calls for social justice. VanSant’s performance will be followed by Hubby Jenkins, the Grammy-nominated multi-instrument sensation who has been a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Rhiannon Giddens Band. The final act of the day will be Adeem the Artist, a fanfavorite last year, who will be back with their catchy, Appalachian-style tunes and lyrics that probe issues of faith, gender, identity, and self-acceptance. On Sunday, Afro-futurist performer Jake Blount will return to his native DC along with Mexican-inspired Charlottesville band David Wax Museum. The festival will conclude with a performance by Senora May, the experimental songstress who hails from Kentucky, just like Old Abe. One-day admission with drinks, $70; two-day, $115. lincolncottage.org.

Narrative Art of the Plains at the American Indian Museum

From June 1, 2024 to Jan. 20, 2026, Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains celebrates the full expression of narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains. The exhibition juxtaposes historical hides, muslins, and ledger books with more than 50 contemporary works commissioned by the museum. Illustrating everything from war deeds and ceremonial events to family life, Native identity, and pop culture, the artworks are as diverse as the individuals who created them. During the 19th century elaborate scenes were painted on large canvas tipi liners, some documenting more than 100 years of history. When ledger books became available, artists filled their pages with narrative drawings. Native artists began reviving “ledger art” in the 1970s, creating a vibrant form that takes on contemporary topics, uses a variety of media, and is widely collected. americanindian.si.edu.

Martin E. Red Bear (Oglala/Sicangu/Lakota, b. 1947). Red Bear’s Winter Count, 2004. Canvas acrylic paint. 116.5 x 116 cm.

Jazz in the (Sculpture) Garden at the NGA

The National Gallery of Art’s beloved Jazz in the Garden concert series returns for the season on Friday, May 31, 6 to 8:30 p.m., with Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas. The series continues all Fridays, except July 5, through Aug. 9. To give everyone an equal chance of attending, they’ll once again offer registration through a lottery system the week before each concert. Free registration is required. nga. gov/calendar/concerts.

CiNoMatic Outdoor Movies at Alethia Tanner Park

On Wednesdays at sunset, May 8 to June 5, bring your own chair and blanket and get there early to grab your spot on the lawn. Enjoy dinner from a local DC food truck, sit back, and enjoy the show. Here’s the lineup: May 8, National Treasure; May 15, The Lost City; May 22, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou; May 29, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; June 5, The Goonies. Alethia Tanner Park is at 227 Harry Thomas Way NE. nomabid.org/annual-events/cinematic.

Art Enables Group Exhibition at Union Station

Art Enables has partnered with Amtrak through its Art at Amtrak public art program at Union Station for an exhibition that offers travelers a window into an exciting part of the DC’s rich arts community. Now on view through September, “Forward: A Group Exhibition” showcases the remarkable talent of the resident artists at Art Enables, Washington, DC’s only studio and gallery dedicated to helping artists in the disability community advance their craft, raise their profile, and earn income from their art. Curated by Art Enables’ Marissa Long, this exhibition features 30 pieces from 22 Art Enables resident artists and reflects the vibrant spirit of their community while inviting the public to explore, connect, and be inspired. If you would like to view the exhibition in person, you can do so by entering the hallways of Amtrak Gates G & L. You can also view the exhibition at art-enables.org/art-enables-at-union-station.

Amos Lee at the Warner

Amos Lee is an American singer-songwriter whose musical style encompasses folk, rock, and soul. He has recorded five albums on Blue Note Records and his music has appeared on the soundtracks of numerous TV shows and movies. Lee’s folksy, bluesy sound has been compared to that of John Prine and Norah Jones. His music recalls the low-volume, early-’70s acoustic soul of stars like Bill Withers and Minnie Ripperton. Amos Lee is at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, on Friday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $53. warnertheatredc.com.

Bonnie Raitt: Just Like That

Bonnie Raitt is an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter since 1971, when she released her self-titled debut album. Following this, she released a series of critically acclaimed roots-influenced albums that incorporated elements of blues, rock, folk, and country. In 1989, after several years of limited commercial success, she had a major hit with her tenth studio album, Nick of Time, which included the song of the same name. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. It has since been selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry. Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, on Friday, May 31, 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $86.50. warnertheatredc.com.

Photo: Sam Kittner

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

DC Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon boating is based on the 2300-year-old legend of Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a Chinese poet and statesman, who in the ultimate form of protest, committed suicide in the Mei Lo River around 278 B.C. Local fisherman who witnessed the act quickly paddled their boats to the river and thrashed the water in order to scare the fish away from eating his body. This act of thrashing the water has now evolved into the sport of dragon boating which honors Qu Yuan’s sacrifice. On Saturday, May 18, (rain date, June 15), at Thompson’s Boat Center, 2900 Virginia Ave. NW, the Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival continues this tradition through cultural and athletic demonstrations. The festival aspect of the event includes eye dotting ceremonies, lion dances, and other cultural demonstrations. Schedule of races and other activities will be online about one week before the event. dcdragonboatfestival.com.

Featured artists and old-time musicians Rachel Eddy of Arlington, VA and Sophie Wellington of Boston, MA perform at Music on the Hill, 801 D St. NE, on Friday, May 31, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.).

Music on the Hill’s Singer-Songwriter Series

Last year, as Music on the Hill prepared to celebrate its 10-year anniversary, plans for how the store might continue its success and grow its mission to provide quality musical instruments and instruction on Capitol Hill. To expand their offerings to the public, a new intimate, in-store performance series was created to focus both on local singer-songwriters and small music ensembles as well as visiting acts. Shows are typically once monthly, on a Friday or Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). $15 suggested donation—Venmo or cash at the door. Music on the Hill is at 801 D St. NE; use the side door on D Street. musiconthehilldc.com.

Tacos & Tequila at Nat’s Park

On Saturday, May 18, 4 to 7 p.m. (rain or shine), embark on an unforgettable culinary journey at Nationals Park with Tacos & Tequila as they showcase a diverse array of flavors, featuring renowned brands such as Casamigos, Casa Azul, Cincoro Tequila, Mijenta Tequila, Ana Maria, Tequila Rosa, Banhez Mezcal Astesnal, and many more. Savor tequila or cocktail tastings, delight in delectable taco samples from Pink Taco, Mission, El Teco, Surfside Tacos, and El Bebe, and witness fierce competition as vendors compete for the title of Ultimate Taco and Tequila Champion. Dance to live music and immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere bursting with flavor and excitement. General admission tickets are $75; no tasting ticket is $20. mlb.com/nationals/tickets/events/tacos-and-tequila.

Drunk Shakespeare at Sage Theater

The stage is set in a hidden venue. Five professional actors meet as members of The Drunk Shakespeare Society. One of them has five shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play. Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking... and what they’re drinking! Craft cocktails are available for purchase throughout the show. Tickets are $49, up. Drunk Shakespeare is the Sage Theatre, 1100 13th St. NW. drunkshakespeare.com.

Up Close with Paul Cezanne at the Phillips

This exhibition unveils two recently conserved works by French Post-Impressionist Paul Cezanne, Mont Sainte-Victoire (188687) and Self-Portrait (1878-80), major paintings that are part of The Phillips Collection’s holdings by the revered artist. These paintings, together with five other works in the museum’s Cezanne “unit,” will be exhibited together for the first time in decades. The conservation of Mont Sainte-Victoire and Self-Portrait reveals details previously obscured by aged, discolored varnishes while also providing insight into the artist’s process. This special installation is on display through July 14. The Phillips Collection is at 1600 21st St. NW. phillipscollection.org.

Conservation of Mont-Sainte Victoire by Paul Cezanne.

Photo: Brendan Canty

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Sunny War at the Hill Center

Los Angeles-based street singer, guitarist, and roots music revolutionary Sunny War has always been an outsider, always felt the drive to define her place in the world through music and songwriting. Her restless spirit, a byproduct of growing up semi-nomadic with a single mother, led her to Venice Beach, California, where she’s been grinding the pavement for some years now, making a name for her prodigious guitar work and incisive songwriting, which touches on everything from police violence to alcoholism to love found and lost. On Sunday, June 2, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Hill Center, 931 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, welcomes Sunny War as part of their free, outdoor American Roots Music Series. hillcenterdc.org.

DanceAfrica DC Festival at Dance Place

On Saturday, June 2, all day, get ready to sway your hips and move your feet at the 37th annual DanceAfrica DC festival. Dive into a festival bursting with the invigorating energy of dance, the rhythm of music, and the richness of tradition. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the African Diaspora through master classes and an epic outdoor festival at the 8th Street Arts Park. Picture this: live performances, an African market buzzing with excitement, and captivating oral histories. This year’s festival will have master classes and performances in the Cafritz Foundation Theater at Dance Place, 3552 Eighth St. NE, the Edgewood Arts Center, and the 8th Street Arts Park. danceplace.org/dadc2024.

The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence by Step Afrika

Using its hallmark style of percussive dance-theater, Step Afrika!’s The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence tells the story of one of the largest movements of people in United States history, when millions of African American migrants moved from the rural South to the industrial North in the 1900s to escape Jim Crow, racial oppression, and lynchings. Inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s iconic 60-panel “The Migration Series” (1940-41), this signature work from the award-winning dance company uses the images, color palette, and motifs in the painting series to tell this astonishing story through pulsating rhythms and visually stunning movement. $56 to $95. The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence is at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, from June 6 to July 14. arenastage.org.

National Memorial Day Choral Festival at the KC

Designed to honor our nation’s veterans and fallen heroes through musical tribute, this grand concert on Sunday, May 26, 2 p.m., features 200 singers representing choirs from throughout the United States as they join with the United States Air Force Band to foster greater attention toward and observe the true meaning of Memorial Day as a National Holiday. The entirely American program will include traditional patriotic favorites including America the Beautiful, Who Are the Brave?, Danny Boy, Salute to the Armed Forces, and more. Tickets are required for this free concert. kennedy-center.org.

Step Afrika!’s company performs The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence. Photo: Jati Lindsay

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Fiesta Asia Street Fair

Fiesta Asia Street Fair 2024 is Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between Third and Sixth. This annual event is known for its incredible multi-stage performance line-ups, food, unique arts and culture experiences and more. There are many ways to join them in celebrating Asian Heritage. They’re ready to welcome everyone back to the most prominent street in the nation’s capital to enjoy and celebrate Asian culture. fiestaasia.org.

Mosaic’s Mexodus at the Atlas History meets hip-hop in this groundbreaking theatrical experience that explores the often-untold stories of enslaved people in the United States who sought freedom in Mexico, rather than looking north. Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson use live-looping to create a musical in real-time, telling a unique story of the Underground Railroad that led south, highlighting the power of Black and Brown unity. $42 to $70. Mexodus is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from May 16 to June 9. atlasarts.org.

Killer Mike & The Mighty Midnight Revival

A never-before-seen concert experience! Killer Mike is more than a rapper–he’s a cultural icon. From his groundbreaking collaborations with Run the Jewels to his solo endeavors, Killer Mike’s music resonates with authenticity, raw energy, and a fearless commitment to speaking truth to power. On Tuesday, May 21, at 8 p.m., hear tracks from his newest, three-time Grammy-winning album Michael, and more, accompanied by the epic sounds of the Mighty Midnight Revival and the National Symphony Orchestra live in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. $49 to $169. kennedy-center.org.

Gladys Knight, Courtesy of Wolf Trap

Patti LaBelle & Gladys Knight at Wolf Trap

On Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m. (gates at 6:30 p.m.), “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle and “Empress of Soul”

Gladys Knight hold court at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA, with a pairing of showstopping performances. Brimming with captivating voices and soulful melodies, don’t miss a night of timeless hits including “Lady Marmalade,” “You Are My Friend,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Every Beat of My Heart.” Tickets start at $49. wolftrap.org.

Dupont Kalorama Walk Weekend

The annual Dupont Kalorama Walk Weekend encourages everyone to get out and walk. Start at any museum and choose your stops along the way. The museums are all free admission and within easy walking distance of the Dupont Circle Metro Station. Visit Anderson House, Dumbarton House, Dupont Underground, National Museum of American Jewish Military History, O Museum in the Mansion, The Phillips Collection and The President Woodrow Wilson House. Alternatively, there are several buses that run near their sites as well as the capital bike share. This year the Walk Weekend is on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., (rain or shine), each day. Find a map and details at dupontkaloramamc. com/walk-weekend.

Visitors at Anderson House

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The Matchbox Magic Flute at STC

In her acclaimed signature style, Mary Zimmerman conceives a new theatrical adaptation of Mozart’s beloved opera. Playful and imaginative, it’s big music in a small space. This “matchbox” presentation of The Matchbox Magic Flute features a cast of 10 and an orchestra of five— following the fantastic adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina. With dragons, a man who is a bird, trials by fire and water, and underground corridors, Day and Night do battle. The Matchbox Magic Flute is at the Shakespeare Theatre Company Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW, from May 21 to June 16. shakespearetheatre.org.

St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Spring Festival

Saint Sophia’s spring festival brings the best of Greek food, drink, and culture to the DC area. An annual tradition, this year’s festival will be held on May 17 to 19, on the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral grounds at 2815 36th St. and Massachusetts Ave. NW. Every evening under the stars, enjoy live Greek music played by local musicians. Spirited festival goers are welcome to join in and dance... OPA! There will be a marketplace showcasing vendors with wares including fine and costume jewelry, pottery and home goods, clothing, music, Byzantine icons, and a traditional Greek grocer. There will also be a variety of children’s games and activities. Festival hours are noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. saintsophiadc.com.

IN Series: Return of Ulysses

2024 is the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the start of official military action by the United States in Vietnam. The young souls that fought were wounded most acutely in ways that were invisible, and their return home was only the beginning of an epic struggle to live again. Monteverdi’s second opera sets the story of Trojan War hero Ulysses’ traumatic homecoming from the epic The Odyssey. IN Series will bring this rarely heard masterpiece to life with an expansive work that incorporates a new English text crafted from interviews taken with Vietnam veterans, and the Thai contemporary dance company 18 Monkeys, bringing their unique mix of modern and traditional South-East Asian Kohn dance to the production. From May 11 to 26 at Source Theater, 1835 14th St. NW, IN Series’ lauded Monteverdi Trilogy continues. $30 to $65. Tickets are free for Vietnam Veterans. inseries.org.

Jesus Christ Superstar at the National

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage May 17-19. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring. Jesus Christ Superstar is at the National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets start at $59. roadwayatthenational.com.

Photo: Evan Zimmerman for Murphymade

(Front, L-R) Billy Rude and Marlene Fernandez in The Marchbox Flute. Photo: Liz Lauren

and WARD 8 Election Special

Ten Candidates Vie to Succeed Vincent Gray in 2025

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

In December 2023, incumbent Councilmember Vincent Gray (D) announced he would not seek re-election to represent Ward 7. The race to succeed him is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested on the 2024 ballot, with ten candidates in the Democratic primary set for June 4.

Ambrose Lane, Jr., who moderated an April 13th forum held by Million Man Vote, says this is a unique election for Ward 7.

“This is a transition in leadership for the first time,” he said. “For the last almost thirty years, there’s really only been three councilmembers—and the last two have been around for quite some time.”

LEFT: Kelvin Brown, Wendell Felder, Veda Rasheed, Eboni-Rose Thompson and Ebony Payne listen to moderator Andrew Lightman, General Manager of Capital Community News, during the first panel of the Hill East Ward 7 Candidates Forum.

BELOW: Nathan Fleming, Ebbon A. Allen, Villareal “VJ” Johnson II, Denise Reed (standing) and Roscoe Grant, Jr. during the second panel of the Hill East Ward 7 Candidates Forum.

“Most of the leadership who are running are younger,” Lane said of the 2024 race. “The person who ends up winning— if they do well, they’ll probably end up being a councilmember for a long time.”

It’s also the first time Ward 7 will select a leader since the 2020 redistricting process. And it comes at a time of tremendous pressure, as residents of Ward 7 say there needs to be more focus on public safety, education and economic development. The last remains prominent as the future of RFK Campus remains at the forefront of debate even as residents want to see full plans for development at the Fletcher-Johnson development.

Crowded Field

The ten candidates include:

• educator Ebbon A. Allen;

• businessman and former f amily support worker Dwight Sinclaire Deloatch, Jr.;

• former DC Council staffer and Shadow Representative to Congress Nate Fleming.

• Hillcrest Community Civic Association Vice President and former ANC 7B Commissioner Villareal “VJ” Johnson II;

• businessman Roscoe Grant, Jr.;

• retired Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) employee and former DC Council Staffer Denise Reed;

• Secretary for Friends of Kingman Park and ANC 7D Commissioner Ebony Payne;

• ANC 7B Chair and Marshall Heights Community Development Organization Board Member Kelvin Brown;

• current Chair of ANC 7D Wendell Felder;

• Attorney and former ANC 7E Commissioner Veda Rasheed;

• Ward 7 State Board of Education Representative and former ANC 7F Commissioner Eboni-Rose Thompson.

An endorsement from incumbent Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray could really move the needle in the race. But so far, he has not come out publicly in support of a single candidate, although his Director of Communications

Chuck Thies says Gray has been paying careful attention to the election. “At present, Gray has not reached any conclusions about an endorsement,” Thies said. “He believes it is important for Ward 7 voters to pursue a similar, contemplative process about the election.”

Most agree that as of late April, there is no clear leader in the race, although Felder emerged as winner of a March 23 straw poll held by the Ward 7 Democrats. Felder had 126 votes, followed by Thompson with 81, Rasheed with 47, Payne with 35 and Brown with 18. All other candidates pulled in less than 10 each. Felder is the former chair of the Ward 7 Democrats. He took a leave of absence a few weeks after declaring his candidacy.

A Question of Interference

However, the Ward 7 Democrats straw poll happened before publication of Felder’s responses to a question about Congressional oversight on an American Civil Liberties (ACLU) candidate questionnaire.

“If a bill were passed by DC Council that diminishes the quality of life experienced by residents or poses an undue burden or threat I would advocate for Congress to overturn it,” he wrote.

Social media backlash came quickly.

In a statement published on social media April 7, Felder said that his answer actually underscores the need for statehood. He would consult with constituents, he said, but he would ask Congress to intervene if a bill threatened the wellbeing or rights of DC residents.

But six days later at the Hill East forum, Felder appeared to back away from Congressional intervention. “Under no circumstances would we support that,” he said. “Over the last ten years I’ve been fighting for statehood and I will continue to do so. It was a reflective response to a hypothetical question.”

RFK and Development

Development at RFK Campus has been a main discussion point at nearly every forum. Payne and Thompson were both a hard “no” when asked whether the NFL should return to RFK Campus. Thompson tsaid he NFL at RFK was a proposal,

“not a plan,” and that all the possibilities for the campus should be.

Of the ten candidates, only Rasheed and Reed said yes to the NFL, with Reed saying that the stadium could be a potential DC destination.

Felder equivocated. “It’s too early in the process,” he said.

Johnson opposed the NFL but said there was power and potential in developing the site, saying the difficulties must be negotiated or the community will lose the opportunity. Allen opposed the NFL, saying he had heard families want a “St. James-style facility” at the site. Fleming pointed out that there is already $25 million in the budget for a St. James-style facility at RFK and that council must keep that in the budget. Fleming did not come out in support of the NFL at RFK at any forum, saying Ward 7 needs should come first.

“The campus is too big for small ideas,” he said, arguing that there is space for affordable housing, restaurants, retail and recreation as well as a Ward 7 Innovation Hub.

At the Hill East forum, Payne pressed Felder on his non-response to the RFK question. “Part of the issue that I have with your candidacy is that we cannot get a firm yes or no answer from you on whether you are for or against building a new football stadium.”

Felder said that he wouldn’t make decisions that impact thousands of lives without all the facts. “We’re not there yet,” he said. “If there was a conversation happening about RFK going to a community like the Palisades there will be at least a year worth of community meetings and the families in Ward 7 deserve the same.”

But other candidates said that RFK was only one cog in the development machine.

“I keep getting this question about RFK stadium, but we don’t think about all of the development that’s going to occur in Ward 7 as a whole,” Rasheed said, pointing to a need to ensure infrastructure such as transportation is in place.

Allen said that on the other side of the river, the slow pace of development on the 15 acres at Fletcher Johnson is as significant a concern as RFK. Candidates such as Rasheed, Allen and Brown said they were pleased with the March announcement that an emergency servic-

es unit was in the works but wondered about progress on a promised 817 rental units and retail with community and recreational spaces.

Education

On the topic of education, all of the candidates said that schools need additional resources and more targeted programming. They all advocated for safe travel to and from school.

Johnson in particular argued that the city needs to do more to ensure educational funding gets into the schools, calling the system “top heavy.”

Most pointed to a need for DC Council to work on teacher retention and to allow schools greater autonomy in spending and teaching strategies.

Addressing DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D) as he walked into the Hill East Forum, sitting SBOE Chair Thompson said that the Community School Initiative had proven to address concerns with programming, family stability and student needs. Despite that, funding has been cut to the OSSE program. She called for reinstatement of the program and a push back on budget cuts.

Payne cited the stability of school leadership, arguing that the 12-year tenure of the principal at Friendship’s Benning campus accounts for higher scores versus those at Miner, where the past several years have seen tremendous principal turnover.

Rasheed pointed to the role of parents, saying that parent organizations provide pressure and additional funding. She said when she was at Eastern High School, parents would monitor the community and intervene with students out of class.

Fleming pointed out that 50 percent of Ward 7 students leave the ward to attend school, a transportation challenge that can exacerbate truancy. He called for more attractive school programming in Ward 7 schools, citing his work as legislative director at DC Council in bringing BARD Early College High School to Ward 7 (it has since relocated to Ward 8) and again referenced his plans for a Universal After School program, which would put 100 percent of kids into afterschool activities of their choice.

As a 53-year resident of D.C. and proud 41-year resident of the Fort Davis community of Ward 7, I have amassed a unique blend of insight, leadership and resolve that is critical for the role of Councilmember. I understand the complexities of our local government, the importance of building coalitions, and the need for strategic negotiation to drive progress.

My candidacy is built upon a foundation of extensive experience, proven and tested leadership, and a genuine love for our community. It is these qualities, coupled with a relentless pursuit of justice and equality, that makes me the right choice for Ward 7 Councilmember. Through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and a commitment to serving the best interests of our residents, l am ready to lead Ward 7 into a future characterized by growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all!

Public Safety

Public Safety

• Increase Penalties for Violent Crime

• Safer Neighborhoods for Seniors

• 100% Youth Employment

Education

• College & Career Development

• Safer Schools

• Support Educators

Economic Development

• Lower Property Taxes

• Support Small Businesses

• Age in Place for Seniors

• Established

Public safety is also a key issue and one that is linked to truancy and education. Again, nearly all candidates said that there should be increased investment in families, calling for increased out of school programs for kids and for the District to help families meet their basic needs.

Reed said that the District needs to implement better interagency cooperation at a formal level, saying that the Department of Behavioral Health, DC Health and DC Public Schools (DCPS) should work to address mental illness and domestic violence in student homes.

Many called for cadet programs as a pipeline to a larger Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) force, proposing expansion into high schools and even universities. Payne emphasized a need for more Black female MPD ofcers to be “sure that our police department re ects the vibrancy of our communities.”

Thompson suggested that District residents need to see o cers as part of the community, which would be helped if o cers were seen on the streets and in the schools. The latter would also increase o cer familiarity with youth, she said.

He also agreed that adults need to be held accountable but also cited the role of parents. “I believe that if you see more parents being reprimanded or charged with certain o enses that their children have [committed] there would be better outcomes.”

Allen said that he spoke to o cers who tell him that young people aren’t taking the system seriously because penalties for youth are relatively light. “I believe in pretrial detention because it allows youth to have to think about some of the crimes that they have committed,” he said.

Fleming said the lack of charges is linked to constitutional issues during arrest and o cers need better training. Fleming, who has been carjacked at gunpoint twice, said not all young people who use a gun during a crime are required to go before a judge; “that’s a legislative change that I would make,” he said.

More Opportunities to Hear

Many of the Ward 7 Candidate forums took place in two separate panels in an effort to accommodate a crowded eld. While some candidates had concerns with the format, attendees said it allowed them to consider each as individuals.

Felder went a step further, suggesting that the District partner with universities to cover cadet tuition in exchange for a ve-year term of service in the District and work to convert security o cers in public buildings. “Nine times out of ten, [security officers] are from the community [and] understand the needs of the community,” he said. He also proposed professionalizing violence interrupter roles to allow for proper resourcing and centralizing them in the Mayor’s O ce of Community Relations.

Some candidates took a harder line on public safety at the Hill East forum. Grant said that he would introduce legislation that would provide sti penalties to adults getting youth involved in carjacking and send a strong message. “We need more o cers,” he added.

Reed agreed that minors need to have higher charges instead of being sent home after they commit crimes.

“It highlighted points of di erence across the candidates,” Andria said after attending the Hill East forum, adding that she had reconsidered a candidate she had previously ruled out. Amy thought it allowed for a deeper dive on key issues, although she wished there were a candidate forum focused on public safety. But these panels allow her to take a closer look at individual candidates, she said.

The general election takes place Nov. 5. But DC is largely a blue city, so the June 4 primary elections often function as the main event. ◆

Villareal “VJ” Johnson is a committed public servant who has positively impacted change in Ward 7 for over 20+ years by making government work for all residents in Ward 7.

As a dedicated public servant for the last two decades, he has demonstrated his competence, capacity, and commitment, by making Ward 7 One by Building Bridges and Connecting People to what they need and want. He has served 5 terms as an ANC and Chair. He is the current President of the Hillcrest Association. He was the engagement manager for the RFK Redevelopment Fields project. His commitment to children began in the early 2000’s as an educator in DCPS, youth development organizer and program development officer in the Children Youth and Investment Trust Corporation. Before launching his campaign, Jan. 12th, he was working in DCPS running tutoring and after school programming.

As your Ward 7 councilmember, he will be engaging, responsive and accountable. As your Ward 7 councilmember, he

will call you back, listen to your concerns and put a plan in place to assist you to the best of his ability.

Villareal will push for stiffer penalties for violent offenders. He will work to ensure pretrial detention to keep and make residents feel safe.

Villareal has experience driving economic development experience with the Skyland Town Center, which will serve as a model to bring grocery retailers and other amenities to Capitol Gateway, Fletcher Johnson, and Deanwood development sites.

Villareal will fight to bring a new high quality middle school to Ward 7. He will work to find investment dollars to have more Ward 7 schools designated as “community schools.”

He is deeply impassioned and cares about all of us. He is not looking for just a job. He is looking to serve you as Ward 7 councilmember to leverage the power, authority, and influence of the position to continue making government work for ward 7 residents. u

Villareal “VJ” Johnson, our champion for Ward 7.

Meet the Ward 7 Candidates

by Theo Weller

Ebbon A. Allen

Educator and second-generation Washingtonian Ebbon A. Allen says his vision is for an inclusive Ward 7, including the rising Latino population. Citing a public safety day he held for the Benning Park community to discuss ways to tackle issues, he said the city needs to identify and break cycles to get to the root causes why violent crime happens. Allen said DC needs to support grassroots organizations helping youth deal with trauma. But he adds that if youth “do the crime they must do the time.” He said he supports pretrial detention since it gives youth time to consider their actions.

As a councilmember, Allen says he would bring a STEAM middle school to Ward 7 to provide opportunity and apprenticeships, working to extend those programs through high school. He also wants to keep recreation centers open to midnight to provide positive activity and safe spaces for youth.

Citing his family’s experience with childbirth, Allen said Ward 7 needs additional maternal health facilities, but he also called for additional support for teenaged pregnancies. As the city’s budget tightens, he would prioritize public safety and education in future District spending, adding that the Benning streetcar extension “is not a priority of mine.”

www.ebbonfor7.com

Kelvin Brown

Growing up with seven brothers, Kelvin Brown says he learned conflict resolution at a young age. A military veteran, Brown has an MBA from Alabama State University but also worked as a teacher for five years.

Brown says housing is a human right, and he would introduce bills to give DC residents first look at tax-sale properties, exempt seniors from property taxes and alleviate taxes for disabled veterans and first responders. He says that as councilmember he would increase funding to early education programming and professionals and also identify and fund promising STEAM training. The Safe Passage program is a funding pri-

ority for him in future budgets to ensure all students are safe coming to and going from school. As a councilmember, he would support additional funding for recreational out-of-school programming.

Brown says he would fully fund the United Communication Center to improve 911 response times, and restore school resource officers in schools. He says we need to support the police and ensure they are in the community, but also support families and kids “because we cannot arrest our way out of this criminal crisis that we are in.”

www.votekelvinbrown.com

Wendell Felder

Currently on leave as chair of the Ward 7 Democrats, Wendell Felder says he has been deeply involved in Ward 7 for the last 10 years. He is working toward one goal: to improve the quality of life for Ward 7 families.

Felder says one of his first bills would create a fund where the city matches parent donations and distributes funds to schools to ensure enriched educational experiences. He would like to make the Summer Youth Employment Program year-round, with spots reserved for kids with a 2.5 GPA or higher who live in a high-crime or economically disadvantaged neighborhood.

Felder says his biggest priorities are public safety,

Kelvin Brown

Ebbon A. Allen

Wendell Felder

economic development of amenities, investing and improving neighborhood schools and protecting senior citizens. He proposes augmenting the Metropolitan Police Department force by expanding the cadet program to additional universities, obligating cadets to five years of service in DC once they graduate.

www.wendellforward7.org

Nathan “Nate” Fleming

Fleming is the former shadow representative for the District of Columbia, a former legislative and committee director in the DC Council and a constitutional lawyer. Fleming has a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PhD in education from the University of Pennsylvania. He says this is the lived educational, professional experience needed to deliver for Ward 7.

Fleming cites his work on DC Council legislation, including the Ward 7 Dream Grants program and bringing Bard Early College High School to the District. Moving forward, there need to be more magnet programs in District schools, including language and technology programs, Fleming argues. He says as councilmember, one of the first things he will do is create a program at the University of the District of Columbia for people to finish incomplete college degrees.

He advocates for more DC residents to join the Metropolitan Police Department and for a push for more community engagement from officers. As councilmember, Fleming plans to build a healthcare network by ensuring that every major development project includes a healthcare benefit, from dental office to care center or senior facility. Central to his platform is a proposal for universal out-of-time programming for youth in Wards 7 and 8 and a guaranteed jobs program for youth under 30 to help build employment and employable skills. www.nate4dc.com

Roscoe Grant Jr.

Roscoe Grant Jr. is a former commissioner for ANC 7B and a 53-year District resident, 41 of those years spent living in Fort Davis. Grant points to financial mismanagement in the District, linking the $515 million pulled from the capital budget to the $500 million cut in the operational budget. He argues that the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) needs to be increased, and he advocates for an examination and reform of the mechanism by which those funds are disbursed to ensure funds are distributed fairly.

Grant says that improved health needs to start with education in the schools but adds that he wants to talk to the District Attorney General about high medical costs. He says the District needs to meet people where they are, advocating for the city to get mobile clinics to bring healthcare where it is needed.

Grant says he wants to ensure the police have an adequate budget, rejecting ideas about defunding the police. He advocates for a resurgence in neighborhood watch programs. Grant says youth need increased access to employment training, and he promotes programs like “Shoot with a Camera Not a Gun,” which positively channels creative energies.

Grant advocates for the return of vocational education to District schools and better support of teachers by increased mental health support and nurse presence in schools.

www.roscoe7.com

Villareal “VJ” Johnson II

Villareal “VJ” Johnson II is the Hillcrest Community Civic Association’s vice president and a former ANC 7B commissioner. He started working with youth more than 20 years ago on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, and says that among the candidates he has the longest track record of getting things done in Ward 7.

Johnson says Ward 7 hasn’t gotten its equitable share of the city’s prosperity over the last 10 years. “A lot of projects, no movement,” he says. He worked with Events DC until RFK and says he has the most experience with the opportunities on the campus. But further development is possible in Deanwood, he said, saying as councilmember he would guarantee a Giant store at Capitol Gateway.

Johnson celebrates the new hospital and urgent-care centers but says given that health accounts for 32% of the budget, he would push for a more extensive primary-care network throughout the neighborhoods. A former young offender himself, Johnson says public safety is a balance between preventative measure and holding violent offenders accountable. Families need support and stabilization to ensure their needs are met, but at the same time young people need to face consequences for crimes committed.

“I am the most capable, competent and committed person in this race. If you want an engaging, responsive and accountable councilmember,” Johnson says, “I’m the person.”

www.vjforward7.com

Nathan “Nate” Fleming

Roscoe Grant Jr.

Villareal “VJ” Johnson II

Join us for our Next Virtual Public Meeting Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

How to participate:

By computer: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/9162864 7160?pwd=NVdldTZiRitFODdSUVJZQVBGdHk5UT09

Passcode: anc7d Or by phone: 1-301-715-8592

Webinar ID: 91628647160 Passcode: 776540

Wendell Felder Parkside – 7D03 7d03@anc.dc.gov

Chairperson

Brian Alcorn Capitol Hill/Hill East – 7D08 7d08@anc.dc.gov

Vice Chair

Brett Astmann Rosedale – 7D07 7d07@anc.dc.gov

Treasurer

Ashley Schapitl Hill East – 7D09 7d09@anc.dc.gov

Secretary

Siraaj Hasan Eastland Gardens/ 7d01@anc.dc.gov Kenilworth – 7D01

Mike Davis River Terrace – 7D04 7d04@anc.dc.gov

Ebony Payne Kingman Park – 7D05 7d05@anc.dc.gov

Marc Friend Rosedale – 7D06 7d06@anc.dc.gov

Brianne Hill East – 7D10 7d10@anc.dc.gov

Eby-Stockert

Ebony Payne

Current secretary for Friends of Kingman Park and a commissioner on ANC 7D, Ebony Payne is a third-generation Washingtonian and a founder of RFK Futures, a community-based group advocating for community needs at the RFK campus. Opposition to an NFL stadium on the RFK site is a pillar of her campaign.

Payne says as councilmember she would work to ensure the community is put first during the redevelopment of the RFK campus, and that DC taxpayers are not foot-

ing the bill for a new football stadium.

A herbalist, her second theme is access to healthy food, which Payne says is achievable through a market built around Black producers and by leveraging the federal New Markets Tax Credit to incentivize chains to set up. That, she said, will go a long way toward improving health disparities. Finally, she prioritizes addressing crime, particularly gun violence among youth. Payne has argued that empowered leadership is a central component of a strong school, and advocates for vocational education. She supports an increased push toward community policing and says recruiting from the community, especially Black women, would help officers relate to the community.

“I want voters to think of me as someone who will bring positive change, strong leadership and who is not beholden to anyone other than the voters of Ward 7,” Payne says. www.ebonypayneforward7.com

Veda Rasheed

Attorney and ANC 7E Commissioner Veda Rasheed says she is the only candidate who has served in every branch of DC government. A former chair of the Ward 7 Young Democrats, she also worked under former Attorney General Karl Racine.

Rasheed decided to run for office after getting a call about a shooting at her child’s school. “I jumped immediately into action because I know when I’m sending my child to school I want them to be safe.” Streets are safer when police quickly catch violent offenders and hold them accountable, Rasheed says, but she also calls for greater support of youth and families and for neighborhood programs such as Cure the Streets.

Rasheed is one of the only candidates to indicate support for an NFL stadium at the RFK campus, but she argues for a wider focus on whole ward’s economic development, saying investing in youth through vocational training programs is the best way to invest in the economy. She also calls for more and stronger community development corporations in the ward, saying there need to be more community benefits agreements between neighborhoods and developers.

www.voteforveda.com

Denise Reed

Serving the District since 1993, when she got her start as a DC Council staff-

er under David Clark, Reed moved to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency. Reed supports vocational education in high schools, saying kids need a pathway to employment besides college.

Reed says many residents are unaware of the resources available to them and that agencies need to regularly come into the community to show neighbors what is available to them. Reed says she would eliminate the Fair Elections Program, calling it an unneeded District expense.

She says a key item she would push for is increased collaboration and communication across DC agencies, especially between the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Department of Behavioral Health and

Veda Rasheed

Eboni-Rose Thompson

Ebony Payne

Denise Reed

DC Health, saying that many crimes are being committed because of mental health. She also advocates for an increased MPD budget and additional officers.

Reed says she is in the race to win it. “I think I can do more for Ward 7 than anyone can imagine,” she says. www.denisereedforward7.com

Eboni-Rose Thompson

A fifth-generation Washingtonian, Ward 7 State Board of Education Representative and former ANC 7F commissioner Eboni-Rose Thompson says she makes her decisions through the lens of their impact on future Washingtonians, focusing on economic development, health and public safety.

Thompson said that oversight of contract approval and agency spending is a key responsibility of a councilmember. She said even now, as SBOE president, she is watching to ensure neighborhood schools are fully funded and is working with the deputy mayor to get quality programming into all Ward 7 schools. Thompson says the District is missing revenue opportunities by not pushing economic development along Ward 7 corridors such as a grocery store at Capitol Gateway, where commuters would shop on the way home to Maryland.

In terms of public safety, she says that officers need to be on the streets and in schools so District residents see them as part of the community. That would also build relationships with youth, helping officers to better do their work.

Thompson said the city needs to invest in youth, including school programming to keep kids in school and wraparound services to support their mental health and their families. She says she would structure a healthcare network around the new Cedar Hill Hospital, building out school-based health clinics. www.ebonirosefor7.com u

The Ward 8 Race More of A Walk Than A Run

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Three candidates are challenging incumbent Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. (D) in the June 4 Democratic , 2024 Primary Election.

Lining up against himWhite are two Democrats: former Ballou High School Principal Rahman Branch, who also served as Executive Director of the DC Office on African Affairs, and Chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8C Salim Adofo. Republican Nate Derenge is runningns unopposed in the GOP Primary, reprising his 2020 run.

There hasn’t been much chatter about the Ward 8 race since White confirmed his intent to seek re-election in last fall amid rumors that he might step down.

But the 2024 Ward 8 election is still one to watch. It is the first to take place since the decennial redistricting process concluded in 2020, changing the shape of the ward. Some of the challengers come with experience in commu-

nity organizing and government and they each bring their own perspective to key issues for voters, including public safety, economic development and the future of the ward.

A Different Landscape

The general election takes place Nov. 5. DC is largely a blue city, so the June 4 primary elections often function as the main event. However, the 2024 election is the first that will select a representative for the new cross-river wards since redistricting. In 2020, Ward 8 was expanded to include about 6,700 voters in Navy Yard. In 2021, the DC Council Redistricting Subcommittee estimated that as much as 10 percent of the voters in the Ward 8 Democratic Primary are living west of the river.

It’s not clear if that will impact the election but residents have expressed concern. Navy Yard has a reputation as a conservative part of the city; in 2020, 14 percent of Navy Yard voters cast their vote for Donald Trump. That doesn’t seem high, but it is in DC, which overall gave Trump just 5.4 percent of the vote.

The other concern is that Ward 8 has historically had a low voter turn-out relative to the rest of DC. In the June 2022 primary, 20.7 percent of eligible Ward 8 voters cast their ballot; that’s compared to 32.2 percent in DC overall. Ward 8’s new voters are being moved from Ward 6, which in 2018 had a 50 percent voter turn-out.

Will that matter? It remains to be seen. In 2020, White carried the Democratic primary with 4,050 votes of the 6,712 cast. As an attendee at a recent public meeting said, “there are 3 SMDs [Ssingle Mmember Ddistricts] on the west side of the river. That’s at least 6,000 voters. You try to get that many out on this side. Think about it.”

Development

White leans on his record. He said the District needs to infuse capital in order to keep businesses in Ward 8, citing the struggle to keep the Giant open on Alabama Avenue and the 20 new businesses opening at Sycamore & Oak (1110 Oak Dr. SE).

Republican Nate Derenge said the government shouldn’t subsidize failing businesses. “We should let businesses die and let other businesses who can provide better goods and services because of a profit incentive move into those areas,” he said, also calling for the District to auction lots for development to the highest bidder.

At recent forums, Derenge has acted as a foil to White, whom he used as representative of DC Council decisions. White said the District needs to be involved in economic development. “Developers are in business to make money so DC needs to make sure they are good for communities,” the incumbent said, citing Community Benefit Agreements (CBA) which ensure developers invest in the community.

Branch said development is itself an economic driver, linking it to both household economics and amenities. “We’re building up and developing the workforce of our ward with folks who have the money to now have the taxable income that brings big box stores here,” he said.

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. At the opening of Cedar Hill Urgent Care. E. O’GorekCCN

Salim Adofo at an April 30th candidate forum. Photo/ E’Gorek

Adofo agreed, saying development needs to guarantee resident participation. But, he said, that means across multiple skillsets, from plumbers to engineers as well as policy experts. Pointing to the new Bridge District (Colombian Quarters) and the nascent Congress Heights BID, Adofo said there’s opportunity, “but we also have to develop the people who even understand what it means to build up the economy,” starting with high school programs.

Food Grocery Desert

Asked about healthy food options, Adofo cited the closure of Good Food Markets, saying that stores need to reflect neighborhood needs and sell what people want at prices they can afford. He called on the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to fund new supermarkets and scale up farmer’s markets that already exist. White said he was disappointed in the closure of Good Foods but pointed to the Fresh Food Factory opening at Sycamore Oaks and his work with food justice non-profit DC Greens.

Branch suggested the ward leverage healthy food grants to motivate smaller stores to add to their selection, arguing that businesses already in the ward should be supported. He emphasized that improvements in the workforce would lead to additional amenities, including grocery stores. “I can’t stress enough developers make decisions on where they’ll do business based upon the tax base in that community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Derenge said that reducing crime would motivate businesses to move into the neighborhoods, linking a lack of fresh food options to the low federal prosecution rate.

Public Safety

How to get guns off the street was a question posed in multiple forums. White said the guns come from other cities. He argued that DC has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, pointing to stricter legislation targeting ghost guns passed by council in 2022. White said that the District needs to work with federal offices, referencing the US Attorney, to improve prosecution rates.

Both Branch and Adofo called for greater collaboration among law agencies. Branch focused on the more than 20 law enforcement agencies operating in the District, saying they need to work together across jurisdictions to identify who is selling and trafficking guns. Adofo pointed to Maryland and Virginia, saying “we don’t manufacture guns in DC or sell them at Walmart,” and arguing that loose gun laws there lead to more guns in the District. He called for more stringent enforcement in the District, praising a recent increase in traffic stops that led to recovery of illegal guns but also noting this requires a balance with ensuring officers aren’t violating civil rights.

In terms of wider public safety, White said the District needs a comprehensive plan. “Every other month there’s something new,” he said, referencing Building Blocks, a program intended to provide intense wraparound services for 151 city blocks identified as high need. “We haven’t

heard about it in four years,” he said.

On the topic of public safety challenges, Adofo said that the District needs to address truancy and chronic absenteeism. “Staying in school will help kids develop critical thinking skills and improve the community and keep it safe,” he said.

But Branch cited his experience in teaching, arguing that while youth are linked to safety issues, the city needs to identify where challenges come from and what alternatives look like to set them up for success. He proposed a youth council to work with DC Council.

Referendum on White’s Performance

For all the discussion and debate, in the end the election itself may boil down to a referendum on White’s performance since he was first elected in 2016.

“He could simply go on vacation between now and the primary and he’d be fine,” one wag wrote on social media in March. White hasn’t done that, appearing at most of the forums he’s been invited to. So far, none have asked him questions about how he is running his campaign after shutting down his campaign finance committee in the face of more than $80,000 in fines from the DC Office of Campaign Finance linked to both his 2020 re-election run and his unsuccessful 2022 run for Mayor.

At an April 12 forum, White credited himself with getting funding for Ward 8 schools back after deep cuts in the 2020 budget, working with then Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie to get violence prevention programs in Ward 8. He also took credit for new recreation centers in Ward 8 (including Ferebee-Hope, Anacostia, Congress Heights, Fort Greble).

White said he had been working in the community since he was 17, saying he was the only candidate with the experience to get things done on council.

”I’m not just talking the talk but I’m working each and every day to fulfill those promises here in our ward,” he said.

Adofo cited White’s tendency to vote “present” or absent on DC Council, saying “I want to thank him for a service but it’s time we move in a different direction.

I am somebody who will make decisions,” in particular saying that rather than voting “present” on the Secure DC bill he would have come out to the communities to talk to them “and I would have got up on the dais and voted yes.”

Branch urged voters to look back at the incumbent’s record, telling voters to see if they’re happy with roads, youth violence, education, and affordable housing. “Those are the things that you get to look at and determine if you want to try an alternative to what you had,” he said.

The Ward 8 Democrats hold their Ward 8 Councilmember Candidate Forum May 18. Time and location were not finalized at press time. Get information at www.ward8dems.com u

Rahman Branch. Courtesy the campaign

Nathan “Nate” Derenge. Courtesy the campaign

Meet the Ward 8 Candidates

Salim Adofo (D)

by Theo Weller

“A people without vision will perish,” Adofo has said. He says the issues in Ward 8 aren’t new ‒ but it is time for a leader with a vision and foresight who can connect the community for one common cause. Adofo says he is the one.

Elected to Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8C in 2018 and chair since 2021, Adofo is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia and a US Army veteran. Adofo says it is time for new leadership with a vision for the community.

During his time on ANC 8C, Adofo established the Ward 8 STEM Academy, which serves elementary and middle schoolers. He has also had success in improving road safety in Ward 8 and as a tenant organizer.

His platform centers on improving housing quality by supporting tenant associations, reducing Ward 8 healthcare disparities by reducing costs and increasing health awareness, as well as making citizens safer by reducing truancy, using data-driven components in the Secure DC act to bene t the community and ensuring adequate family supports.

www.salimadofo.com

Rahman Branch (D)

Rahman Branch doesn’t t the prototypical background of councilmembers, who usually start in local politics as members of ANCs. Branch was the principal of Ballou High School from 2008 to 2014, when, he says, test scores improved while suspensions and in-school violence decreased. From 2015 to 2019, Branch was the executive director of DC’s O ce on African American A airs. Branch created Financially Fit

DC, an initiative intended to help Washingtonians achieve nancial freedom. He has a master’s degree in leadership from Georgetown University.

Branch has worked to make sure government agencies move the needle for development in Black communities and to ensure it is done in ways that honor the wishes and needs of residents. He believes that Ward 8 needs to address public safety from a public health standpoint. He argus for a reallocation of educational resources education to make Ward 8 home to schools of choice. He argues for increased access to jobs that earn a living wage as a method of ensuring home ownership.

Making people safer, Branch argues, involves supporting alternatives to violence for youth, wraparound family services and vocational training. It is also crucial, he says, to make housing more a ordable, increase literacy and equip youth with nancial skills.

Nathan “Nate” Derenge (R)

Nate Derenge moved to Fairlawn nine years ago and is the sole Ward 8 Republican candidate to seek election to the DC Council. He was also the Republican nominee in 2020. Derenge says he is generally against government programs, preferring to address community issues through nonpro ts, churches and businesses in the neighborhoods.

The District, Derenge says, needs to examine spending, given that the budget has increased by $4 billion since 2019 despite a decrease in population. He calls for greater pressure on the US Attorney’s O ce, arguing for increased prosecution to improve public safety. Acknowledging the limitations of home rule, Derenge nonetheless is not an

advocate of statehood believing it is a heavy lift requiring a constitutional amendment. At an April 30th forum, he suggested that those who want senatorial representation could move to another jurisdiction.

Derenge’s platform proposes making housing more a ordable by shutting down the DC Housing Administration (DCHA) altogether. He proposes spending cuts by eliminating what he calls “special interest programs” such as violence interrupters, and reducing health disparities by not allowing certain unhealthy foods to be bought using Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program Electronic Bene ts Transfer (SNAP EBT).

www.nateward8.com

Trayon White (D)

Trayon White is the incumbent candidate and has held Ward 8’s council seat since 2017. Before that, White was the Ward 8 representative on DC’s State Board of Education (SBOE). White attended Ballou High School and founded nonpro t Helping Inner City Kids Succeed (HICKS).

White has signi cant support, getting 58.2 percent of votes in the 2020 Democratic primary and 78.8 percent of votes in the 2020 general election. He stands on his record, citing his work on the Dream Grants and the Ward 8 Investment Fund, six new recreation centers delivered or in the works for the ward, a new senior center slated for Kramer Middle School and new businesses at Sycamore Oak. But to retain his seat, White will have to overcome bad press from several past controversies, including news that he owes about $80,000 in nes from past campaigns.

White says he wants to restore funding to emergency rental and home-purchase programs. He also plans to work to make housing more a ordable, especially for seniors, expanding economic opportunities by increasing nancial literacy and making Department of Parks and Recreation facilities easier to rent by residents.

No website at press time. ◆

MR.HENRY’S

PENNSYLVANIA

5/4 - Bobby Muncy

5/9 - Dave Kline and Tim Kaine

5/10 - Stickman

5/11 - Jeff Weintraub

5/16 - Capital City Voices

5/17 - Kevin Cordt

5/18 - Christopher Prince

5/23 - Pop Chicks

5/24 - Cindy Moses

5/25 - Chip Shelton

5/30 - Kaiyla Gross

5/31 - Jack Irby Mon-Fri 11am – 1:30am Sat & Sun 10:30am – 1:30am

How to Vote

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

The primary election is June 4. This is when voters a liated with particular parties choose their candidates for o ce in the general election.

The general election takes place Nov. 5 and will involve the candidates selected by each party and those running as independents. However, DC is largely a blue city, so the primary elections often function as the main event.

As of May 5, 2024, all residents over 18 who have lived in DC for 30 days can register to vote in local elections, provided they are not registered to vote or claim residence in another country It does not matter how they entered the U.S. This year, noncitizen residents can vote for councilmembers (at-large and in ward of residence) but cannot vote in federal elections.

Voters who registered as a Republican, Democrat or DC Statehood Green by May 14 are eligible to vote in their party primaries. Registered independents do not vote in the primary. The DC Board of Elections (DCBOE) started mailing ballots to voters on April 29. Voters can mail them back immediately and track them online (https://votedc.ballottrax.net/voter/), but they must be postmarked by June 4 and received by June 14.

Alternatively, ballot drop boxes are set to open May 10 and will accept ballots until 8:00 p.m. on June 4.

Early voting takes place in person between May 26 and June 2 (except Memorial Day, May 27), from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at any of 25 vote centers. 75 centers will be open on primary election day (June 4) from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Voters do not have to go to any particular voting center. A full list of early and day-of-voting centers is at https://www.dcboe.org/voters/ nd-out-where-tovote/vote-center-locator-tool.

A registered voter will not need any particular identi cation to vote, except at same-day voter registration, when proof of residence will be required. That can include a DC-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or REAL ID), a government check or paycheck, a bank statement, a current utility bill, a lease or any o cial document that includes the voter’s name and current District address.

Those who are incarcerated, regardless of the o ense, can vote. If they are under court supervision or residing at a halfway house after release, they can vote. Residents who received a mailed absentee ballot, and were released from incarceration before it arrived, may vote at any voting center during early voting or at any voting center on Election Day. Upon release, they should contact the Board of Elections to make any updates to their mailing address.

DCBOE usually posts results for mail and early in-person voting shortly after polling places close on Election Day, followed by the day-of results. But nothing is o cial until results are certi ed, tentatively scheduled for July 3.

Limited races: DC Councilmembers for Ward 2, 4, 7 and 8; ward-based committee members of the DC Democratic State Committee.

Citywide races: DC Councilmember At-Large, Delegate to the House of Representatives, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Presidential Preference.

Find out more about the June primaries by visiting www.dcboe.org/ Elections/2024-Elections. ◆

Mail Ballot Drop Box Locations

WARD 7

Capital View Library

5001 Central Ave. SE

Deanwood Library

1350 49th St. NE

Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Library

3935 Benning Rd. NE

Francis A. Gregory Library

3660 Alabama Ave. SE

Sixth District Police Station

5002 Hayes St. NE

Benning Ridge Service Center (DMV)

4525 Benning Rd. SE

Penn Branch Center (Backside Parking Lot)

3202 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Ridge Road Community Center

830 Ridge Rd. SE

Rosedale Library

1701 Gales St. NE

WARD 8

Anacostia Library

1800 Good Hope Rd. SE

Parklands-Turner Library

1547 Alabama Ave. SE

Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Library

115 Atlantic St. SW

Seventh District Police Station

2455 Alabama Ave. SE

The ARC

1901 Mississippi Ave. SE

Department of Human Services

2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE

Hendley Elementary School

425 Chesapeake St. SE

Patterson Elementary School

4399 South Capitol Terrace SW

Fort Stanton Recreation Center

1812 Erie St. SE

The Capital Community News

AT-LARGE CANDIDATE FORUM

Monday, May 20, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE PROPOSED POLICY CHANGE TO 2024 ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN AND ADMISSIONS AND CONTINUED OCCUPANCY POLICY

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and Comment Period to solicit comments on the agency’s proposed policy change to its 2024 Administrative Plan and Admissions and Occupancy Policy (ACOP).

To request a copy of the proposed Administrative Plan or ACOP changes, please call 771-240-4377, send an email to publiccomments@dchousing.org, or download from the DCHA website at www.dchousing.org/AdminPlan.

The Public Hearing will take place online at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21. To join the live event, please visit https://www.dchousing.org/ PublicHearing at that date and time, and when prompted enter 2316 709 3926 and webinar password tdPvMefh957. This event will also be live streamed at DC Housing Authority’s Facebook page.

Comments

Written comments regarding the proposed policy change to its 2024 Administrative Plan and ACOP will be accepted through 11:59 p.m., Saturday, June 3

Email your comments to publiccomments@dchousing.org Alternatively, you can mail comments to:

District of Columbia Housing Authority Office of the General Counsel Attn: General Counsel 300 7th Street, SW 10th Floor Washington, DC 20024

Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation

DCHA strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. It is the policy of DCHA that all agency-sponsored public meetings and events are accessible to people with disabilities. DCHA is committed to providing equal access to events for all participants & residents with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or assistance in participating in a meeting or event due to a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact our ADA/504 Program Office at 202-535-1000 or at ADA504@dchousing.org with your complete request. Every reasonable effort will be made to meet your request.

If you need a sign language interpreter or foreign language interpretation or translation, please contact our Office of Customer Engagement at 202-535-1000 or go to www.dchousing.org/language Please allow at least 5 business days to make the necessary arrangements.

neighborhood news

The Sewer Overflows to The Anacostia are No More! What’s Next?

by Bill Matuszeski

The Anacostia River is on the mend. Water quality is steadily improving, habitat is recovering, wildlife is returning, and the goal of a swimmable, fishable river is within reach, though perhaps not by the deadline we have come to expect. “The longstanding goal for the Anacostia River has been swimmable and fishable by 2025,” Chris Williams, the President and CEO of the Anacostia Watershed Society, told me recently. “It looks like we’re going to meet the goal only partially, but we are making great progress and success is within reach.”

Chris is a longtime resident of the DC region and the Anacostia watershed who took the reins of AWS in 2021. He brought with him a depth of experience doing river conservation work nationally and internationally at American Rivers and World Wildlife Fund, bringing a new point of view to the work of restoring our neighborhood rivers and streams. “All river conservation work is local, whether you are in Africa, Asia, or the District of Columbia,” says Williams, “but I’d hoped I could bring some big picture perspective with me as I dove (figuratively and literally) into my local watershed.”

Sewer Overflows

A few years ago parts of DC got regular overflows from the DC’s combined sewers which were installed a century or so ago when it was thought to be no problem to connect the sewer overflows to the river. This was done in that time for sewers throughout the world, but as DC installed more buildings and paving, overflows occurred more and more, and separate sewers were installed outside of center city. As urban centers grew and pavement moved the water faster and further, the combined sewers were often overwhelmed.

The choice became to have the water back up and fill the basements of houses in a storm, or install valves to open up the sewers to discharge the raw sewage into the rivers and streams of the city. Thus the water bodies in all our old urban areas carried sewage to bigger rivers where it would hopefully spread out and be absorbed.

Massive Storage Tunnels

Now, Our River, the Anacostia, is celebrating. A new system of tunnels surrounding the older parts of the City, where combined sewage and street sewer runoff remain, now feeds underground tunnels the size of subway tunnels. They can store overflow until the treatment plant on the Potomac in Anacostia across from National Airport can handle it.

This tunnel system that has been designed and completed for the Anacostia is not only the most advanced

and effective in our metropolitan area, it promises results that may well be the best in the nation. So this year for the first time we should begin to see an Anacostia River that is cleaner and clearer. How much cleaner and clearer is hard to tell because the combined sewage cleanup is only one part of the variety of actions needed to meet our goals for the Anacostia as a place to swim, to catch fish to eat, and to enjoy as a worthy addition to neighborhoods along both sides and up and down the stream.

So let us rejoice in the progress we have made and learn how much it needs to be augmented by other actions that we need to take. There is much more we can do and must do to restore our streams and the branches of the Anacostia. But with the heavy load from the combined sew-

Lower Beaverdam Creek runs along Route 50 in Maryland, from the Beltway to the Anacostia, picking up industrial pollutants of all kinds from abandoned, buried, and new industries.

National Arboretum: The restored and lively Springhouse Run enters Hickey Run, a black and polluted lifeless waterway enroute to the Anacostia from above New York Avenue.

ers now under control, what remains is more doable and less costly if we all get behind it and keep the pressure on.

Other Sources of Pollution

One problem is that, with all the attention given to the combined sewer overloads and what to do about them, it has been di cult to get an idea of the other sources of pollution, their relative importance and how costly it would be to clean them up. But we must follow up on these other sources if we want the River and its tributaries to be safe.

There is only limited understanding of how much sewage has accumulated in the water and the soil at the bottom and the shorelines of the streams and rivers. Should this be allowed to clear up on its own now, or are there places where it needs to be removed?

While guring this out, we also need to check for pollutants that get in the water or on the shoreline from sources other than sewers–pipes from nearby factories (even those no longer in use), runo from development, etc.

Another area to keep in mind are shallows that are used by canoes and other small vessels. There are often proposals to deepen these shallows, but they may well be exactly where the stream slows and drops what it is carrying, which may be toxics that would be stirred up by the deepening. It is hard to keep the toxics from polluting the river. We need to avoid creating new problems while solving old ones.

One of few remaining hot spots for

pollution entering the Anacostia from its streams is at the boundary between Maryland and DC. There are two streams there with major problems yet to be addressed, Lower Beaverdam Creek in Maryland and Hickey Run in the District. Beaverdam runs along Route 50 in from the Beltway, and picks up a large amount of toxics passing over old industrial sites, many of which have new and cleaner buildings, but have kept the toxic soils and water below or along side.

Hickey Run enters the Arboretum under New York Avenue and is lled with toxics of all kinds from neighborhoods and industries in DC to the north. Its cleanup has been delayed by resistance from homeowners and businesses. Not only that, one e ort by the city to capture and treat the Hickey Run pollution has failed with an ine ective treatment attempt in the Arboretum just south of where the water passes under New York Avenue.

The nal story is in the Arboretum, which worked hard with the DC Government to clean up Springhouse Run. It entered the Arboretum under New York Avenue fairly clean and was rejoined to a pond and discharged to a eld and stream below it. It runs clean and clear, and has been such a welcome to all manner of birds, beavers, and other critters that it creates a very special natural area surrounded by elds and forests. The only problem is that it must get to the Anacostia by joining the dirty Hickey Run. So we are back to the problem of pollution in old Hickey Run. Meanwhile, don’t miss Springhouse Run and what can be the future life and look of the Anacostia. ◆

View from the River Terrace Park in Anacostia.

Zero Parking Affordable Development Questioned ANC 8F Report

by Andrew Lightman

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8F (ANC 8F) met on April 23. Commissioners Nic Wilson (treasurer, 8F01), Rick Murphree (vice chair, 8F02), Brian Strege (secretary, 8F03) and Edward Daniels (chair, 8F04) and Clayton Rosenberg (8F05) were in attendance. This was the commission’s second hybrid meeting. was absent

NRP Group (www.nrpgroup.com)and the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO, www.mhcdo.org) plan to build an apartment building on the corner of Tingey Street and New Jersey Avenue SE, behind the US Dept. Transportation. The 12-story structure will house 127 units and 2,5000 square feet of ground floor retail. It sits directly to the west of an existing historic structure slated for retail development. 32 percent of the apartments will be three-bedroom units appropriate for families. The project is 100 affordable with a mix of units reserved for renters whose incomes qualify at 80, 50 and 30 percent of Area Medium Income (AMI).

The parcel is governed by the terms of the 2003 Planned Unit Development (PUD), which foresaw a one-story 4,000 square foot retail structure, which was never built. NRP and MHCDO asked the commission’s support for a change of the PUD that would rezone the parcel MU-9 to allow highdensity, mixed-use development. In addition to the zoning change, the developers are asking for relief from several regulations. First, the project will provide zero parking for residents and no onsite loading, both usually required. Lastly, the site yard will only be five rather than the 21 feet.

NRP and MHCDO plan to seek the approval of the DC Zoning Commission for the project in June or July.

The District’s budget crunch has made the development of affordable housing much more financially challenging, stated NRP Vice President of Development Chris Marshall. The elimination of parking significantly reduces the project’s cost, making it fundable. Moreover, the parcel has no curb cuts. The developers are currently in conversations with DDOT to resolve loading issues, he stated. They are asking for a Pickup Drop Off (PUDO) be provisioned next to the adjacent historic building. The project will provision substantial onsite bike parking.

Vice Chair Murphree loved the project, considering it

a good use of space. However, he remained concerned about the zero parking. Where are residents going to park given the absence of curbside parking on the surrounding streets? he asked. Family units generate more vehicles, he pointed out. “Love the family units, but this is a complex one to figure out,” he stated.

The transportation aspects of the project are a challenge, Chair Daniels agreed. How are For Hire Vehicles (FHVs) going to drop off residents? Where does a US Mail or UPS truck pull up? he asked. “There is absolutely no place to stop in that area,” he pointed out, delivery services currently park in the travel lanes.

(TOPP, www.ddot.dc.gov/page/traffic-operations-andparking-plan-baseball-park), which governs traffic on game and event days at both stadiums. Chair Daniels asked colleagues for their general observations, which he proposed to gather into a memo to be sent to DDOT.

Strege was not as concerned about the transportation challenges as his colleagues, citing the future availability of Nats lots for residential parking needs.

Commissioner Rosenberg advised the developers to give serious attention to their building’s future security arrangements, given the issues in other Navy Yard buildings. He suggested they “think out of the box.” NRP and MHCDO have a great deal of experience in property management of affordable residential communities, Marshall replied. They are planning community building amenities including an indoor playground and a career training center on the ground floor.

No construction traffic plan has been finalized with DDOT, stated Marshall.

Marshall pledged to return to the commission’s May meeting with more details about the project’s parking and loading. The commission took no vote on the matter.

TOPP Continues to Spin

Commissioners commented on the Dept. of Transportation’s (DDOT) Traffic Operations and Parking Plan

Chair Daniels began with his observations. Given the District’s and DDOT’s commitment to encouraging alternatives to automobiles, he did not understand the practice of Traffic Control Officers (TOCs) employing government vehicles to travel to from DDOT’s Navy Yard headquarters to their game day assignments. Those cars are typically parked illegally in bike lanes obstructing traffic.

Three of the intersections traversed by the new protected bike lanes on M Street SE still lack controlling signals, Chair Daniels pointed out. This creates dangerous conflicts between car drivers and cyclists.

The Thompson Hotel’s valet operations are creating chaos on game days, Chair Daniels stayed. The issue is the ill-defined PUDO.

Chair Daniels requested the “streetery” DDOT licensed in front of Blue Jacket be removed, since it blocks a loading zone. Trucks are parking in the travel lane to unload, creating dangerous road congestion, he stated. At the intersection of New Jersey Avenue and H Street SE, he suggested adding flashing lights to the stop signs to increase their visibility.

Vice Chair Murphree objected to the lack of planning

A rendering of the 100 percent affordable apartment building planned for the corner of Tingey Street and New Jersey Avenue SE. Rendering: Courtesy of NRP Group.

for deliveries on Vann Street SE. He suggested the road be made a one-way and provisioned with a PUDO and a loading zone. He also requested the assignment of TCOs to the street. Murphree also complained about the blocking of the alley next to the Public Storage facility at 1230 S Capitol St. SE, which is forcing residents to make a complicated detour to enter their parking garages.

Secretary Strege advised the replacement of the ex posts protecting two-way bike lanes with concrete bollards. Cars are running over the ex posts to illegally park, he stated.

Lastly, the Chair complained about event manager Live Nation. The rm is ignoring the TOPP completely in provisioning its support trucks, he stated.

The commission unanimously voted to empower the chair to send a memorandum to DDOT incorporating their concerns.

Public Safety

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Lieutenant Kenneth Taylor and Captain McCall Tyler briefed the commission on public safety. Crime is in general substantially down, the two reported. Police are following up the ransacking of the CVS by teens and adults, they said. Police will be organizing Apple Airtag and club giveaways.

Chair Daniels complained about the failure by property management companies to x broken garage doors in large apartment buildings. Police are also concerned, stated Captain Tyler. O cers are conducting conducting safety assessments of apartment buildings, starting with the Harlow.

The commission supports Brook eld Properties for Parcel F time extension for developing an o ce building. The o ce market is contracting. So it is hard to get a tenant.They are asking for a two year extension.

Other Matters

Commissioners met with the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) to explore interim uses for their vacant land. DCHA believes no development will take place on the three parcels, Strege stated. Commissioners requested DHA open the two surface lots currently employed as Nats and event parking to residents and workers for daily and monthly parking. They also urged DHA to adequately maintain the third fenced parcel. The Capitol Riverfront BID is exploring alternative uses for that land, Strege reported.

The commission voted to:

• support the MS Walk on April 28;

• write to the new ambulance company Emergility advising them to respect parking regulations.

ANC 8F’ s next meeting is scheduled for May 14 DDOT Headquarters at 250 M St. SE at 7 p.m. For more information, visit anc8f.org. ◆

Commission Supports Lane Re-Con guration for Dangerous Intersection

ANC 7D Report

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met April 9 via Zoom. Commissioners Siraaj Hasan (7D01), Commissioner Mike Davis (7D04), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, vice chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09), secretary) and Brianne Eby-Stockert (7D10) were in attendance. Commissioner Wendell Felder (7D03, chair) was absent. Single Member District 7D02 remains vacant.

Several tra c safety incidents, including one resulting in severe injury, have taken place at the intersection of 16th Street, North Carolina Avenue and C Street NE. As a result, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) plans to recon gure the intersection to help improve tra c safety along the corridor.

The current lane con guration on the roadway “confuses drivers” and has caused vehicle crashes. DDOT plans to implement a new lane con guration by removing the outer right turn lane to 16th Street NE and designating the middle lane for tra c continuing through to C Street. The agency has noti ed the commission of its plans to designate the inner lane for left turns to North Carolina Avenue NE.

These changes will not impact any of the bike lanes or parking spaces along the road.

Vice Chair Alcorn expressed support for the project noting its importance for public safety along the corridor. He emphasized the importance of additional signage to help drivers see more clearly where the road will split.

The “dangerous intersection,” Treasurer Astmann said, would bene t from the proposed changes. “I think DDOT’s proposal seems like a good one, and I think our suggestion that they add some additional early signage really strengthens the design.”

The commission voted to write to DDOT in support of the project and request additional signage in advance of where the roadway will split to provide drivers su cient warning.

Other Matters

Sean Moore of DC Water briefed the commission on the Lead Free DC program plans to eliminate all lead service lines from the District. Elliot-Hine Middle School student, Vivian, shared her community project, focused on spreading awareness to residents living in homes that have been identi ed as potentially having lead pipes, with the commission.

ANC 7D will meet next on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend at 7d0761.wixsite. com/anc7d-1.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆

Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future: 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

On Friday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the National Museum of African American History and Culture commemorates and explores the legacy of the historic US Supreme Court decision to end the segregation of America’s schools and educational institutions. In collaboration with the NAACP, through multiple panel discussions throughout the day, the program features Cheryl Brown Henderson, daughter of Oliver L. Brown in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas; John Stokes of Prince Edward County, Virginia, where schools remained closed for ve years rather than comply with the 1954 ruling; and the surviving members of the Little Rock Nine. Admission to this special program is free but requires registration at www.nmaahc.si.edu.

Washington School for Girls Breaks Ground on THEARC Campus

On May 1, the Washington School for Girls, an all-scholarship, independent Catholic School serving girls in third through eighth grades, primarily from Wards 7 and 8, broke ground on its $25 million expansion at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus, in partnership with Building Bridges Across the River. Currently, WSG’s student population is split between two campuses, with middle schoolers attending classes at THEARC and third through fth graders attending the View campus on Morris Road SE. The new building will allow for the instruction and advancement for all students to take place in one location. www.washingtonschoolforgirls.org

Free Dance for Parkinsons Classes at THEARC

DC DPR Outdoor Pools Open for the Season

DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) outdoor pools will open for the season on Memorial Day weekend and remain open for weekends only until school lets out. Pools that reach maximum capacity will follow a “one in, one out” policy. All DPR pools are free for DC residents and require a paid membership for non-DC residents. Non-DC residents may purchase a daily outdoor pool pass or a pass that will last the entire 2024 season. DPR pools remain open if it rains, as long as lifeguards are able to see the bottom of the pool. Pools close immediately at the rst sign of lightning. Locate an outdoor pool at www.dpr.dc.gov/ page/outdoor-pools.

The Washington Ballet now o ers free Dance for Parkinsons Disease, also known as Dance for PD, at its Southeast campus located at THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. The classes are held on Thursday afternoons from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and are open to all area residents. Dance for PD can enhance quality of life for many patients and is frequently recommended by neurologists and movement-disorder specialists around the world. www.washingtonballet.org

Volunteer Event at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

On Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, participate in a variety of park stewardship activities such as invasive plant removal, litter collection, ower-bed weeding and more. Some activities involve working in shallow ponds (waders provided). This event will run

rain or shine. Dress accordingly and plan to work outside. Space is limited, but walk-up registration is available if space permits. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is at 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. Register at www.kenaqgardens.org.

Wards Seven and Eight Spray Parks

DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) spray parks have standard operating hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Each spray park is o ine for a few hours each week for maintenance. Ward 7 spray parks are: Benning Stoddert Recreation Center, 100 Stoddert Pl. SE; Fort Davis Spray Park, 1400 41st

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages.You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC4ME is offered to current fulltime District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

St. SE; Marvin Gaye Park at Division Avenue, Division and Foote streets NE; Marvin Gaye Recreation Center, 6201 Banks Pl. NE. The Ward 8 spray park is Fort Greble Recreation Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Elmira Street SW. www.dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks

Texas Avenue Dog Park Opens

Texas Avenue Dog Park, 4600 Texas Ave. SE, opened on Friday, May 10. This is the rst dog park East of the River. www.texasaveribbonecutting.splashthat.com

Mixed-Media Doll-Making Workshop at the ACM

On Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., join artist and doll-maker Francine Haskins for a workshop with handstitched, soft sculpture, mixed-mediaber dolls. Participants will create dolls to tell a story from their life or the life of someone they know. Basic sewing knowledge is helpful but not required. Spaces are limited. Registration is required at www.anacostia.si.edu/events. Francine Haskins, a DC native, is a founder of 1800 Belmont Arts, an African-American Black art collective in Washington, DC. The Anacostia Community Museum is at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. www.anacostia.si.edu

On View at Phillips@THEARC: Joel Crooms

Capital Pride Parade

The Capital Pride Parade is on Saturday, June 8, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. The new parade route starts at 1844 14th St. NE and ends at 919 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. The parade family area, which features fun and children’s activities, is at Stead Park from noon to 5 p.m. www.capitalpride.org

Early June Pride Month Activities and Events

At the Pride LGBTQ+ Tour of Congressional Cemetery on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (rain or shine), nd out who is buried there, including many of the founders of the modern gay rights movement, and learn about DC’s role in the history of the LGBTQ rights movement. Also on June 1, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy Pride Family Day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Thursday, June 6, at 6:45 p.m., is Pride Night Out at Nats Park, where the Nats play the Atlanta Braves. The Capital Pride O cial Opening Party RIOT is on Friday, June 7, from 8 to 11 p.m., at EchoStage, 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE. Pride on the Pier (at The Wharf) is on June 8, from 2 to 10 p.m., with reworks at 9 p.m. The Capital Pride Festival and Concert is Sunday, June 9, noon to 10 p.m., at Third Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, food, drink and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors. www.capitalpride.org

Multimedia artist Joel Crooms has traveled around the country but has called Southeast DC home since 2016. His showing is part of the Digital Window Exhibitions, which seeks to connect and work with artists in the greater DC region. The exhibition is located at Phillips@THEARC West, 1801 Mississippi Ave. SE, and is visible on the west window daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.phillipscollection.org/thearc

Art-Making Events at Phillips@THEARC

On Wednesday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy HandsOn Drawing with Light, and work with fellow artists to create a masterpiece. On Wednesday, June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., join the Community Crochet Circle led by Dwayne Lawson-Brown, where the worlds of ekphrastic poetry, visual art, and textile craft intertwine. All skill levels and ages are welcome. On Wednesday, June 26, from 6 to 8

p.m., enjoy Hands-On with Collaging, led by local artist Joel Crooms. All materials provided. No experience necessary. Registration required. Phillips@THEARC is located at THEARC West: 1801 Mississippi Ave. SE. www.phillipscollection.org/thearc

Architectures of the Future: Sustainable Architecture Challenge

On Saturday, May 25, noon to 2 p.m., children ages ve to 17 are invited to design and construct ecofriendly structures such as miniature houses, bridges and skyscrapers, using recyclable materials. Through this free workshop at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, children will learn more about scienti c problem-solving

through artistic creativity while cultivating sustainability for youth. This workshop is led by Kathleen Bostick, a recent graduate from Spelman College currently serving the District of Columbia as the 2024 Miss Columbia Heights within the Miss America Organization. www.future. anacostia.si.edu

“What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” (Save the Date)

On July 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the National Park Service at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W. St. SE, for the annual performance of Frederick Douglass’s classic speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” In addition to a dramatic por-

East of the River Farm Stands

The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Nov. 23. The Kenilworth Farm Stand, 4321 Ord St. NE, is open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from June 1 to Nov. 23. The Minnesota Avenue Farm Stand, 322 49th St. NE, is open Thursdays, June 6 to Nov. 21, 1 to 4 p.m. These farm stands o er FreshMatch, FRESHFARM’s incentive program, which provides a dollar-to-dollar match on all federal bene ts (WIC and Senior and WIC FMNP) spent at the stand, helping shoppers take home more fresh and nutritious produce and local foods. They also accept Produce Plus, a bene t program unique to Washington, DC, which provides locally grown fresh produce to District residents with limited access to fresh, healthy food. www.freshfarm.org

Members of the US Navy Band, Sea Chanter’s Chorus, perform with the Washington, DC, Inter-Service Chorus and the National Symphony Orchestra during the Memorial Day Salute to the Armed Services dress rehearsal.

National Memorial Day Concert (and Rehearsal) at the Capitol

The National Memorial Day Concert at the Capitol is Sunday, May 26, at 8 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.), on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The public is also welcome at the dress rehearsal on Saturday, May 25, gates at 5 p.m. www. capitalconcerts.org

trayal of Douglass there will be music and house tours. www.nps.gov/frdo

Email Troubleshooting at Anacostia Library

On Mondays, May 13 and 20, noon to 3 p.m., get help with email concerns, from two-step authorizations to setting up a new email, how to send an email and resetting passwords. Anacostia Library is at 1800 Marion Barry Ave. SE. www.dclibrary.org

Diabetes Education Support Program

On Saturdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., come to Francis R. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE, to learn about diabetes and the skills necessary to improve your health. Topics covered will include healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring, medications and preventing complications. You will also have access to a diabetes educator and lifestyle coach, a registered dietitian, a tness instructor and a support group. www.dclibrary.org

Guided Meditation Courtesy of the National Gallery of Art

Find warmth in a river of light. Spend a few moments in the lush, tropical landscape of Frederic Edwin Church’s “El Rio de Luz.” This three-minute, guided meditation will help you burn o stress and start

your day right. youtube.com/ watch?v=rZWG7eVFVGM&t=4s. Find NGA other meditations at YouTube, “National Gallery of Art Meditations.”

Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC

On Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m., JoAnn Hill discusses her newest book, “The Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC.” Inviting you to embark upon a mouthwatering exploration of eats and eateries and the people who create them, Hill is in conversation with Hollis Wells Silverman and Micheline Mendelsohn Luhn via Zoom and inperson at East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. www.eastcitybookshop.com

Shakespeare Theatre Company Screenings of “Macbeth”: The Film Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced screening dates for the lm version of its landmark production of “Macbeth,” starring Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma. The cinematic version of the production, directed by STC artistic director Simon Godwin, was lmed live in London at Dock X. The event production completed its theatrical run with Shakespeare Theatre Company. The public screenings are scheduled for Friday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 18, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are on sale at www. ShakespeareTheatre.org.

Bike to Work Day

Bike to Work Day is on Friday, May 17. Join Bike to Work Metro DC at more than 100 pit stops in DC, Maryland and Virginia for this free event. The rst 16,000 who register and attend at a pit stop receive a free T-shirt. There are giveaways, food and beverages at participating locations, while supplies last. Register at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.

Mosaic Announces 2024-25 Season

Mosaic Theater Company celebrates its 10th anniversary with a season featuring iconic artists and new plays. At the core of the 2024-25 season are four mainstage productions, including a world premiere created in collaboration with Georgetown University’s Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics, and the Mosaic debut

of award-winning writer Erika Dickerson-Despenza. The season also features the development of new work from Trish Vradenburg-Commissioned artist and DC superstar Paige Hernandez. Here’s the lineup: “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” by Lanie Robertson, Sept. 5 to Oct. 6; “The Art of Care” by Derek Goldman, Oct. 31 to Nov. 24; “cullad wattah” by Erika Dickerson-Despenza, April 3 to 27; “Andy Warhol in Iran” by Brent Askari, May 29 to June 29. www.mosaictheater.org

Folger’s 2024-25 Theatre Season Announced

The Folger Shakespeare Library’s 2024-25 season theme is Whose Democracy? The season opens on Oct. 1 to Nov. 10 with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” directed by Raymond O. Caldwell (former artistic director of DC’s Theater Alliance). The third year of the Reading Room Festival, featuring new works and conversations inspired by or in response to the plays of Shakespeare, will take place in January 2025. “A Room in the Castle” by Lauren Gunderson, is from March 4 to April 6. The season concludes with Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” from May 13 to June 29. www.folger.edu

Hero Dogs 5k9 at Congressional Cemetery

The Hero Dogs 5k9 is on Saturday, May 18, at 8 a.m. Registration is $40 with an add-on registration for pups of $10, which includes a camo Hero Dogs bandana. Only Hero Dogs are permitted in the event (service dogs, therapy dogs, skilled home companions and service dogs in training). Other dogs may register to receive the bandana giveaway but will not be allowed at Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. www.congressionalcemetery.org

Ribbon Cut on MPD’s Real-Time Crime Center

On April 8, Mayor Bowser and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) unveiled the Real-Time Crime Center and launched CameraConnect DC. CameraConnect DC will allow residents and businesses to more e ectively and e ciently share security camera footage with the Real-Time Crime Center to support crime investigations. The Real-Time Crime Center collects and analyzes data from various sources, such as CCTV cameras and emergency calls, to enhance situational awareness, facilitate decision-making and improve the overall eciency of crime prevention and response e orts. www. mpdc.dc.gov/cameraconnectdc

The EOR Bulletin Board includes event notices, volunteer opportunities and other community news. Do you have a notice for the Bulletin Board? Send it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. ◆

Meet Your Neighbor

DC Dream Center’s Christina Henderson

by Anthony D. Diallo

Native Washingtonian Christina Henderson, or Ms. Tina, as she is more commonly known, has lived a life of service ‒ first in the military and later in the nonprofit world. “I have always enjoyed helping others and seeing people grow into themselves and become who they were supposed to be,” said Henderson while casually discussing her life’s mission.

A veteran and neighbor, Henderson runs programs that serve the youth of Wards 7 and 8, giving back to the city in which she was reared.

Chocolate City Native

Henderson’s story starts in her family home at 2308 Pomeroy Rd. SE, in the Anacostia neighborhood where she was born. Henderson was the youngest of six children in a close-knit family. Her three elder brothers were surrogate father figures to her and her sisters. “We were poor, but I didn’t know it. As the youngest, I was always taken care of,” said Henderson.

At the time, Henderson’s Anacostia neighborhood was allwhite except for their hilly cul-de-sac. When Henderson was eight, the family moved to Northeast DC. As an adult, Henderson returned to the city’s eastside, settling in in Naylor Gardens, where she has resided for close to 10 years. “I like living in Ward 7,” Henderson said.

The now-defunct Birney Elementary School was the first that Henderson attended. Birney was the first public school built specifically for Black children in the Anacostia and Hillsdale neighborhoods. It closed in 2011.

In 1962, Henderson graduated from Joel Elias Spingarn Senior High School. The school was then under the tutelage of acclaimed educator Purvis James Williams, who served until his retirement in 1971. Williams was “extremely strict. However, he taught us how to be professionals, follow the rules, and adhere to regulations. I distinctly remember going to his 100th birthday party when we were well into our 60s,” Henderson recalled.

Inspired by her education at Spingarn, Henderson chose to serve her country.

Christina Henderson sits at the front desk while working at the DC Dream Center.

Vietnam War Veteran

Henderson enlisted in the US Marine Corps (USMC) in 1964. She turned 21 at boot camp at Quantico, Virginia. After training, Henderson was stationed at the famous Parris Island Marine base. There, she worked three years in military administration at the height of the Vietnam War.

Enlisting in the military “enabled me to grow up,” she explained. “The country was going through a lot of change. I felt that I had the opportunity to show people that Blacks were intelligent, could follow through [on promises and directives] and could deal and interact with various people they met,” Henderson emphatically stated.

During her service as a Marine, Henderson did encounter dismissive and racist colleagues. “I remember being told a few times that ‘you are the rst Black person I met who was smart and can speak well.’ They befriended me, and I helped to enlighten some people,” Henderson recalled.

After the military, Henderson worked for Verizon for 28 years as a purchasing agent. Retiring in 1992, she elected to pursue a second career in community service.

Helping Children’s Dreams Come True

Henderson began by volunteering at the DC Dream Center (DCDC, www.dcdreamcenter.com). Located at the “Southeast White House” at 2826 Q St. SW, the center is the current incarnation of a nonpro t Christian mission launched 30 years ago. It hosts youth mentoring and family support programs for residents of Wards 7 and 8.

“There’s something about showing up. You’ll get 100% of her, no matter what. It would be ‘faithful’ if I could use one word to describe [Henderson]. She is a faithful friend, supporter, and a person who possesses the principles of Christ,” said DCDC’s executive director, Ernest Clover III. “The rst thing children need to know is that we love and care for them, and that is what [Ms. Tina] encompasses.”

Clover and Henderson’s paths rst crossed in 2009, when he volunteered as a mentor at the nonpro t that later became DCDC. Henderson was then its organizer. Now she is responsible for all DCDC programs including poetry, rap, yoga, line dancing, taekwondo. She also runs the DCDC after-school initiative that assists students with homework while incorporating art, Bible study, chess and etiquette. She even has put together a sailing day camp on Chesapeake Bay scheduled this August for children ages eight to 12.

Henderson, who turns 80 this month, shows no signs of slowing down.

“One of my greatest joys is seeing the youth that have come out of here. Many have gone on to college and some have gotten jobs. Very few have been incarcerated. The Southeast White House and DC Dream Center have saved a whole generation of kids. Those kids are doing well. I can honestly say that those numbers are well into the hundreds,” Henderson stated proudly. ◆

The Man from Anacostia The Quadrennial Dissing of DC

by Philip Pannell

For most political party activists, being a delegate to a national convention is a spectacular opportunity and high honor. It is a political pilgrimage that is almost like a Muslim going to Mecca. In 2004, I was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Boston. I was one of the three DC delegates pledged to Vermont Governor Howard Dean, whom the progressive wing of the Democratic Party had rallied around in his quest for the presidential nomination. Although it was clear that he did not have enough delegates to get the nomination, that did not dampen my enthusiasm when I arrived at the Fleet Center to pick up my credentials. After years of watching the political national conventions on television, I was to experience one as a delegate. I had finally arrived as a political activist. Also, as a delegate I was there to lobby other delegates to support DC statehood.

Each delegate had his or her own room in the hotel where their state delegation was assigned. I had three women friends who were DC Democratic Party activists who wanted to go to the convention but were unable to secure hotel rooms in Boston. There were double beds in my room. I ordered a cot and brought a sleeping mat for myself so that all four of us would be in the hotel with the DC delegation. One of my national convention roommates was Yvette Alexander, who would eventually become a Ward 7 councilmember.

On the second day of the convention, Governor Dean met with all his delegates. The three DC Dean delegates sat together on the front row. Charles Allen, the current Ward 6 Councilmember, was one of the delegates. After Dean thanked his delegates and released us to vote for Senator John Kerry for president, he took questions. Mine was the first. I asked him if during his speech to the convention that evening he would mention statehood for DC. He said that he could not promise that he would do that because all

the speeches were approved in advance, and DC statehood was not in his. His response to my question was the beginning of the spiraling down of my national convention experience.

Since the 1980s, due to declining ratings, the three television networks had ceased gavel-to-gavel coverage of the national conventions. Those stations would only give prime-time evening coverage to the convention proceedings. So, if DC statehood were to get national attention, the primetime speakers would have to mention it.

tion platform. But how many people read the national platforms of the political parties? In 2020 the Republican Party did not even write one.

There were some exciting prime-time speakers during the 2004 convention. The highlight was the keynote speech by the junior senator from Illinois, Barack Obama. His speech electrified the convention and catapulted him to national prominence. But he never mentioned the disenfranchisement of citizens of the District of Columbia. During that entire convention, the only prime-time speaker to mention DC statehood was Reverend Al Sharpton. For me, the most heartbreaking moment of the convention was when the Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke to the convention during prime time and never mentioned DC. He was one of DC’s first two elected shadow senators and served from 1991 to 1997.

Since Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton was elected our delegate to Congress in 1990, she has always spoken at the Democratic National Conventions but never during prime time. So, her widest audiences have been the political junkies who watch CSPAN.

This year, the Democratic Convention will be in Chicago, August 19-22. I predict (and truly hope that I am wrong) that none of the prime-time speakers will mention the second-class status of the citizens of our nation’s capital. DC statehood will be in the conven-

Since DC citizens first voted for President in 1964, DC has been the only jurisdiction to always cast its three electoral votes for the national Democratic ticket. Yet, the Democratic presidential and vice presidential nominees have not mentioned DC in their national convention acceptance speeches. No Democratic President has mentioned DC’s disenfranchisement in his inaugural or State of the Union address. The DC delegation never gets prominent seating at the national conventions.

DC statehood is a political, civil and human rights issue. If DC were a state, it would have the highest percentage of people of color, thus making it a racial justice issue. If DC statehood is to become more prevalent in our national political conversations, the Democratic Party must give the issue more prominence at its national conventions.

I went to the 2004 Democratic National Convention fired up and left with my spirit completed dampened. The convention was nothing more than a tightly scripted pep rally with the delegates as human props. Even handmade posters were prohibited. I had my national convention experience and vowed to never do that again. Watching DC being dissed on television is depressing enough without witnessing it in person.

Long-time Ward 8 community activist Philip Pannell can be contacted at philippannell@comcast.net. Pannell is the executive director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council. Help make Wards 7 and 8 great! Become a member of the Anacostia Coordinating Council. Visit http://www.anacostiacc.org/join-us. html. u

kids & family

by Kathleen Donner

DPW’s Annual Truck Touch

On Saturday, June 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the DC Department of Public Works holds their annual Truck Touch at RFK Stadium in Lot 8. The event features a variety of free activities for kids and adults. A host of DC government agencies will present and demonstrate nearly 30 vehicles used to clean and repair streets, change traffic lights, collect refuse, clear snow, provide emergency services, administer mobile health care, and more. The Department of Energy and Environment is holding its annual Electric Grand Prix race in that same location, starting at 4 p.m. This race features electric go-carts put together by kids. dpw.dc.gov.

Capitol Hill Classic Kids’ Fun Run

Girls on the Run and DC Community 5k

The Girls on the Run and DC Community 5k at Anacostia Park on Sunday, May 19, is a non-competitive and inclusive gathering welcoming individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The event kicks off with pre-race festivities at 7 a.m., followed by the 5k starting at 8 a.m. Participants can enjoy a supportive atmosphere and scenic trails while supporting a meaningful cause. Registration is $45, and day-of registration is $50. Registration is now open at gotrdc.org/5k.

Family Fishing at Kingman Island and the Arboretum

The National Capital Bank Capitol Hill Classic, on May 19, is an annual 10k, 3k and Fun Race—the only race run exclusively on the roads of Capitol Hill. Funds raised through the event benefit the Capitol Hill Cluster School, a DC public school serving over 1,100 students. This event is now in its 43rd year, and the 10k is the oldest and biggest in Washington, DC. The 10k ($50) starts out in front of Peabody Primary School, just a few blocks from the US Capitol. Runners traverse Capitol Hill, passing Stanton Park, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, Lincoln Park, the RFK stadium campus, and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. The 3k ($40) course also begins at Peabody Primary School. Runners head to East Capitol Street and trek to Lincoln Park and back. The Fun Run ($15) is a single lap around Stanton Park (approximately a third of a mile). capitolhillclassic.com.

Friday Night Fishing takes place along the Navy Yard on the Anacostia from June to August each summer. In 2024, they expanded their fishing programs to include events at Kingman Island and the National Arboretum as well. Kingman Island fishing is on Fridays, May 3, 10 and 17, 5 to 8 p.m. National Arboretum fishing is on Saturday, May 11, 4 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 2, 4 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 13, 4 to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 15, 1 to 4 p.m. Anacostia Riverkeeper provides fishing gear, safety vests, and a mini demo on fishing, fishing safety and fun facts about the fish in the river. Adults need DC fishing licenses to actively fish. Registration is recommended via the Anacostia Riverkeeper Eventbrite page. Every participant must fill out and complete the Anacostia Riverkeep-

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Pride Family Day at SAAM

On Saturday, June 1, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrate Pride with your chosen family at SAAM. Start the day with a performance by DC’s Different Drummers, followed by GenOUT, the youth chorus of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Then move your body to the Brazilian beats of Batalá Washington. Attendees can make rainbow-themed crafts, and face painting will be available for visitors ages 12 and under. Enjoy special treats from the Courtyard Café and explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt to learn more about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to American art. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is at Eighth and G streets NW. americanart.si.edu.

Drop in the Ocean VR Experience

Immerse yourself in the thrill of the deep in stunning Virtual Reality. Enjoy the American History Museum’s new experience “Drop in the Ocean” where you can ride a jellyfish to the ocean’s surface and interact with fascinating sea creatures and microscopic wonders such as tiny plankton. Meet a leatherback turtle and come face-to-face with a whale shark. Explore the ocean in stunning virtual reality and learn about the urgent threat pollution brings to our planet’s ecosystems. The cost is $12 per person. Cash and credit cards accepted. Participants must be at least five years old. Located on 2 East. americanhistory.si.edu.

er Liability Waiver. Wear close-toed shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring water to drink. anacostiariverkeeper.org/friday-night-fishing.

Infant and Child CPR at Hill Center

On Sunday, May 19, 1 to 3 p.m., learn the skills that could save your child’s life. During this class you will learn Infant and Child CPR, AED and what to do if your child or infant is choking. The class applies to infants and kids up to the age of 12. This is the perfect class for parents, nannies, babysitters, or family members who might be caring for your child. Laura Punaro, the owner of Frontlines CPR, was a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse for eight years and is now working as a Public Health Nurse. She graduated from The University of Virginia School of Nursing in 2005. Laura trained in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s National Medical Center in DC and later became a charge nurse at Georgetown University Hospital in their PICU for six years. The class repeats on June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. This class is for adults only. $85. For more information, email lpunaro@ frontlinescpr.com or visit frontlinescpr. com to sign up for the class. Space is limited and classes generally sell out weeks in advance.

Galapagos George with Barefoot Puppets

On May 30 and 31, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., both days, the true story of “Lonesome George,” the last tortoise to be found on Pinta Island in the Galapagos archipelago, delightfully unfolds as you

Music Class with Mr. Rob at President Lincoln’s Cottage

The Lincolns, including their young son Tad, spent quality time together at the Cottage. The President Lincoln’s Cottage staff encourage you to come and make memories here as well. Spend some quality time with your little one at the free Music Class with Mr. Rob held at the bandstand. The cottage staff will kick off the morning with a story followed by an interactive concert with Mr. Rob. Music Class with Mr. Rob is on Saturdays, May 8 and June 11, 10 to 11 a.m. and is great for babies and toddlers. Free parking on-site. Families who come to Music Class with Mr. Rob will receive 10% off in the Museum Store located in the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center. President Lincoln’s Cottage is at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd., NW. lincolncottage.org.

watch him grow up among sea turtles, lizards, hungry goats, sea lions, and dancing birds with blue feet. This engaging and uplifting eco-fable shares an important lesson about human impact on the environment. Recommended for ages four through eight. Shows are $8 for adults; $7 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.

Photo: Norwood Photography

DPR Ward Six Spray Parks

DPR Spray Parks have standard operating hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Each spray park is o ine for a few hours each week for maintenance: Eastern Market Metro Park, 701 Pennsylvania Ave, SE. Monday hours are 3 to 8 p.m.; King-Greenleaf Rec. Center, 201 N St. SW. Wednesday hours are 3 to 8 p.m.; Potomac Avenue Triangle Park, 1216 Potomac Ave. SE; Watkins Spray Park, 420 12th St. SE. Friday hours are 3 to 8 p.m. dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks.

Tour the Oxon Hill Farm

Every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., take a 45-minute tour of Oxon Hill Farm and learn about the animals and the farm’s history of the farm. Meet the Ranger at the Visitor Barn. This program is great for visitors of all ages. It consists of a half mile walk along gravel paths. Your experience at the park will be most enjoyable if you are comfortably dressed. Make sure that you wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, sneakers or comfortable boots are best. If you are visiting the park with children, it is often helpful to read a book or two with them about agriculture, nature, wildlife, or early American History. nps.gov/oxhi.

curriculum and use the exciting sport of sailing to develop self-respect and sportsmanship, foster teamwork, as well as cultivate sailing skills and an appreciation for maritime-related activities. Read more at dcsail.org/youth.

Anacostia Park Skating and Late Skate Saturdays

Skate anytime at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion--the one and only roller-skating rink in the National Park Service. Skate rental is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rentals are free with a government issued ID. Socks are required to rent skates. On the last Saturday of the month from June to October (Late Skate Saturdays), skate until 10 p.m. and enjoy the featured DJ and local bands. Events last throughout the day and include double dutch, lawn games, job fairs, boat trips and more. nps.gov/anac.

Observe the Sun at the Eisenhower Memorial

On Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m., become an astronomer and observe the sun safely with a ltered telescope. Join Air and Space at the Eisenhower Memorial, located across Independence Avenue from the Museum entrance, to view a variety of features on the sun. Knowledgeable sta will be there to answer questions and guide observing. No reservations are necessary to participate. This program generally takes place on Fridays and Saturdays but will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather. For last-minute updates, call the Astronomy Education number at 202-633-2517. airandspace.si.edu.

Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park

Kids ages four to ¬twelve can run the bases after every Sunday day game throughout the season. This year’s remaining dates are May 5 and 26; June 9 and 16, July 7 and 21; Aug. 4 and 11; and Sept. 1 and 15. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. An adult must accompany runners to the eld. Once the game has ended, it takes the grounds crew approximately 20 minutes to prepare the eld. Kids and parents/guardians can

begin lining up at the end of the seventh inning, however fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will still be able to line up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. washington.nationals.mlb.com.

Saturday Morning Live! at the National

Fun takes center stage at the National Theatre for Saturday Morning Live. Kids are invited to the Helen Hayes Gallery space on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music. Saturday Morning at the National shows are best enjoyed by ages three to six, but anyone is welcome to join in the fun. Tickets are free, but they request that you register in advance. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. nationaltheatre.org/saturday-morning-live.

It’s Go-Kart Time!

At the Bladensburg Go Kart Track, 4300 Kenilworth Ave., you’ll experience the rush of speed, adrenaline and friendly competition on a top-of-the-line go kart racing track where $9 gets you eight laps--for a total of 1 ¼ miles of racing. The racing action includes single karts (one person) and double karts (two people). Bleachers are available to watch the action and you can bring food and drinks to enjoy at their picnic tables. The track is open from noon to 6 p.m., weather permitting, when the temperature is 50 degrees or higher. gocarttrack.com.

Flying Circus Airshow Kid’s Day

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure

In this free planetarium show, on Thursdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m., join Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from “Zhima Jie,” the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how di erent it is from Earth. They also journey to Zhima Jie to learn about the similarities in our view of the sky. This program runs 25 minutes and is appropriate for families with young children. Tickets are free and only available in person at the planetarium box o ce. One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure is at Air and Space, 600 Independence Ave. SW. airandspace.si.edu.

Every Sunday, May through October, gates open at 11 a.m. for the Flying Circus Airshow just o Route 17, at 5114 Ritchie Road (Route 644) in Bealeton, VA. On Kid’s Day, May 19, kids under 18 are free. Vendors and special activities are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-show starts at 2 p.m. Airshow is from 2:30 to 4 p.m. yingcircusairshow.com.

Family-friendly Live Music at Occoquan

Music on Mill is a free summer concert series featuring family-friendly entertainment. Concerts are held one Saturday evening a month at River Mill Park, 458

DC DPR Outdoor Pools Open for the Season

DC DPR Outdoor Pools open for the season on Memorial Day weekend and will remain open for weekends only until school lets out. At DC’s outdoor pools, safety breaks occur on the 45th minute of every hour for 15 minutes. All children and guardians must exit the pool during safety breaks. This requirement lowers the risk of the spread of germs and recreational water illnesses. Additionally, pool goers can hydrate, use restrooms, reapply sunscreen, and seek shade. During periods of excessive heat and peak utilization, DPR may require all pool patrons to get out of the water, regardless of age. Find a pool and read the pool rules at dpr.dc.gov/page/outdoor-pools.

Mill St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy live entertainment as well as stunning views of the Occoquan River. Here’s the summer schedule: May 18, Mystery Machine DMV; June 15, Hand Painted Swinger; July 20, The 257th Army Band; Aug. 17, Side Piece. Free. occoquanva. gov/summer-concert-series.

Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales

Through May 26, journey into the Appalachian Mountains in this award-winning musical that deftly weaves four traditional tales and original music into a keepsake quilt of mountain lore and wisdom for the whole family. Jack who lands himself a job despite his foolishness. “Catskins” is a spunky Appalachian Cinderella. “The Enchanted Tree” is a beauty-and-the-beast love story between a lost girl and a frightening crow. And in a zany, sung-through “Sow and Her Three Pigs” plucky Nancy the pig outsmarts the hungry fox. This play with music incorporates singing, mountain dances, music, and puppets to create a highly theatrical storytelling style. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on-

line at adventuretheatre-mtc.org or by calling 301-634-2270. Sing Down the Moon is at Adventure Theatre, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. adventuretheatre-mtc.org.

Imagination Stage’s Miss Nelson is Missing!

The fth graders of Smedley Elementary School’s Room 207 are not just badly behaved–they’re the “worst kids of all!” No matter what their sweet and caring teacher Miss Nelson tries, they simply won’t listen (or stop throwing paper airplanes across the room). Fed up with their behavior, Miss Nelson leaves her class in the hands of dreaded substitute teacher Miss Viola Swamp, infamous for bringing “woe to those who misbehave.” Terri ed of “the Swamp,” the kids must work together and with Detective McSmogg to nd their kindhearted teacher and win her back. Tuneful and hilarious, this Imagination Stage original has been a hit at theatres from coast to coast. $12, up. “Miss Nelson is Missing!” is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, from June 20 to Aug. 10. imaginationstage.org. ◆

XWORD

In-words and phrases

by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. One way to go

4. Formally give up

8. Dawn

13. Unsmiling

18. Winter and summer have them

21. Totaled

22. Links legend, informally

23. Put up a picture

25. Fine, in millennial slang: fashion house to others

26. 1973 World Series stadium

27. Indian flat bread

28. Scottish social unit

29. What skateboarders use to get “air”

34. Tangelo varieties

38. Ciao

40. Triangle types

44. Many moons

45. Cordoba cash

49. Bull’s-eye, abbr.

50. Barton who founded the Red Cross

51. Flat boat

53. __ Moines, IA

54. N.F.L. stat, abbr.

55. Looking perfect, to Kylie Jenner

57. Closest pals

59. Sorry

61. Southern mosquitoes

64. Europe’s highest active volcano

65. Ward off

67. Praised

69. Prying

70. Military quarters on a British warship

73. “Parsley, sage,____and thyme”

75. Oscar winner Paquin

76. Fail

80. Some hospital procedures

81. Greatest of all time in sports lingo

82. Multi media messaging app where posts only appear briefly

85. On fire, like a party in millennial slang

86. Submerge

89. “C’est magnifique!”

91. Thither

94. Virgo’s predecessor

95. Tar

98. “You’ll never ___!”

100. Ball carriers, abbr.

101. Pie or dog preceder

103. Shakespeare title starter

104. “Cinderella” stepsister

106. Catch a few Z’s 107. Cat noises

109. Heat measure

110. Purposes

113. Spanish for bear

115. Seventh Greek letters

119. Agitated and bitter, in millennial slang

121. Social media request

129. “Friday Night Lights” actress Teegarden

130. Christensen of TV’s “Parenthood”

131. Italian mathematician, featured in “The Da Vinci Code”

132. Take on

133. Condescend

134. Glow

135. Outfielder Mel

Down:

1. Deadly biters

2. Eeyore’s friend

3. “Nothing ___ Matters” (Metallica song)

4. Corp. exec.

5. Article in Die Zeit

6. BBC show detective, abbr.

7. Dusk, to Donne

8. Zest

9. Bother

10. Elder

11. LAX abbreviation

12. Cruise around Hollywood

13. Actor’s guild award (abbr.)

14. Ceasefires

15. Abbr. at the bottom of a business letter

16. Costa ___

17. Düsseldorf denial

19. Celebrities

20. Fig. in identity theft

24. Letter from Greece

30. N.C. State is in it

31. Small keyboard organ

32. Health choice

33. Lord’s workers

35. Direct one’s hopes

36. What a keeper may keep

37. Mach 1 breaker

38. Lodge letters

39. Cravings

40. Inimical

41. Norm, abbr.

42. Places for some MDs

43. Polio vaccine developer

46. Blue-pencil wielders

47. Itsy-bitsy

48. Test, as ore

52. Dwell

56. Brain scan, for short

58. Landlord’s need

59. Capitol group

60. Diamond birthstone mo.

62. ___ on the side of caution

63. Where the girl from Ipanema came from

65. Go wild

66. Freed

68. Far from elite

70. Fairy tale dwarfs

71. Range part, abbr.

72. Stress relief location

74. May, in Montmartre

75. Active

77. Spacecraft

78. Lassie

79. Quiet!

83. Primitive aquatic organism

84. Tease mockingly

87. Capital of Italia

88. Pig food

90. Steven’s Spielberg’s mother who gave her last name to the Princess in Star Wars

91. Calendar spans, abbr.

92. Waist sash

93. Government security agency, abbr.

96. Favorite uncle

97. Brew

99. Series

102. Stance section

105. One-celled sea protozoa

108. Compass point

110. Insurer for military personnel

111. Expressed

112. “Tickle me” doll

114. Butterfingers

116. Meal in a shell

117. Billing abbr.

118. Burlesque bit

120. “Are we there ___?”

121. Educational certificate

122. Boiling blood

123. Roman 7

124. Hosp. test

125. Fish story

126. Technology giant

127. Lucky fish

128. Med. specialty