The Resurgence of an Iconic Community Concept

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Pop Social, a Black-owned restaurant and bar, is reopening after a temporary COVID-induced closure. This Cheers-like establishment revives a creative and community-centered concept in the heart of downtown, D.C. After an invitation-only preview, Pop Social officially opened its doors for the full public unveiling Thursday, June 15.

The restaurant, with a nearly 100seat capacity split between the indoor and patio areas, occupies a space carefully curated by D.C.-based artist Tendani Mpulubusi El. A D.C. native, Mpulubusi El meticulously crafted the space while adding personal touches, such as hand-hung lights and benches he built himself.

His approach to the project was unique. "I’m an artist of many disciplines and really like 3D space, in terms of design and architecture," Mpulubusi El shared. "This project provided an opportunity to showcase my abilities in this way."

In the design process, Mpulubusi El found himself grappling with a layout that incorporates a split foyer. A friend's suggestion inspired him to approach each level with its own concept, while still maintaining a visually cohesive space.

"The space has taken three concepts and merged them into one," he elab- orated. "Many clean, simple features [are here] but [the restaurant] still has areas with sophisticated grunge. Even a graffiti-like feel."

Culturally, Mpulubusi El understands the barriers to accessing capital and bringing concepts like this into the community.

"Having friends and investors support ventures is how people get stuff off the ground," he acknowledged.

He has seen firsthand the inequities within his community, and the hardfought battles to overcome systemic obstacles to achieve results like Pop Social.

"It’s important to have a Blackowned business in Class A space downtown," he stressed, "This is significant. Particularly as an owner who has personally experienced overt racism in commercial spaces as a tenant."

POP SOCIAL’S RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY FOCUS

The story of Pop Social began in the L’Enfant area, where the original iteration of the concept was born out of a need for a casual after-work gathering space. The first Pop Social opened its doors, rapidly becoming a hub of community activities such as live music, karaoke and even board games.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Many countries celebrate their independence days in unique and fun ways. This week, Kid Scoop takes a trip around the world to discover how other countries show their love of independence.

The night before Independence Day in India, the president of the country gives a speech about how the country is doing.

On the day itself, August 15, citizens gather and watch their country’s flag being hoisted to the top of the flagpole. This happens at offices, homes and schools. Afterwards, families and friends get together and enjoy delicious food.

Use

Mexicans celebrate “Grito de Dolores” (meaning “Cry of Dolores”) on September 15. On that day in 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the town of Dolores, made a speech demanding the freedom of Mexico from Spain. Now on this day, the president rings the original bell from Father Hidalgo’s church and recites Hidalgo’s original speech. The president ends with the cry, “Viva México!” which can be heard the rest of the night during celebrations, fireworks and other fun activities.

Karan’s Kite

Lots of people also fly kites on Independence Day to symbolize India’s freedom from the British on August 15, 1947.

Karan’s kite has stripes. His kite has a tail, but not a short one. Karan doesn’t like polka dots on kites. It is not a box kite.

Loud fireworks can scare pets. Be sure to keep your pets indoors on Independence Day.

Dash through today’s newspaper to find the letters that spell the words on these firecrackers. Spelling an entire word “defuses” the firecracker. Can you spell them all in five minutes?

Fireworks of the words Can you missing

Most Independence celebrations include setting

The exploding fireworks

About 1,000 Chinese cook ingredients found in time. A _________ cooking fire his concoction sparks! Some the _________

The three saltpeter make hotter) and

People in Poland celebrate their independence on November 11 when citizens place flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate soldiers who have died for their country.

Citizens attend parades and ceremonies, wearing Poland’s colors: red and white. In Warsaw, the capital city, thousands of runners participate in the annual Independence Day Run.

Headline Fun

After reading this page, write three short statements for each country that sum up how independence is celebrated there. Poland is done for you.

Standards Link: Writing Applications: Students summarize information found in expository text.

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Country Search

Look through the newspaper to find the names of five or more countries. Find these countries on a map of the world. Why was each country mentioned in your newspaper?

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Use general skills and strategies of the reading process.

My Best Birthday

What was your best birthday celebration ever?

the cooking Standards Link: context been filled in