Neighbors,
The conversation amongst District residents for the past ten days has been about our rich culture and demanding it be respected. The go-go music that has traditionally been played, proudly, by the music and cell phone store at 7th Street NW and Georgia Avenue NW is a piece of that rich culture. I was proud to stand with Washingtonians of all backgrounds who recognize the significance of playing go-go music at that intersection. As I said on Twitter, “The corner of 7th & GA Ave epitomizes black culture. Respect the culture.”
That was far from the only opportunity I have had recently to highlight the District’s history and culture. I took part in honoring a Ward 5 institution, Israel Baptist Church, during the event to ceremonially rename the 1200 block of Saratoga Avenue NE to “Israel Baptist Church Way.” I stopped by to see John Tatum, Sr. a veteran, Senior Olympian, and long-time Ward 5 mainstay who was celebrating his 100th birthday.
Last Saturday was also DC’s Emancipation Day Parade, an opportunity for the District to properly acknowledge our history and culture. Dozens of neighbors joined us for the parade, and I want to thank everyone who marched with us. Special thanks to some of the groups who came out to walk with us including Beacon House, Cure the Streets, and Brookland Huddle for Peace. DC Emancipation Day honors an important milestone where the history of the District intersects directly with American history and the African American story.
Honoring these milestones and celebrating the many, remarkable accomplishments in our history is essential to keeping DC the diverse, vibrant place we know today.
In service,
Kenyan
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