Dear Neighbors,
Throughout the year, but particularly in March, we celebrate the contributions women have made in our country. The impact women have had on our society is nothing short of remarkable. On Tuesday, I introduced legislation to name a new park in Ward 5 for Alethia "Lethe" Tanner and today I presented LaShada Ham-Campbell with a ceremonial resolution for her contributions and service in education.
The “Alethia Tanner Park Designation Act of 2019” would honor civil rights icon and philanthropist, Ms. Alethia “Lethe” Tanner by renaming the public park to be located in Eckington after her.
Ms. Tanner was born in 1781, on a Prince George’s County, Maryland Plantation. Before her death in 1864 however, she became a freewoman, philanthropist, and businesswoman who had made indelible contributions to the African American community. By 1810 Ms. Tanner had purchased her freedom and the freedom of approximately 32 African Americans that included not only her blood relatives, but her friends and neighbors.
By 1821, Ms. Tanner and some family members founded the Israel Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in DC and in 1838 they founded the Union Bethel AME church in DC. These two churches served as stops on the Underground Railroad and promoted literacy in the African American community. By 1872, Israel Bethel AME and Union Bethel AME merged into Metropolitan AME. Today, Metropolitan AME on M Street NW, remains the oldest Black church in DC’s original 10 square miles and Ms. Tanner is considered the mother of the AME Church. It was an absolute honor to present legislation honoring Ms. Tanner during the first legislative meeting of Women’s History Month.
Lashada Ham-Campbell is a native Washingtonian and Ward 5 resident who has dedicated her life to education. After graduating from Coolidge Senior High School, Howard University, and Trinity Washington University, LaShada went on to teach and lead in the District of Columbia Public School system. LaShada’s love for children and education led her to open Petit Scholars, an early childhood development center. A young visionary of education, LaShada has opened 3 early childhood development centers that currently serve over 60 families in Ward 5. Ask any parent who entrusts LaShada with their children and they will tell you Ward 5 and the District of Columbia has a true treasure in LaShada. I look forward to seeing her continue the great work.
It has been a true honor to celebrate these two women. As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month, let’s reflect on the foundation laid by past icons such as Alethia “Lethe” Tanner and current pioneers such as LaShada Ham-Campbell.
In Service,
Kenyan
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