Spring Break
Missing, Black and FemaleMany Say Race Is a Factor in Media's Failure to Present Diverse Coverage of Missing Persons
Thelma Butler, 76, prepared dinner for her family Thursday evening and greeted people with a tender smile as they entered her intimate home in Southwest, Washington. She was composed.
But then she broke-down as she recalled the events leading up to the disappearance of her daughter Pamela Butler.…
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llustration of Emancipation Day Parade in 1866 by Anna Johnson |
Emancipation Day May No Longer Be a Free Day for Workers
Washington, D.C., is the only place that celebrates Emancipation Day annually as a public holiday on April 16. However, District employees may no longer have the day off because of concerns about the $800 billion deficit.…
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Is There Still Hope in Hope VI?Federal Program Started in 1992 to Upgrade Public Housing
"I am happy to be back," said Sheila Brown, a community advocate and resident of Capitol Hill who recalled life in what used to be a drug- infested, crime-ridden community before Hope VI, a federal program created in 1992 by Congress and funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.…
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When Metro Gets Off Track, Commuters Follow SuitPassengers Complain About Schedule Delays, Escalators and Elevators
For some Metro passengers, getting to work on time has become a hassle because of the bus, train, escalator and elevator problems. The downturn in the economy and fluctuating gas prices have pushed people out of cars and onto the Metro rails. Age plus a huge increase in ridership equals Metro deterioration in some places. These problems make life difficult for the people who rely on the subway system for their daily routine. "You have to add a whole hour for travel," Craig Jones said of his commute. "Otherwise, you're going to be late." …
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Caricature of Benny Goodman for JAM. |
Smithsonian Celebrates Jazz Appreciation MonthEvents Pegged to Birthdays of Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald
An exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is one of many activities throughout the area to help jazz lovers young and old celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month in April.…
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A Fare That Is FairCab drivers and passengers reflect on the year-old meter system
Exactly one year ago, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, announced a new metered taxi system that eliminated the rush-hour surcharge, the snow emergency rate and dropped the double fare of taxis to 25 percent. The base rate for any taxi ride was increased to $4 and a charge of 25 cents for each minute stopped in traffic or traveling slower than ten miles per hour went into effect.…
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The movie's poster. |
Are You Man Enough to Say It?"I Love You, Man" Creates the Perfect Formula for a 'Bromance'
"I Love You, Man" is totally ludicrous. Man dates? Paul Rudd's awkward morning-after voicemails? And then the random tidbit about his gay brother who picks up straight men as a fun challenge? The movie is just one absurdity after the next. But director John Hamburg makes it neatly fall together to create a simply funny movie.…
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American Violet: Unjust in Justice SystemMovie based on true story examines failures in America's legal system
The E Street Cinema hosted a special screening of American Violet on Tuesday giving moviegoers a chance to see the film before it hits theaters on Friday. The movie is based on the real-life experience of Regina Kelly, a single mother wrongly arrested and charged during a disastrous drug sweep in Hearne, Texas in 2000.…
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Local Theater Reopens with a Contemporary Spin to American History
Tony Nominated Musical "The Civil War" has been revamped for the reopening of the new Ford's Theater.
"It's not a reenactment," says Director Jeff Calhoun. " It's really more of a musical landscape of the emotions that husbands, wives, and families felt during that time as seen through contemporary eyes.…
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A Celebration of Pride in the CommunityDeanwood Residents Gather for Trail Launch and Music Fest
As the smell of hotdogs entangled with the sound of steel drums that spilled out of the Riverside Center on Foote Street northeast and the smiles of people seeming to outshine the sun, Deanwood oozed with pride on Saturday. The ward 7 community celebrated the launch of the Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail and held a music festival to honor the life of, D.…
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In His EyesThe Fatherhood Initiative Program Helps Create Responsible Fathers |
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City Supports ROPE Foundation's Work With Youth
For Tony Bullock deciding to establish the ROPE Foundation, Reaching Out to Provide Enlightenment, was not a hard decision. The Washington, D.C., native grew up in Brentwood Village apartments, now Brookland Manor, and at an early age discovered trouble. At 12, Bullock was charged with stealing a car, and he was arrested for selling drugs at 18.…
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Whither a Twitter Nation?
Not too long ago the world was content with Facebook and Myspace. But now Twitter.com has taken over. Everyone seems to have gone Twitter crazy in just the past few months. For those still in the dark: Twitter is short-messaging service that allows users to update their friends, fans and followers in 140 words or less via their Twitter pages, Twitter widgets or Twitter text messages.…
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Judges Maintain Order in the Court - and in Marriage
He remembers it vividly.
A young woman in a black and white outfit with mayonnaise on her face attracted his eye, and all Judge Robert R. Rigsby could say was, "Would you like a napkin?" Two months later, the judge and the woman, Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby,
said, "I do.…
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Howard University Host D.C. Emancipation Conference
Howard University played host to the 147th anniversary of D.C. Emancipation Day with the "Race and Emancipation in the Age of Lincoln" conference.
Of the 12 sessions one in particular, Emancipation in the District of Columbia, focused on the history of Emancipation Day and its highly debated future here in the District.…
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DC Hair Flair |
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Exploring the Possibilities of More PossibilitiesArts collaborative in Ward 7 work through challenges to enrich community
Light to moderate snow is in the forecast for a cold and dreary Saturday evening in February. It doesn't stop a small group of artists from Ward 7 from gathering in a familiar creative environment. Utrecht Art Supplies plays host to the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative at their downtown location on I Street Northwest.…
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Island Flavor Winds Down Georgia AvenueResidents, Tourists Flock to 17th Annual D.C. Caribbean Carnival |
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Officer Elizabeth Bradshaw |
On Patrol With a 'Superwoman'Officer Is at Home on the Streets of Ward 7
Dispatcher: "Domestic violence call. Woman having seizure. Minnesota Avenue." It's just another day on the job, said Police Officer Elizabeth Bradshaw after speeding through the streets of Ward 7 to make sure the young woman is safe and on her way to the hospital. Bradshaw has been in the woman's shoes. Also a victim of domestic violence, she was a teenage mother of three, on welfare and living in public housing. Now she keeps the peace while helping her neighbors find peace in their lives.
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The Telling of Deanwood's CharmBook on Ward 7 neighborhood offers architectural history
Every neighborhood in the District has a story, each with its identity markers and prominent residents. Little is known about tucked away areas, especially sections in far Northeast. The book "Washington, D.C.'s Deanwood" (Arcadia Publishing)introduces native Washingtonians and others to a hidden gem.…
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Kevin Ellerbe, Ward 7 resident, discussing his role as unofficial mayor of his community |
Making NoiseWard 7 Resident Seeks Solutions for His Community
On any given day, Kevin Ellerbe can be seen pruning his yard while having an early morning or late afternoon chat with neighbors. In the early evening, he may even attend a neighborhood meeting.
Ellerbe is sweet potato brown with a slim build. He is the cool, hold-no-cut cards neighbor who is quick to speak up on behalf of his community, while still pretty much keeping to himself.…
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The History of the Black Church
The ushers of the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church circled around her, hugging her and joining arms in prayer. Sister Wilson had recently lost her son to the streets of Anacostia. She stood before the congregation and Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell Sr., sheltering her face with her right hand as tears began to stream. As she retreated back to her pew members of the church stood, greeting her with open arms. Some whispered words of hope. "Church should also be a place of encouragement and a place of refuge, a safe place," Bell said. "Allen has a responsibility to address some of the plethora of issues that are facing Ward 8, here in Anacostia, here in Southeast D.C."
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March and rally for safe and affordable housing in the District for those living with HIV/ AIDS |
'D.C. Is Still Dying'Protesters Call for National AIDS Strategy
An energetic, enthusiastic crowd got pumped and ready to march their way toward Anacostia Park in Southeast, to demand safe and affordable housing in the nation's capital for people living with HIV/ AIDS.
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Sisters Rachel and Rebecca Crouch finish up their live paninting |
Mayor's Arts Awards Honors D.C.'s Creative Leaders
Jason Garcia Ignacio of the CityDance Company leaped and did a somersault, as he accepted his award for Outstanding Emerging Artist at the Kennedy Center, which was all abuzz as patrons and members of the District's art community gathered for the 24th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards Monday evening. …
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Allen Reynolds of Howard argues against predatory lending. |
The Great DebateHoward Challenges Yale in War of Words
Howard and Yale universities faced off in the highly anticipated "Great Debate" in Yale's Woolsey Hall. …
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Mavado doesn't shy away from being brash. |
Review: Mavado — A Vocal Leader for the Streets
If CNN were to clash with the streets of Jamaica, the end result would come in the shape of Mavado. With the mentality of a soul survivor and the grit of a neighborhood hustler, Mavado's storytelling abilities on "Mr. Brooks … A Better Tomorrow" (VP Records) does more than scratch the surface on life — it dents it.…
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My Brother's Keeper
Two blocks from the Anacostia Metro station and the bus terminal, across Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., passed the staring of unfamiliar faces, men in cars honking and bordered-up homes, Jimmie L. Benbow unloads his merchandise from the white van onto a nearby table and begins to set up shop.…
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DC Recognizes Same-Sex Marriage
It was a joyous day for gay couples in Washington on April 7, when the District council members unanimously voted 12-0 to recognize same-sex marriages that are conducted in states where same-sex marriage is legal.
"My partner and I have been together for eight years but we could never own the title of 'marriage' so it feels great now that we can finally make it legal," said Deborah Jamerson, who has been same-sex relationship.…
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Recession May Be The Reason For Increased Abortions
Families in the U.S. are suffering financially because of the economic crisis. Raising children in a recession can be a hard task for any parent but especially those who are young and not financially stable. Jobs are limited and for a young teen that has yet to receive a high school diploma, obtaining a decent paying job is almost out of the question.…
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A Winning Design
A model urban utopia--"Green City"-- hewn from plywood, cardboard and other recyclable material hauled from trash bins won first prize in the National Engineers Week Future City competition for a team of teens from Mercer Middle School in Aldine, Va.
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Visitors Take Pride in New Exhibit
Images of black children playing, black men and women at work and the smile on Duke Ellington's face as he sits at a piano are just a few of the photos captured by the Scurlock Studio that are on view at the Smithsonian's Museum of American History. …
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Shopping With a Notebook
Who knows what you'll see or hear when you're shopping with a notebook on Minnesota Avenue. To find out, click onto Blogs: Reporter's Notebook under Links on the home page.…
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Poster displaying how art can change a community. |
Artists, Residents Share Opinions About Public Art
Local artists complain that the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities favors outsiders during a recent open house on public art.…
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Food for Your Heart & Soul at Mama Cole's
Hey Sugar," said Mama Cole as she greeted the young woman with a warm hug and a smile while filing paperwork at one of the dining tables. A familial euphoria filled the Anacostia Restaurant & Catering, also known as Cole's Café, where folks can get some of "the best soul food in town." The café serves yams, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, fish, cornbread, Cole's famous banana pudding and more.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X discuss opposing ideologies in "The Meeting". |
A Meeting of Two MindsetsA play called "The Meeting" attempts to predict how a secret meeting between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. would have transpired.
Malcolm X and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. engage in verbal sparring and contemplate what would happen if they joined forces in "The Meeting," a play performed Feb. 27 at Busboys and Poets, 14th and V Streets. The play, written by Jeff Stetson, depicts a fictitious secret meeting between the two leaders on the seventh floor of the historic Hotel Theresa in Harlem.…
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Barnett-Aden Collection Returns to U St. Corridor
Walking into the tiny art gallery at 1515 14th St., one is transported to the era that made U Street so historic. Black art adorns the walls of the Hemphill gallery, and it feels like home. The Barnett-Aden Collection is reminiscent of old U Street, once dubbed the "Black Broadway.…
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Newly Renovated Takoma Park Library Reopens
The Takoma Park Library, the oldest in the District, has been reopened after a series of extensive interior and exterior renovations totaling at $1.95 million.…
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CD incorporates radio sounds from static to random banter. |
Review: Exile Re-Imagines the Concept of Radio
Being a successful hip-hop producer is something that Exile takes seriously. With the pressure to release material that is more awe-inspiring than his previous work, it is clear that his approach to his newest musical installment "Radio" reflects his appreciation for consistency and thoughtful concepts.…
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Review: Jump-Off Joe Is BackBudden Returns to Hip-Hop Limelight With 'Padded Room'
After years of being stuck in developmental hell due to countless push backs on his original sophomore album, "The Growth," it makes sense that Joe would name his new album "Padded Room." Gone are the days when one would hear Budden talk about his release from Def Jam after a not-so-successful debut of his self-titled album back in 2003.…
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Foster care youth gather at D.C. Council. |
Group Urges Council for Transition Center After Foster CareMany Say They Aren't Ready to 'Age Out' of System at 21
The Foster Care Campaign urges D.C. Council to support transition center as it testifies that the majority of youth who "age out" of the system are not ready for independent adult life.…
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Congress Heights on the Rise
Education, health care, housing and community leadership were some of the many topics discussed among commissioners, residents and guest speakers but there was also a fiery showdown between Commission Chair Mary Cuthbert and a local resident about ANC funds.…
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'Jazz Night in Southwest' Brings a Community Together
With couples swaying in the corner and folks jamming to the side, "Jazz Night in Southwest" brings people of all ages and backgrounds to Westminster Presbyterian Church to enjoy the soothing sounds of the music that Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie helped to pioneer.
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To Vaccinate Or Not?Questions still loom about HPV vaccine
A woman goes to her appointment at the gynecologist for her annual check-up, only to find out she has cervical cancer. She is informed that the cancer is a result of a strain of human papillomavirus, or HPV, which she contracted through sexual intercourse at one point in her life.…
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Century Old Mansion Has New SwingThe Blair Mansion in Silver Spring, Md. jams with featured, popular artists
The romantic beat of "Sweet Thing" by Chaka Khan sounds almost better
than the original at the three-hour Monday night live jam session
hosted by the 120-year-old Blair Mansion.…
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Residents Fly With Guardian Angels in Protection of District Communities
Neighborhood watch is not a new phenomenon in the District -- many neighborhoods have them. The Guardian Angels, however, have been empowering District residents for three decades.
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Jimmie Benbow, an unofficial Mayor |
I ♥ AnacostiaAn Unofficial Mayor With a Helping Hand on MLK Avenue
Jimmie Benbow, 62, held up an all black T-shirt that read "I ♥ Anacostia" in big white letters. "D.C. means everything to him," said his oldest daughter, Edith LaVerne Grant, 44, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Benbow is a native Washingtonian and has been a vendor for 42 years, selling everything from socks to soap. He uses vending as a way to reach out and help Anacostia residents. He hopes to help them even more by running for Ward 8 council member in 2012.
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Program Pushes College Preparation
Aisha Jenkins, 17, wants to be the first in her family to graduate from college, but wasn't sure of how to begin. LevelTen's One-on-One College Readiness program offered her the information that her parents could not.…
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A Memorable End to Black Diaspora Film Festival
In celebration of black history month, The Smithsonian National Musuem of African Art sponsored the ongoing event, Africa in Reel Time: African Diaspora Film Festival. A movie pertaining to the black Diaspora was shown every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The event ended with the showing of Favela Rising on February 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
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"When I start a poem, I don't know where it's going to end," Alexander says. |
Inaugural Poet Stresses Importance of Literature, Black StudiesD.C. Native Elizabeth Alexander Describes Herself as a 'Student of Racial Politics'
President Obama's inaugural poet, Elizabeth Alexander, spoke passionately about the importance of literature in the area of Black Studies and how it is shaping America today during a recent visit to Howard University. "I am a follower and student of racial politics, because there is so much history that is worth studying," Alexander said. Click here to watch the poet reciting "Praise Song for the Day" at the Inauguration.…
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Hundreds to Gather for D.C. Conference Exploring Link Between Spirituality and Medicine
Hundreds of spiritual leaders, physicians and others from across the nation will converge on the Grand Hyatt hotel in D.C. for the 12th annual Spirituality and Medicine Seminar Series.…
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Reported holes will be fixed within 48 to 72 hours. |
City Hits Streets With Potholepalooza9 Crews a Day Assigned to Fix Roads
It's called Potholepalooza, and city officials are hoping it will put a smile on Washington-area drivers' faces. D.C. city officials are asking city residents and commuters to identify potholes so they can promptly fix them.…
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From Tokyo to D.C.The Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrates 97 Years
Thousands of people flocked to Washington for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. People traveled with their loved ones and friends to get snapshots of more than 3,000 cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park.…
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Going Green Films Take Over the D.C. AreaA look inside the Environmental Film Festival
Going Green Films Take over the D.C. Area Environmental Film Festival By Spencer Whitney The 17th Annual Environmental Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday, March 11th in Washington, D.C. as people from around the metro area and beyond flocked to view the films being presented.…
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Soulful go-go jammers showcase their skills in Chinatown. |
Washington Goes for Go-Go
"There's something about the consistent beat of a drum that affects the tempo of one's heart and simply makes him want to get up and start moving." That's how Benjamin Lion describes go-go music, the heart of D.C.…
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Adventures on the 4 TrainA Howard Student's Life on the Street
His meals came from making deals at the corner Bodega for chips and a soda. At night he rode uptown and downtown on the 4 train, passing by his Tremont Avenue neighborhood in the Bronx.
For two weeks he lived this way. Refusing to go home to a household that demanded too much of him.…
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