With 23 schools closing in the District of Columbia and 23 hearings being held the same night at the same time, parents from all areas of the city came out demanding answers. At Emery Elementary School in Northeast Washington, parents discussed the proposed closings and consolidation of the schools, specifically the closing of J.
Empty seats were the backdrop for the community hearing Thursday evening at Harriet Tubman Elementary School on the proposed closing of Meyer Elementary School in Ward 1. Representatives from District of Columbia Public Schools, including the Office of the Chancellor, came to discuss and hear testimony from concerned residents on the closing of Meyer and other schools within the ward.
Although Thursday's snowfall hindered evening commutes for many District of Columbia residents, nearly 20 people gathered at Eastern High School a hearing on the proposed closing of M.M. Washington High School and Special Education Center. The 45-minute hearing was led by Phyllis Harris, the chair of DCPS Special Education; Clara Cantey, the assistant chair; and Monika Taylor, the principal of Eastern Senior High School.
Special community meeting chairman John Davis, along with D.C. Public Schools improvement specialist Annette Gregory, sat below a banner reading "Brookland is a peaceable school." The calm promoted at Brookland Elementary School was altered when Mayor Adrian M.
The six residents gathered for a hearing on the proposed closing of Gibbs Elementary School were outnumbered by the 144 seats lining the auditorium at Miner Elementary on 15th Street Northeast. As the hearing began, the audience could hear the sounds of schoolchildren running the hallways playing in their after-school program.
Senior broadcast journalism major Thomas Warren shows the rebuilding in a part of the Upper Ninth Ward in New Orleans.
NEW ORLEANS (March 18, 2008)-The Upper Ninth Ward, an area know for its jazz roots, was itself uprooted when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans Louisiana in August of 2005. It's been nearly three years since, and while much of the city has been rebuilt, many in the Upper Ninth Ward feel there is much more work still to be done.
Thomas Black vividly remembers the setting outside of Morris Miller Liquors just three years ago. "For a good 20 years, we used to have men out as early as 7. a.m. hanging out on the platform behind Morris Miller," he recalled. "There was littering, public drinking, prostitution, public urination and a lot of broken glass on the ground.
Like a phoenix, the U Street area has risen from the ashes of the 60s riots and the 80s drugs, said Stanley Mayes, a life-long resident of the area. And, while some residents and businesses have moved on, Mayes and others refuse to leave. "I'm in for the long haul," he said.
An 8th Ward Advisory Neighborhood Commission meeting got off to a fiery start when a resolution to support the single beer ban was proposed. ANC commissioner, Tijwanna Phillips was not pleased when her resolution to support the single beer ban was shot down by a 3-2 vote.
Amid the loud cranes and construction worker bellows, a 30-year Southwest resident gazes at the tree he planted in his front yard. "We are not trying to sell," he proclaims. "I can speak for all the residents of our block when I say that no one wants to sell.
Forty years ago, the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders released a report highlighting the causes of black hostilities in America - results that "still have far-reaching effects today," according to Jannette L. Dates, Ph.D., dean of the John H.
Police are offering a $25,000 reward for the tip that leads to the arrest and indictment of the suspect in the fatal shooting of a man at an apartment complex in Hyattsville, Md., on Friday afternoon. Maj. Kevin Davis, the commander of District 1 for the Prince George's County Police Department, said that the shooting broke out at 2 p.
Click NEWS to the left to see more videos and slide shows from New Orleans. Read student reactions under BAYOU BLOG. Watch this space for periodic updates.
First disaster strikes. Law enforcement, media and concerned individuals all scramble to help. Then comes a bit of cynicism and a lot of apathy. And while some have forgotten, others still anticipate a saving grace. Hurricane Katrina struck the city of New Orleans almost three years ago.
Last Tuesday, noted author and Smith College Afro-American Studies professor Paula Giddings addressed a room of about 40 in Howard University's School of Communications. Giddings, who was on campus speaking of her newest book "Ida: A Sword Among Lions" detailed her reasons for selecting the arguably underrated Ida B.
Fed up with escalating tax rates on commercial property in Washington, owners of small businesses met Tuesday night to air their grievances and demand a change. Ward One Councilmember Jim Graham , Ben's Chili Bowl owner Kamal Ali and Lee's Flower & Card Shop owner Rick Lee hosted a town hall meeting on small business tax relief in U Street's historic Lincoln Theater.
Howard University students volunteering with the City of New Orleans questioned the purpose of an assignment to collect housing data for the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) department. "It wasn't clear," said Nomi-Kaie Bennett, 20.
Beyond the nails, hammers and plywood, New Orleans received a different type of rebuilding this spring. The Howard University Community Choir (HUCC) toured Katrina-ravaged areas on a mission to "not only serve physically, but to serve the spiritually hungry areas of New Orleans.
Someone stealing a child's identity is not on the list of worries for many parents. But should it be? Yes, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC. Children and college students are at particular risk of being victims of identity theft, the "fastest growing crime in America. * Test Your Knowledge of ID Theft * 6 Ways Thieves Steal Identities
NEW ORLEANS-- Community programs that kept his family afloat inspired Anthony Harris to give back. Harris, an only child, was born Chicago's West Loop and raised in a single-parent home. His mother, Alicia Harris, struggled to support him, working tirelessly to pay his $8,000 tuition to a private high school.
NEW ORLEANS--A panel of young New Orleans professionals petitioned student volunteers Tuesday to help restore the Big Easy-not just the houses, but the soul of the city. More than 500 Howard University volunteers piled into Republic New Orleans to listen to the professionals discuss the positive aspects of the re-emerging city.
Although African-American women are 17 percent less likely than white women to be diagnosed with breast cancer, they are more likely to die from the disease, the American Cancer Society reports. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among African-American women.
Mayor Adrian Fenty announced on Nov. 28, that the District of Columbia would consider closing about 23 schools as part of a larger reform initiative that would give him direct control over the D.C. Public School (DCPS) system. Fenty, his newly appointed chancellor, Michelle Rhee, and Deputy Mayor of Education Victor Reinoso call their initiative Renew, Revitalize and Reorganize DCPS.
The Stand Up! For Democracy in D.C. Coalition meets in the John Wilson Building twice a month to advocate for the district to become the 51st state in the United States of America. On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, room 131 is occupied by about 30 Washingtonians who all have one common goal: gaining statehood for Washington, D.
What was once Jimmy's Tire Shop is now soot and ash. A small building at the intersection of 12th and K Streets and Florida Avenue went up in flames at about 1:30 p.m. last Monday. Shortly after firefighters arrived to douse the flames, the fire on 12th Street triggered an explosion at Jimmy's Tire Shop, located at 1215 K St.
Jan. 22nd marked the 35th anniversary of the infamous abortion case Roe v. Wade. Throughout the country, pro-life and abortion rights activists have been rallying around the case despite its age. Roe v. Wade was the historic 1973 case, in which the Supreme Court decided to make abortions legal, only within the first trimester of a pregnancy.
For the third consecutive year, hundreds of Howard University students are forfeiting their personal spring break plans and boarding buses heading to the Gulf Coast this afternoon to assist in hurricane rebuilding efforts. "I'm excited to spend my spring break making a difference in a community that has been under distress for the last three years," said Katia McCranny, 21, a junior classics major.
Shortly after arriving in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon, more than 500 volunteer students from Howard University sat in Dillard University's gym to hear greetings from faith-based leaders and council members. "I welcome you with a heart of hope," said Cynthia Willard-Lewis, District E council member. Click here to watch a video on a volunteer's first impressions.
A diverse crowd moseyed around the hallway and exhibit rooms at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Chinatown on a Sunday afternoon. They gathered together to view the "Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits" exhibit. They gazed on 100 black and white photographs of African Americans who had "resisted" and succeeded over the past two centuries.
Michelle Rhee, Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, met with community members at Moten Elementary School in Southeast Washington at one of 23 hearings held Thursday night to hear testimony from the community regarding the Reorganization and Rightsizing Plan that will close 23 schools this year. However, Rhee skipped a gathering of D.C. residents who met at the John A. Wilson Building to boycott the hearings and protest the proposed closings.
Howard University's Cramton Auditorium was filled to capacity with students and community members waiting to hear political activist and professor Angela Davis, Ph.D.. Davis was welcomed with a standing ovation as she took the stage. "It's nice to be in D.
Ashley Strickland, a freshman biology major from Woodbridge, Va., shares her thoughts on being in New Orleans for the recovery effort.
Senior Karen Lawrence details her four years of experience as a volunteer for alternative spring break.
NEW ORLEANS-Along with helping to rebuild houses during their spring break, Howard University students in New Orleans this week are also looking to help rebuild futures. Fourteen of those students began their weeklong journey to achieve just that Monday at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.
Chevy Chase residents in upper northwest Washington had several complaints about electrical poles, street trees and visitor parking programs at their recent community meeting. The majority of the meeting, attended by about 40 residents, addressed complaints from several residents about 50-foot electrical poles erected on several streets in the area covered by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G.
When Roger Brown, a resident of Ward 4, entered the multi-purpose room of Barnard Elementary School at 6:15 P.M., he was quite taken aback by the level of energy in the room. Brown, whose son is a 3rd grader at Barnard, had prepared talking points for his appointment with the Mayor.
When James Williams logged on to www.karibubooks.com to search for a book title that would aid his 12-year-old daughter with a black history project, he also expected to see news of upcoming book signings that he and his daughter could attend. Instead, Williams was greeted with a letter from the company's CEO, Simba Sana, announcing the company's closing.
Snowfall hindered commutes for many area residents, but some parents braved the elements to support or decry a plan to close 23 schools at one of the 23 simultaneous hearings held Thursday evening. The Coalition to Save Our Schools held a "People's Meeting" at the same time to protest the proposal and the scattered hearing arrangement. Click here on the name of schools targeted for closing for details on some of the hearings held around the District: Brookland and Bunker Hill Elementary Schools (Ward 5), Burroughs Elementary School (Ward 5), Gibbs Elementary School (Ward 6), J.F. Cook Elementary School (Ward 5), M.M. Washington High School and Special Education Center (Ward 5), Meyer Elementary School (Ward 1) and Wilkinson Elementary School (Ward 8). Click here to read background on the plan to close Clark Elementary School in Ward 4 and a complete list of sites.
The month of December will bring much culture to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with the start of the Black Memorabilia, Art and Doll Show and Sale. Held at the Convention Center from Dec. 7-8, the exhibits will run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.
African Americans near and far are reacting to comments by a Glamour magazine editor who said that natural hair is a "don't," making it inappropriate for work environments. The editor unwittingly kicked off yet another racial debate during what was intended to be a carefree luncheon at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton law firm in New York City. * Glamour Editor's Apology
From the big-box stores replacing mom and pop retailers to the new faces in the city's neighborhoods, it is clear that Washington, D.C., is undergoing change. In a recent forum, residents of the District and surrounding areas heard views on gentrification from a local politician, a business owner and a professor, and even got to express their own concerns about the city's future during a forum and book signing pegged to the release of "Them" by best-selling author and journalist Nathan McCall. * Watch the video to hear the story behind Nathan McCall's novel on gentrification.
For years, the brick building that sits at Seventh and O Streets Northwest has been an eyesore. Virtually abandoned since the late 1960s, the O Street Market will soon undergo remodeling to restore it to its former position of importance in the Shaw neighborhood.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project is scheduled to be completed in 2008, but has yet to meet the necessary amount of funding needed to complete and maintain the memorial. The memorial foundation has been reaching out to raise money in an assortment of ways to a variety of contributors.
Curtis Christopher Robinson sat at a den table. Pictures of fighter planes that he flew during World War II hung on the wall behind him. The former Tuskeegee Ariman still has the bearing of a solider at 88 years old. Even with thin gray hair, Robinson remains striking and resembles the aviator in the living room photograph, which is surrounded by other World War II memorabilia.
Burger King will add healthy menu items to its menu this fall as part of a pledge to take more action in promoting children's nutrition. In making the pledge to the Council of Better Business Bureau, Burger King joined 11 major food and beverage companies that have also committed to advertising that promotes healthy dietary choices and lifestyles to children 12 and under.
Archbishop: Forgiveness is Key to Reconciliation By Jamisha Purdy Taking slow small steps, he walked up to the podium. His dominant voice carried over a diverse audience of more than 1,000 people. Silence filled the room as he began to speak. Indulging into his passion for reconciliation and peace, Archbishop Desmond Tutu explains "that without forgiveness there is no future" for humanity.
The publisher emeritus of the Washington Afro-American Newspaper died last Tuesday. She was 85. Frances Murphy II was the first woman to chair the Afro-American Newspapers board of directors and author of the Baltimore Afro-American column "If You Ask Me." Murphy comes from a long line of notable history makers.
Various events and programs hosted by institutions around the area are acknowledging the contributions of African Americans in the United States during Black History Month. Through a series of events, presentations and exhibits, institutions like the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Anacostia Community Museum and the African-American Civil War Museum are trying to spread awareness of the accomplishments of African Americans.
Freedom Plaza lit up with fire as thousands of people marched seven times around the Justice Department's building, protesting for justice and peace on the District's streets. The overwhelming sense of black power was very apparent amongst the crowd.
Immigrant groups called for a weeklong protest of non-immigrant businesses in Prince William County in protest of resolutions denying public services to illegal immigrants.
Valerie Plame Wilson is known as the CIA officer whose identity was leaked to the press, setting off a firestorm of controversy involving members of the Bush administration. But in her new book, "Fair Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House," Wilson goes beyond the media hype.
The adage "money talks" will undoubtedly hold true as presidential hopefuls seek their party's nomination in the first primary since 1928 to have open races for both political parties. Between eight Democratic and 10 Republican candidates nearly $420 million have been raised in the mere nine months since fundraising began.
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the presidential election. In a three-part audio series, Charlotte Young captures the sentiments of the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, where Obama worships. Click on each icon to listen.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton sat with members of the black press in Washington Wednesday night for an hour-long forum called "A Conversation with Hillary."
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and former Arkansas Gov. Tom Huckabee declared victory in their respective Democratic and Republican caucuses in Iowa late Thursday night, as candidates on both sides proclaimed that the outcome signaled a desire for change in the White House. Click on Election 2008 under the News section to the left for more information and the articles below: * Presidential Hopefuls' Fundraising May Reach Record Levels * Primary & Caucus Calendar * 2000 Race Sparks Voter Apathy * Appealing to Young Voters (also Rock the Vote video)
Though the 2008 presidential election is nearly a year away, talk of whom to vote for and why is a particularly controversial and sensitive subject in the black community, especially among young adults. Since 1971 when the legal voting age was officially lowered from 21 to 18, young adults have been urged to make their voices heard by exercising their power to be part of the political decision-making process.
If it seems as if 2008's presidential candidates started stumping the campaign trail earlier than ever before, it's because they did. That's because primary season - when each party's candidate is chosen as the result of state primaries and caucuses - is earlier than ever before, starting this year with the Iowa caucus on Jan. 3. Click on Election 2008 under the News section to the left for more information and the articles below: * Presidential Hopefuls' Fundraising May Reach Record Levels * Primary & Caucus Calendar * 2000 Race Sparks Voter Apathy * Appealing to Young Voters (also Rock the Vote video) * GOP Candidates at a Glance * Democratic Candidates at a Glance
With young adults concerned over issues such as the war in Iraq, the cost of education and health care, presidential candidates have been catering their issues and campaigns to relate to these voters. Kat Barr, the director of education for the Rock the Vote campaign, said she believes it is likely to be a strong year for young voter turnout in the primaries. * Click on the video to hear Barr discuss the presidential race.
Transit up and down Georgia Avenue may prove to be a daily adventure for residents of Northwest DC. While most prefer the comfort of their own cars, or the convenience and quickness of the Metrorail, the Metrobus up and down the Georgia Avenue Corridor has been an easy route for those that live and work along the strip, which is the longest street in the Washington, DC region.
Just a simple haircut is enough to bring the community together on Georgia Avenue. At Best Cuts located at 2612 Georgia Ave., everyone is welcomed and given quality service while customers build rapport with their stylist and barbers. Those from all parts of the world - from Panama to Jamaica - unite in brotherhood and sisterhood all for the passion of barbering.