16 The Ward 8 Race Kicks Off –Again: Candidates Speak in a Series of May Forums by Elizabeth O’Gorek
The Man from Anacostia: Do “The Same People” Matter? by Philip Pannell
A Draft Plan to Develop Poplar Point: Mixed-Use Development for Anacostia Riverfront by Elizabeth O’Gorek
A New House for Anacostia: Anacostia Coordinating Council Moves into New Home by Elizabeth O’Gorek
ANC 7D Report: Ward 7 Councilmember Outlines RFK Plans by Sarah Payne
ANC 8F Report: Second Youth Navy Yard Takeover by Elizabeth O’Gorek
What’s on Washington
DC Jazz Fest at The Wharf
You’re invited to celebrate all things jazz at The Wharf on Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, noon to 10 p.m. (both days). The general admissions section is closer to the stage than ever before. Tickets start at $25. For a list of headliners, visit www.dcjazzfest.org/artists.
Capitol Hill Art Walk
On Sept. 13 and 14, noon to 4 p.m., local artists and artisans display (and sell) their work in their own micro-galleries in Capitol Hill home-studios, on porches or in yards. The Capitol Hill Art Walk is presented by the Capitol Hill Art League and co-sponsored by the Hill Rag and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. Artists are not required to live in the neighborhood but their set-up location must be on the Hill. There is no age requirement or limit on the type of art or crafts that may be on display. Whether a professional artist, student, someone who likes to work with fabric, found objects or other unusual materials – all are welcome. No fees or commissions are taken. It is up to the artists to price and market their art. The registration for sellers deadline is Aug. 11. For details and an evolving list of participants, visit www.HillRag.com/Art-Walk-2025.
Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” at NW Stadium
Beyonce is back at Northwest Stadium on July 4, at 7:00 p.m., and July 7, at 7:30 p.m. The performances feature “Cowboy Carter,” her groundbreaking eight-studio album, It won three Grammys including Album of the Year, Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Tickets start at $162. www.northweststadium.com/events/Beyonce
“Duel Reality” at Shakespeare
From July 1 to 20, at Shakespeare’s Harmon Hall, 610 F St. NE, “Duel Reality” distills Shakespeare’s epic love story down to the core of its conflict. Through circus, theater and dance, two feuding families face off in an acrobatic sporting arena where deathdefying stunts are challenged by life-affirming passion in this action-packed retelling of “Romeo and Juliet.” Youth tickets are available to all persons 17 and under for $35 with the purchase of an adult ticket. www.shakespearetheatre.org
Step Afrika!
Celebrating 30 Years
On Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28, at 8 p.m., Step Afrika! celebrates 30 years of percussive performances in a ground-breaking production. Featuring two world premieres, along with choreographic works nurtured and refined in Johannesburg, South Africa, Step Afrika! will conclude its celebration at Strathmore Music Center, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, with special guests Sweet Honey in the Rock. Based in Washington, DC, Sweet Honey in the Rock addresses civil rights, women’s issues, climate change and more through their powerful performances. Tickets are $28 to $78. www.strathmore.org
Smithsonian Solstice Saturday on the Mall
Join the Smithsonian on the National Mall in front of the Air and Space Museum on Saturday, June 21, to mark the first Saturday of summer – Solstice Saturday – by enjoying programs and performances throughout the day and night. www.si.edu/solsticesaturday. PS: An Astronomy Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 6 to 11 p.m., in front of the Air and Space Museum, will celebrate the fall equinox with telescope views of the sun, Saturn, star clusters and colorful double stars at the largest astronomy outreach event in the US. www.hofstra. edu/physics-astronomy/astronomyfestival
DC Shorts International Film Festival
DC Shorts International Film Festival is the largest short film event on the East Coast. It receives 1,300+ submissions from over 100 countries around the globe, projected to an audience of 80,000 both in-person and online, making it a perfect platform to share art. During the four-day festival, Sept. 4 to 7, each day has a collection of mixed-themed screenings with a live-element: filmmaker Q&A, awards dinner, live podcast interviews, parties, a directors table, red carpet night and more. Judges select winners for seven awards. Audience members have a chance to vote for their favorites as well. Deadline for submissions has been extended until June 14. www.filmfreeway.com/dcshorts
TUESDAY, JUNE 17 6:30 - 8:30PM
THURSDAY, JUNE 19 3:00 - 6:30PM
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 • 7 - 9PM
“Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985” at the NGA
Uniting around civil rights and freedom movements of the 1960s and 1970s, many visual artists, poets, playwrights, musicians, photographers and filmmakers expressed hope and dignity through their art. These creative efforts became known as the Black Arts Movement. Photography was central to the movement, attracting all kinds of artists, from street photographers and photojournalists to painters and graphic designers. This expansive exhibition presents 150 examples tracing the Black Arts Movement from its roots to its lingering impacts. “Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985” is in the National Gallery of Art’s West Building from Sept. 21 to Jan. 4, 2026. www. nga.gov
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the National Archives is launching “Opening the Vault,” an exhibition series to display some of the most historically valuable and iconic artifacts in American history, including General George Washington’s signed Oath of Allegiance to the United States, sworn while he and his troops were encamped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1778, and Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten postal ledger, created in his capacity as the first Postmaster General in 1775. “Opening the Vault” is on display at the National Archives, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, which is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. www.archives.gov
General George Washington’s signed Oath of Allegiance to the United States, repudiating any allegiance to King George III and sworn while he and his troops were encamped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1778.
The Pike Blues Festival
The Pike Blues Festival, formerly the Columbia Pike Blues Festival, is on Saturday, June 14, featuring Rick Franklin at 1:00 p.m.; Little Red and the Renegades at 2:10 p.m.; Anthony “Swamp Dog” Clark at 3:30 p.m.; Sol Roots Band at 5:00 p.m.; and Everyday, Everybody (headliner) at 6:30 p.m. The Blues Festival stretches down South Walter Reed Dr. from Columbia Pike to Ninth Street South. There are several carfree options for getting to the festival, and ample parking is available in nearby garages. www.columbia-pike.org/bluesfest
The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour at Northwest Stadium
Global superstar The Weeknd brings the spectacular After Hours Til Dawn tour to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. The follow-up to The Weeknd’s record-breaking 2022-23 world tour, it features new production and an electrifying setlist. Starting prices for tickets are in three figures. www.commanders.com/stadium/2025/theweeknd
Rick Franklin kicks off the festival with a performance at 1 p.m.
Photo: Marilyn Leigh Stone
Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Youth and the Future of Culture
From July 2 to 7, on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Youth and the Future of Culture, will explore creativity, vitality, resilience and intergenerational learning and exchange. The program will underscore how young people influence and engage with culture and how they create, innovate and sustain cultural practices and traditions. Festival hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with evening concerts Friday through Sunday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. All events are free of charge. www.festival.si.edu
“WallMountables” at the DC Arts Center
During “WallMountables,” the DC Arts Center’s annual fundraiser, its gallery walls become a dynamic floor-to-ceiling grid of 2” x 2” squares, a unique canvas for artists to display their work. The result is a remarkable visual tapestry encompassing creations from children, students and self-taught artists to emerging mid- and late-career artists. This year, “WallMountables” features work from over 100 local artists. The exhibition, which starts Friday, July 11, and closes Sunday, August 10, is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 2 to 7 p.m. The opening reception is on Friday, July 11, from 7 to 9 p.m.; the closing is on Sunday, Aug. 10, 6 to 7 p.m. The DC Arts Center is at 2438 18th St. NW. www.dcartscenter.org/ wallmountables
“Les Miserables” at the KC
Since its pre-Broadway run at the Kennedy Center in 1986, “Les Miserables” has changed the world of musical theater. Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil & Schonberg’s Tony Award-winning phenomenon returns to the Opera House after its sold-out run in 2023. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. “Les Mis” is at the Kennedy Center Opera House from June 11 to July 13. Tickets start at $49. www.Kennedy-center.org
“Cosette Sweeping,” illustration from Victor Hugo, “Les Misérables” (1862), translated by Isabel Hapgood, New York, 1887. French illustrator Emile Bayard drew the sketch of Cosette for the first edition, and this engraving was prepared for an 1886 edition. The image has become emblematic of the entire story, used in promotional art for various versions of the musical.
Ghetto Film School is an award-winning nonprofit founded in 2000 to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great storytellers in Los Angeles.
Juneteenth Calendar
Juneteenth Celebration at Church of the Epiphany
June 17, 12:10 to 1:00 p.m. The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (www.4caapa.org) brings to life the experiences, trauma and jubilee of enslaved Africans in Galveston, Texas, through music, dance and narration when they experienced freedom for the rst time. Free; donations accepted. 1317 G St. NW. www. epiphanydc.org
Planet Word’s Juneteenth Literary Jubilee & Black Author Bookfest
June 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join Planet Word, 925 13th St. NW (entrance on K Street), for the third annual Juneteenth Literary Jubilee & Black Author Bookfest and celebrate a community of authors and language arts experts all day long. Here’s the lineup: Arts and Crafts all day; Black Author Bookfest 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Versatile Soundzz West African Drum Ensemble Performance 3 to 4 p.m.; Karaoke Kickback Lounge 4 to 6 p.m. www.planetwordmuseum.org
Freedom before Emancipation: Family Days for Juneteenth at Mount Vernon
June 19 to 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn about Ona Judge, Peter Hardiman, Hercules Posey and Mount Vernon’s many enslaved people who resisted enslavement and sought freedom
Juneteenth Community Day at NMAAHC
before the Emancipation Proclamation. www. mountvernon.org
Bread for the City Juneteenth Block Party Celebration
June 19, from 1 to 5 p.m., join Bread for the City, 1700 Marion Barry Ave. SE, to celebrate Black liberation. This family-friendly block party, located in the heart of Anacostia, features a local Black-owned business marketplace, food, live performances and educational sessions, all rooted in Black culture and history. www.breadforthecity.org
Ward 7 Juneteenth Parade
June 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. Starts in the Penn Branch Shopping Center, 3200 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, rear parking lot, and proceeds north on Branch Avenue to Randle Circle SE and ends at Fort Dupont Park. The parade features colorful oats, marching bands and community groups. www. ward7jpc@gmail.com
Rosedale Juneteenth Parade and Celebration
June 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The parade will start at 10 a.m. at RFK Lot 6 on Oklahoma Avenue NE. It will route from Oklahoma Avenue to Benning Road, then to 15th St. NE, back to 17th St. NE and conclude at Rosedale Field, 1701 Gales St. NE, for a celebration featuring music, food, games and more. www.dpr.dc.gov/rosedale
Juneteenth at Nats Park
June 19, 1:05 p.m., Nats vs. Rockies. Join the Nationals to commemorate Juneteenth at Nationals Park. All tickets purchased through www.nlb. com/nationals/tickets/ promotions will include the shirt shown below.
Until
I Am Free...Fannie Lou Hamer by Wali Jamal Abdullah (on the Millennium Stage)
June 19, at 6 p.m. Children’s Legacy Theatre Inc. creates theater experiences that educate and challenge young people and their communities. The mission is to inspire teens to explore, think and connect to other people and ideas using inductive reasoning. Free. www.kennedycenter.org
June 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In celebration of Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month, this event at the National Museum of African American History and Culture invites visitors of all ages to experience the rhythms, stories and avors that de ne diasporic heritage. Highlights include a high-energy tour of the Caribbean through dance and music, a dynamic Regg’Go concert that blends
reggae with DC’s go-go music, a family-friendly Juneteenth story time, hands-on Caribbean-inspired art-making activities and a special Juneteenth-Caribbean fusion menu at Sweet Home Cafe. www.nmaahc.si.edu/ events/juneteenth-community-day-1
Juneteenth Celebration at the ACM (Power in the Past. Strength in the Future)
June 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., join the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, for a free daylong celebration with family, friends and neighbors to honor the present and re ect on shared tradition and history. www.anacostia.si.edu
Heroes of Civil Rights Capitol Tour
Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. (including June 19). Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass and Charles Sumner fought for an end to slavery and the equality and freedom of all Americans. Hear about their extraordinary lives and how they shaped the path from slavery to civil rights. The US Capitol tour includes Emancipation Hall and the Old Senate Chamber. Ask about the availability of free passes at the information desk in Emancipation Hall. www. visitthecapitol.gov
Emancipation Proclamation & General Order No. 3 on Display at National Archives
On June 19, 1865, US Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, which informed the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now free. This day has come to be known as Juneteenth, a combination of June and 19th. It is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a national holiday. From June 19 to 22, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 are on display at the National Archives, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. www.archivesfoundation.org/archives-in-dc
Juneteenth Revels Concert in Old Town’s Market Square
June 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy traditional African American storytelling and songs reflecting the journey toward freedom with the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices ensemble. Weather dependent. Market Square is at 301 King St., Alexandria. www.alexandriava.gov
Juneteenth Celebration @ The Athenaeum
June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. Join this year’s Juneteenth celebration with poet, author and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association’s poet in residence, KaNikki Jakarta, and discover the history of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, art and poetry readings. The Athenaeum is at 201 Prince St., Alexandria. www.visitalexandria.com
National Harbor’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration
June 19. Freedom Day Black-Owned Market, 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Top5 Band on the Plaza Stage, 5:30 p.m. www.nationalharbor.com/events/annual-events/ celebrate-Juneteenth
Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival
June 19 daylong festival includes a 5k at 8 a.m.; Wellness and Social Action Pavilion, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Family Carnival at Cabin John Park, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Unity through Community ‒ the Kinship Communities of Montgomery County exhibi-
tion, Clarence “Pint” Israel Baseball Classic and 5 p.m. fireworks and tailgating. www.juneteenthscotland.org
School’s Out! Juneteenth Parade Workshop
June 19, 10:30 to noon. Through guided activities, kids learn about the history and meaning of the holiday and explore how communities have celebrated it. $15 per child; $10 for accompanying adult. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. www.nbm.org
LOC Family Day: Juneteenth
June 21, from 10:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. Commemorate Juneteenth with a program focused on the themes of family and home. Create a fabric quilt square, hear local quilt artist Sandra Smith talk about her work and explore quilting collections from the American Folklife Center. Learn about items from the library’s Abraham Lincoln Papers. The event is free, but timed-entry passes are required to enter the Jefferson Building. www.loc.gov
Black Diary 1887: A Free GPS Walking Tour App Celebrating Black History
Just in time for summer and in celebration of Juneteenth, Black Diary 1887, the GPS-enabled mobile app reimagining cultural tourism through a Black lens, officially launches its DC edition. Download at iPhone, www.apps.apple.com/ us/app/black-diary/id6550890504, and Android at www.play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.blackdiary. u
Sixth Annual Juneteenth Half Marathon and 10k
June 14, meeting time 5:00 a.m.; pre-race stretch 6:00 a.m.; race start 6:19 a.m.; postrace Juneteenth activities 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Race location is Fort Stanton Park, 1820 Erie St. SE. www.juneteenthmarathon.org
Election Special
The Ward 8 Race Kicks Off – Again Candidates Speak in a Series of May Forums
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
The race is on to represent Ward 8 on DC Council—again. Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. (D) was unanimously expelled from DC Council Feb. 7, 2025 based primarily on an independent report commissioned by council that found substantial evidence he had violated the council’s code of ethics during his term. The investigation was initiated after White was indicted on federal charges of bribery of a public official. The incumbent is a candidate in the Special Election.
Including White, four candidates have stepped up to run in the Special Election July 15, all Democrats: Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Salim Adofo (8C07), former ANC Commissioner and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Mike Austin; and former Chief of Staff to Ward 7 Councilmember and former Mayor Vincent Gray, Sheila Bunn.
White has held Ward 8’s council seat since 2017. De-
spite the charges, unseating him could be a challenge. He has historically ridden a groundswell of significant support receiving 52 percent of the vote in the primary and nearly 76 in the general election.
White did not respond to requests for comment, nor has he appeared at the various forums held for the Ward 8 Special Election as of May 31.
He was not mentioned by the three other candidates when they met in those forums throughout May. Instead, candidates spoke of a commitment to reducing economic disparities, increasing educational opportunities and addressing public safety through community investment, agreeing on many positions even as they tried to distinguish themselves from one another.
The Candidates
In lightning rounds, Adofo often took the contrary position to the other candidates, coming out in favor of term limits for DC Council, funding the ranked voting initiative 83, pausing luxury development until a homeownership council is funded for Ward 8, free replacement of lead pipes for all. He opposed changes to the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) proposed by Mayor Bowser that would reduce tenant rights.
In comments after the round, Bunn said that lightning responses do not capture nuance; for instance, she said she supports free replacement of lead pipes, but not for households with sufficient income to pay for it. Austin shared a similar sentiment, clarifying that he would consider rolling back Initiative 82, which eliminates the tipped minimum wage, but only after speaking with service workers.
Education and Youth
All agree on the critical role of education. However, Austin was most focused on alternative pathways to good careers besides college. He advocated for career education and technical skill development, mentioning that youth should prepare for economic opportunity.
Adofo also advocated increasing Workforce Development programs. He pointed to his previous work creating the after-school STEAM Academy, which provides classes at recreation centers and called for additional enrich-
ment for Ward 8 kids.
Bunn also emphasized the importance of a careerready education. She proposed partnering with local unions to create pipelines to apprenticeships and jobs, which she said would provide youth with living wage job opportunity. She also discussed the need to improve literary and math proficiency rates among Ward 8 public schools, advocating for more high-impact tutoring.
Asked how they can help youth, all candidates suggested that young people should be listened to and given more guidance and opportunity. Austin said there need to be youth leadership opportunities and a pipeline to become youth ambassadors or even youth commissioners so their concerns are heard, saying again that youth need options beyond college for their future.
Bunn proposed creating a formal board for DC Council, similar to what the State Board of Education (SBOE) offers with quarterly youth town halls so she can hear directly from youth about their problems and ensure that they are addressed. She said students need to feel safe and excited about class or they won’t go to school.
Economics
All agree that Ward 8 businesses deserve additional support to bolster the economy of the ward but differed on precisely how to do it.
Bunn proposed working with the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to create incentives for businesses that locate in Ward 8 and also hire residents. She said she would focus on attracting sit-down restaurants and amenities like dry cleaners. She proposed supporting existing small businesses, “the backbone of our community,” through storefront improvements and simplifying urban zone processes through DPSLD.
Mike Austin (L) and Salim Adofo at the May 28 DC for Democracy Ward 8 Candidate Forum. Photo: E.O’Gorek/CCN
Sheila Bunn laughs at opening remarks from DC for Democracy Chair Ed Lazare. Photo: E.O’Gorek/CCN
Mike Austin took a more broad-based approach, stressing the need to maximize opportunities through DSLD and audit existing business growth to ensure that the District and the Ward are getting all opportunities promised to them in agreements with developers, rather than getting the bare minimum. He highlighted the importance of creating set-asides for local business, communities and a ordable housing in new developments.
Salim Adofo focused on preparing residents for future opportunities, suggesting partnerships with educational institutions like UDC to create workforce development programs. Adofo said the future of Ward 8 needs to be reimagined, and development is an opportunity. But as Ward 8 Councilmember, he said, he would make sure that promises of jobs, community bene ts and services are kept.
Public Safety
Turning to public safety, all candidates said it was a critical issue in Ward 8 and agreed that a multi-pronged approach is needed.
Austin asserted that economic pathways would help prevent crime, noting that drug dealers don’t make as much money as they once could. He proposed approaching the 300 individuals the District has identi ed as most likely to be crime-involved and creating alternative opportunities for those most likely to commit crimes.
He said he would ght against cuts to the Safe Passages and Violence Prevention Programs proposed in the FY2026 budget, but together with accountability to ensure it is not being used as a tool of corruption. “We’ve never seen violence intervention program at its capacity,” he said. He proposed an ambassador program, with former sex and workers and drug dealers helping those now in the life get out and connecting them with resources and opportunity.
Where Austin emphasized economic opportunity, Adofo emphasized getting community services and mental health resources to the areas they are needed. He said there should be a zero-tolerance policy for activities around drugs and sex work around schools. “If that means
MPD has to lock some folks up, that’s just what that means,” Adofo said. He said multiple agencies like MPD and the Department of Behavioral Health should be brought together with churches to nd out what individuals need.
But he also emphasized education, proposing a partnership between UDC and DC Jail to provide trade education to those in jail more than six months, bringing a skill set home when they return and amplifying the UDC Workforce Development program. He called for a moratorium on liquor stores, a campaign he has worked on for years, saying some are site of violent behavior and that alcohol is often a factor in crime.
Bunn said public safety requires a multi-pronged approach and focused on prevention. She invoked her father, the barber and community activist James Bunn, when she proposed bringing back neighborhood watch programs like the Orange Hats. She said DC Council needs to support a 24-hour mental health team to respond to incidents where police are not needed. Violence prevention programs need to not only be funded, Bunn said, but have su cient oversight to ensure that they work, that the people running the programs have training and sta development to do deescalation on the ground.
Meanwhile, asked about policing, all said they want police to “get out of their cars” and engage with the community, supporting community policing approaches. Adofo said residents should be encouraged to build partnerships with police by attending Citizen Advisory Council meetings and safety walks. Bunn proposed incentives for rst responders to live in the community to increase trust and familiarity with the community. She also proposed bringing retired rst responders back to work at the troubled O ce of Uni ed Command (OUC).
You have another chance to hear from the Ward 8 Candidates yourself before the special election. Join the Ward 8 Democrats for a forum and their straw poll. The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at Check It Enterprises (1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE). Learn more and register at www.ward8dems.com. ◆
WARD 8 COUNCIL
ELECTION DAY: JULY 15
EARLY VOTING: JULY 11-14
“Ward 8 is my home, my community, and my purpose. I’m running for DC Council because our families deserve real investment, strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and true economic opportunity. This isn’t just a campaign—it’s my commitment to fight for the resources and respect our community deserves. I’m fighting for our youth, our families, our seniors, and those who feel like they don’t have a seat at the table. But I can’t do it alone. I want to hear from you. Connect with me at www.bunnforward8.com. Together, we can build a stronger Ward 8.”
— Sheila Bunn
Election Special
Candidate Bios
Salim Adofo / salimforward8.com
Re-elected to represent ANC 8C07 since 2018 and Chair of the ANC since 2021, Adofo is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and a US Army veteran. Adofo says it is time for new leadership with a vision for the community. He placed second in the June primary, gathering 25 percent of the vote.
During his time on ANC 8C, Adofo established the Ward 8 STEM Academy, which serves elementary and middle schoolers. He has also had success in improving road safety in Ward 8 and as a tenant organizer.
His platform centers on improving housing quality by supporting tenant associations; reducing Ward 8 healthcare disparities by reducing costs and increasing health awareness; making citizens more safe by reducing truancy; a data-driven use of components in the Secure DC bill to benefit the community and ensuring adequate family supports.
At the election forums, Adofo was the only candidate who said he would support term limits for DC Council. He opposed changes to the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) and he would consider a moratorium on luxury development unless DC funds a Ward 7 and 8 homeownership program.
Mike Austin / mikeaustin8.com
Mike Austin was Chief of Staff in the Deputy Mayor of Economic Development (DMPED) and a staffer to former Ward 8 Councilmember, LaRuby May (D). He also has roots in the ward; raised in Bellevue, he ran for Ward 8 council in 2020 and later went on to work on the closure of the United Medical Center (UMC).
A lawyer, he characterizes himself as a fighter, capable of finally getting the District government to give Ward 8 its fair share of resources and attention. Austin says he has the experience and policy background to go into the job on day one to create policies and fight for budget wins.
Former Chair of ANC 8C and a new father, Austin has been on the board for many nonprofits, including the Untied People’s Organization and the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative.
For Austin, economic development
and sustainability are key to the success of Ward 8 and its residents.
Sheila Bunn / bunnforward8.com
Sheila Bunn was raised in Congress Heights and now lives in Bellevue where she is raising her 15-year-old daughter.
Bunn, who ran for Ward 8 council member in 2015, has more than 30 years experience with policy at all three levels of government. She is a former staffer to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-D). She also worked in both the Mayor’s Office and Ward 7 Council Office under Vincent Gray (D). Bunn argues that in light of the sometimes frought relationship between the federal and District government, this experience is more important than ever. She points to her work with Norton on the DC TAG program and with Gray on deals like St. Elizabeth’s East, Care First Arena and the new Ward 8 hospital as proof of her efficacy.
If elected as Ward 8 Councilmember, she said she wants to improve access to fresh food, improve literacy and math proficiency rates in the schools through high impact tutoring, and improve access to affordable and safe housing.
Trayon White (D)
[no campaign website at press time] Trayon has won re-election to Ward 8’s council seat in every election since 2017. Before that, White was the Ward 8 Representative on DC’s State Board of Education (SBOE). White attended Ballou High School and founded non-profit Helping Inner City Kids Succeed (HICKS).
White has significant historical support, support that many say could remain despite the fact that he was charged with Bribery of a Public Official in August 2024. He faces a judge in January 2026.
In primaries, White stood on his record, citing his work on the Dream Grant and Ward 8 Investment Fund, six new recreation centers delivered or in the works for the ward, a new senior center slated for Kramer Middle School and new businesses at Sycamore Oak.
But to retain his seat, White will have to overcome bad press from the federal charges of bribery piled on to several past controversies, including news that he owes the District about $80,000 in fines from past campaigns. u
How to Vote in the Ward 8 Special Election
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Is it time for Ward 8 to have a new representative on DC Council? The voters will decide on July 15, at the Ward 8 Special Election.
Ballots will be mailed to registered voters in early June. Drop boxes will open 10 a.m. June 13 and close July 15. You can vote early beginning 8:30 a.m. July 11. On election day, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., qualified electors may register to vote and cast full ballots in person at Ward 8 Vote Centers. All voters who are in line at 8:00 p.m. may vote. That is also the final deadline to deposit ballots in drop boxes. Mail-in ballots must be received by July 25. The final count is expected by August 1 and confirmation by August 15.
Below, find locations to vote on July 15, vote early starting July 11 and drop off your mail-in ballot starting June 13.
Early Vote Centers
Open from Friday, July 11 through Monday, July 14, between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center: 3999 Eighth St. SE – Gymnasium
Anacostia Public Library:
1800 Marion Barry Ave. SE – Multipurpose Room
Van Ness Elementary School: 1150 Fifth St. SE – Multipurpose Room
You may drop your voted mail-in-ballot in any drop box at any time beginning Friday, June 13 at 10:00 am until 8:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday, July 15.
Parklands-Turner Library: 1547 Alabama Ave. SE
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Library : 115 Atlantic St. SW
Department of Human Services: 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE
Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station: SE Corner of M & Half Street SE at Entrance/Exit
Find all the info at dcboe.org/elections/ward_8_special_election u
Salim Adofo
Mike Austin
Sheila Bunn
Trayon White, Sr.
Election Special
The Man from Anacostia
Do “The Same People” Matter?
by Philip Pannell
Alittle more than a month from now, the Ward 8 voters will have elected a councilmember to ll the vacancy created by the expulsion of Councilmember Trayon White Sr. There are four candidates. In a politically sel sh move, White decided to seek reelection. The question is begged as to why he thinks that he could be e ective for the people of Ward 8 on a council where all his colleagues voted to expel him. If he wins the special election on July 15, he could be expelled again. Even if he is not expelled again, his trial next year could result in his conviction and imprisonment. And again, Ward 8 would be without a councilmember.
For many Ward 8 voters the special election is basically a loyalty test on the expelled councilmember. Either you are for him or against him. However, the other three candidates are making a valiant e ort to focus the election on issues. Some Ward 8 residents are participating in voter education by visiting the candidates’ websites, reading their literature, engaging them personally and attending candidate forums.
The rst candidate forum was May 12 and was hosted by some Congress Heights organizations at Sycamore & Oak on the Saint Elizabeths East Campus. Three of the candidates participated, Trayon White was absent. The Washington Informer newspaper reported that “White, in an Instagram direct message, said he had better use of this time.”
“It was the same 50-60 people that’s at most of the meetings,” White’s message read. “Candidates should spend their time and energy in the community touching the people. My campaign strategy is a little di erent. I think it was a decent exchange though.”
In my opinion, for any candidate to intentionally not attend a voter education forum because of the quantity or the quality of those in attendance is the height of insensitivity and arrogance. A gathering of 50 to 60 persons in Ward 8 for any reason is good and signi cant.
It is true that many people who attend Ward 8 candidate forums are among some of the most active people in the ward and have likely attended many other community meetings. Among those in the audience at the Sycamore & Oak candidate forum were advisory neighborhood commissioners, civic association o cers, nonpro t and faith leaders, business owners, tenant activists and senior citizen leaders. Also, there were persons who were victims of violence or who had lost loved ones to it. For any candidate to nd those people unworthy of his presence and participation in a forum is insulting.
Ward 8 has been historically under resourced, underserved and undervalued. Many of its residents have been ignored, neglected and marginalized. The voters of Ward 8 do not need or deserve to be represented by any candidate who disparages and dismisses the community activists and leaders of the ward he seeks to represent.
On May 28, Matthews Memorial Baptist Church was the site of a candidate forum hosted by DC for Democracy. Again, White was absent and the other three candidates gave their all to those present. It is true that several of those in attendance were the “same people” who were present at the Sycamore & Oak candidate forum.
To his credit, the former councilmember did attend a youth-led candidate forum on May 21 at the Thurgood Marshall Academy. Obviously, those high school students have not lived long enough or attended enough community meetings to be characterized as among “the same people.” But if they live long and attend more community meetings, they may one day be described by a heartless candidate as being among “the same people.”
Long-time Ward 8 community activist Philip Pannell can be contacted at philippannell@comcast.net. ◆
A Draft Plan to Develop Poplar Point
Mixed-Use Development for Anacostia Riverfront
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Plans are moving forward to create a new, mixeduse neighborhood at Poplar Point, the 110acre site opposite Navy Yard in Ward 8 on the riverfront. The plan includes mixed-use development, a “wellness” spa and what would be the District’s second largest park after Oxen Run.
But the plan also requires the city to raise the height of the land above sea level and do extensive environmental remediation. And there’s controversy surrounding Therme Group, the anchor developer the city chose for the site.
And that’s all aside from the fact that, despite a law passed by Congress in 2006, Poplar Point is not yet under District control.
“Poplar Point is kind of incredible green space right there in Ward 8,” said Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard. It would be even more incredible if it and the waterfront were easily accessible, he adds. That’s all part of the draft plan, presented to the public May 13.
Development has been a long time coming. Poplar Point is about a mile of waterfront property on the east side of the Anacostia River, framed east and west by the Frederick Douglass and 11th Street Bridges and roughly by highway I-295 to the south. Originally tidal marshland, the area was created between 1880 and 1923, when
sediment dredged to restore the depth of the Anacostia was used to create developable land.
The site was divided in two; one side was used by the Naval Receiving Station (NRS) until the 1960s and is currently the site of the US Park Police and USPP Aviation fa-
cilities. The other half was shared by the DC Lanham Tree Nursery (DCL) and the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) until the 1990s and is now unused. It is currently in the portfolio of the National Park Service (NPS).
In 2006 Congress passed legislation to transfer the NPS property to DC. But that transfer has not yet taken place. That’s in part because the transfer is conditional: DC must first adopt a land use plan for the site and complete the environmental process. DC also must identify a new site for NPS USPP aviation facilities.
The land use plan must include 70 acres of park land, two sites for federal memorials and be overall consistent with the Anacostia Waterfront Framework Plan created in 2003 by the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI), a coalition of more than 40 federal and District organizations brought together under the auspices of then-Mayor Anthony Williams and disbanded in 2006.
Several plans have been proposed since then, including a new neighborhood with hotels, offices and residences, the soccer stadium now located at Buzzard Point, a new FBI headquarters and, more recently, Amazon HQ2. All fell through.
This time, however, feels different. That’s in part because development is already happening in the area. In
The 110-acre poplar point site lies directly across from Navy Yard, bound by I-295 to the south, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge to the west, the 11th Street Bridge to the east. Image: NPS Presentation, Meeting #3 May 13, 2025.
May, Phase 1 of the Bridge District opened at the foot of the Frederick Douglass Bridge. The eight-acre project includes three buildings providing housing—Stratos, Alula and Barsala and retail and event space near the Anacostia Metro Station which wil have an Atlas Brew Works and a restaurant from the team Doro Soul Food.
And on the other side, construction on the 11th Street Bridge Project is expected to begin sometime this year, converting the obsolete 11th Street Bridge into a sevenacre park that includes a cafe, meeting space, playground and a new headquarters for the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS).
Draft Plan Unveiled
The draft preferred plan for development was unveiled at a joint meeting hosted by NPS and the District Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED).
The plan calls for a large central reservation for wetlands open to the river. The Stickfoot Branch, currently underground, will be daylighted. The anchor is Therme, a proposed 15-acre wellness spa. In the plan, it is depicted surrounded by greenspace. The anchor sits opposite the WMATA Anacostia garage where a new Metro Plaza is proposed. Further residential and commercial development is situated nearby, along a circle at the base of the Douglas Bridge, south of the site just to the north of the I-295, and on the eastern portion nearer to Anacostia.
AECOM urban planner Alan Harwood, who is assisting DC with the transfer of the site, said the parkland was envisioned as series of interconnected parks—“charms hanging off the bracelet.” They run from the Esplanade of 11th Street Bridge, then a 250-foot wide strip along the Anacostia to the Frederick Douglass Bridge. Parkland amenities could include fishing piers, memorials and plazas, “or hopefully in the future, a place where people can swim.”
The team proposed pedestrian overpasses to cross I-295 at Chicago and V Streets SE with hope for a vehicular bridge in the future. 70 acres will be parkland, Harwood said; approximately 20 acres will be developed, with about 16 acres located within a quarter mile of the metro station. Another 12 acres are slated for roadways.
Problems Under the Surface
But issues stand in the way. First, environmental activists have concerns about what’s in the ground. For starters, said Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard, whatever was in the sediment pulled from the bottom of the river a century or more ago is now in the land. That’s without the pollutants left behind from the uses by the nursery and US Navy. Environmental investigations since the 1990s, mostly focused on the District and AOC part of the site, have found metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the soil.
In 2008 NPS and the District Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) agreed to conduct a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study in accordance with federal law. The RI is supposed to characterize the environmental conditions of the site, including ecological and human risks posed by substances they find. But the RI, anticipated for later this year, has still not been presented. Once it is complete, the FS will present a range of alternatives for dealing with the substances at the site and it will be offered for public comment.
Another problem is flooding. Most of the site is currently at a low elevation with a high flood risk. NOAA estimates that the Anacostia will rise 10 to 14 feet by 2050; most of the site sits between two and five feet above the river. Chris Williams of the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) said that the development needs to be done with climate change in mind. Development decisions along the river will not only need to take into account rising water levels, they could set the stage for how the flow of the river reacts.
Citing a 10.5 foot future flood zone at the May meeting, Harwood said the site will be built up in steps to 11 feet for the buildings, creating “gentle terraces” to get the development out of the floodplain with parking levels underneath the buildings, as he says was done at Washington Harbor, the Yard and The Wharf.
But Riverkeeper Sherard said that estimates for how high the river would rise were premised on a continuing fight against climate change. “And what we’ve seen is actually quite the opposite,” he said, meaning that 10.5 feet might be on the lower end of what happens in the next 30 to fifty years.
But some of the environmental concerns have already netted wins. Both Williams and Sherard said they wanted to see large green spaces and wetlands close to the river rather than development, as posed in some of the alternatives. That is a characteristic of the draft plan, although details are not confirmed.
Sherard said that if the city would focus on redevelopment of the portion of the site that had previously been built up, it could be a net positive for the river—providing the construction follows the current legislation around stormwater runoff. The draft plan does that.
15-Acre Wellness Spa Proposal
However, a second problem surfaced only a month after the District announced the selection of Therme Group as the anchor tenant. In March, DC announced the wellness spa company won a request for expressions of interest (RFEI). Therme entered a memorandum of understanding with the city to build a 15-acre state-of-the-art wellness facility offering thermal baths, saunas, mineral pools and restaurants.
But a month later, the New York Times published an investigation that alleged Therme misrepresented itself to the Toronto, Ontario government in a similar deal, exag-
gerating the company’s experience and financial health, throwing their ability to execute the project into doubt. As of April, the Times reported that the company had not yet secured financing for the Toronto project, which must begin construction by Spring 2026.
But Therme expresses confidence in the District project. They have gone out into the community, appearing at District-sponsored events and hiring respected Ward 8 community leader Wanda Lockridge as their community liaison.
“Therme is backed by many respected institutional investors and third-party financing partners,” Lockridge said, when asked about the Times report. “These partners share our commitment to building inclusive, wellbeing-centered urban destinations and have demonstrated their confidence in our capacity to deliver on that vision.”
Residents asked DMPED Development Manager Whitt Smith about the reports at the May 13 meeting, “You said this was a once in a lifetime development and it would be a shame to squander it on such an anchor tenant,” one said.
In response, Smith said that it is very early in the process and the city was still evaluating the site. The transfer requires an environmental assessment (EA) of the impact of the proposed development. “If the environmental assessment shows for the anchor use, we’ll start to proceed with that conversation,” Smith said.
Asked about the EA, DOEE referred the Hill Rag to the Mayor’s Office. The Mayor’s Office did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.
Starting the Conversation
The draft plan is billed as just the beginning. “These are ideas to start the conversation,” Harwood said May 13. “We want to know if you agree with these. We wanted to give you a sense of what we’re thinking and how some of these areas could be treated.”
While the team has a draft preferred alternative in hand, the project is still far from shovels in the ground. Now, the District must prepare an EA for public review and offer it for public comment. At the same time, they will refine the preferred alternative plan and then create a land use plan for the entire site that also must be presented in public meetings this fall and winter. As long-time Anacostia activist Doug Siglin wrote for the Smithsonian in 2017, “Mayor Williams’ planning director Andrew Altman liked to say,” to plan is human, to implement, divine. For a century, the grand Anacostia Riverfront Park has needed far more of the latter.”
It remains to be seen if now is the time that change comes to Poplar Point.
You can follow the project and give your input at www. publicinput.com/poplarpoint u
A New House for Anacostia Anacostia Coordinating Council Moves into New Home
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
The Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) has a house for the first time in their 40-year history. Not just a home, a house. Called The Anacostia House, the new facility serves as offices for ACC and as an incubator and event space for other nonprofits working in Wards 7 and 8.
It’s a gorgeous gleaming space—2,400 square feet across two newly-renovated floors. Visitors enter past a large reception desk; on the main floor is a bigger multipurpose room and a nicely appointed kitchen next to meeting space that can be closed off from kitchen and the larger room. There is also outdoor space for events with a convenient entrance directly to the kitchen.
On the second floor are two private offices, a conference table, separated shared workspace and a newly renovated bathroom. “It’s basically a nonprofit WeWork,” says ACC Community Engagement Specialist Stuart Anderson during an open house held on May 22. Attendees included
board member Andy Shallal of Busboys and Poets and former WJLA Bureau Chief Sam Ford.
Prior to the move, ACC had two rooms at the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (FSFSC) Building (2006 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE), in Riverview Plaza. But ACC had outgrown the space long ago.
“We’re so happy to be a part of the Anacostia House,” said ACC Chair Lamont Mitchell, “and not only that, but to be part of an opportunity for other nonprofits east of the river, particularly in Ward 8, to be able to have a place to call their home as well and provide much needed services to the residents and youth of Ward 8.”
ANC 8C07 Commissioner and candidate for Ward 8 Councilmember Salim Adofo also visited, taking the tour, and congratulating the ACC on 40 years in the community. “This house is a testament to their service of excellence not only to the Anacostia community, but east of the river as a whole,” Adofo said.
Building a House for Anacostia
The building is owned by CPMG (https://www.menkitigroup.com/cpmg-foundation-2/), the nonprofit arm founded by The Menkiti Group and Keller Williams Capital Properties (KWCP) and funded by a percentage of every real estate transaction. As they partnered with H2 Design Build on the development of the MLK Gateway Project, Menkiti needed a nearby headquarters for construction companies.
The building at 1916 13th St. SE was in their portfolio, so H2 moved in and fully renovated the building in 2021, prior to their work on the MLK Gateway. “This could have been a rental property,” CPMG Board President Kymber Lovett-Menkiti said,”but we thought, man, it’s a great space that could really be such an activator in the community.”
When Phase 1 of the Gateway project completed in 2024, H2 Design donated the renovation and the furnishings to the CPMG Foundation, which moved to get the zoning adjusted to commercial use to facilitate the new nonprofit headquarters.
With Menkiti Group Director of External Relations Natasha Thompson, who also sits on the CPMG board, the non-profit decided to conduct a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a nonprof-
it to be an anchor tenant for what they named the Anacostia House, renting at a discounted rate. The organization had to be a nonprofit that would be an incubator for other smaller nonprofits working with communities east of the river. The goal is for smaller nonprofits to take space within the house to grow and learn from ACC, an organization operating since 1983 with deep roots in the community and the District. ACC moved into the Anacostia House in April.
“The competition was stiff,” said Menkiti. Prior to working in real estate, she worked in nonprofits, she said, and she knew the value of the opportunity for the many nonprofits working in the area to connect and collaborate.
ACC ED Phil Pannell at a meeting in his new office at The Anacostia House at 1916 13th St. SE.
Executive Director Philip Pannell, Community Engagement Specialist Stuart Anderson, Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) Engagement Director Tayla Daniel and Chairman and COO Lamont Mitchell in front of The Anacostia House, their new home as of April 2025.
Members of CPMG Board at The Anacostia House Open House: President Kymber Lovett-Menkiti, Secretary Martin Weldon and Natasha Thompson.
“There were certainly organizations that could have supported from their work at a cost closer to market rate,” Menkiti said, “But it was clear to us from the start that ACC was just a perfect match for everything we wanted.”
Part of A Bigger Story
ACC was founded in 1983 as a group of volunteers who wanted to revitalize Anacostia and the adjacent neighborhoods. ACC has since expanded to address a wide swath of issues facing the community, harnessing resources and working with other nonpro ts to sustain communities through the COVID crisis, funding youth recreation and meetings, agitating for public safety and working for health outcomes through the Optimal Health Outcomes East of the River. ACC is also bracing for change under the current federal administration, meeting monthly to address concerns in the community.
ACC is grateful that they were chosen for the space and for the opportunity to continue to facilitate collaboration with the community. Pannell is a little nervous too. CPMG is giving ACC a “tremendous deal,” Pannell says; but it is a 150 percent rent increase from their previous obligation. He welcomes both contributions to ACC and other nonpro ts who want to become part of the Anacostia House.
Pannell said they are looking for other interested nonpro t groups who want to work with them and use the space. Already, Martha’s Table has committed to hosting their weekly Family Success Program at Anacostia House.
For CPMG, The Anacostia House is a chance for them immerse themselves further in the community, telling their story alongside that of ACC and the many chapters that will be written within its walls by the organizations that will work alongside them. “It was clear to us that our visions aligned. We clearly had very similar, if not the same, visions.”
The Anacostia House, 1916 13th St. SE is generally open to visitors 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Nonpro ts interested in space should email acc01@ aol.com or call Mitchell at 202-390-2517. Learn more about ACC and their work by visiting accdc.info. (https://www.mlkgatewaydc.com/anacostiahouse). ◆
ANC 7D Report
Ward 7 Councilmember
Outlines
RFK Plans
by Sarah Payne
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met May 13 via Zoom. Commissioners Joshua Taborn (7D01), Artilie Wright (7D03), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06, vice chair), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09) and Dev Myers (7D10, secretary) were in attendance. Single Member Districts (SMD) 7D02 and 7D04 remain vacant.
Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder briefed commissioners on redevelopment plans for the RFK campus. Felder announced that his office plans to oversee the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) process by establishing an 11-member Community Advisory Commission (CAC) of residents
Reiterating his support for the project, Felder touted the value of a CBA, a commitment that aims to provide neighborhood improvements alongside the development, for residents. “In addition to the amenities that are coming to the site, how we can continue to gain community benefits [is important],” Felder said. Jobs, housing, youth programs, transportation, healthcare and more are at the forefront of how the project could benefit Ward 7 residents, he added. The CAC will also work to support neighbors throughout the process, Felder said.
The individuals selected thus far, according to Felder, represent “a combination of community leaders and experts who live in Ward 7.” Commissioners, he argued, already have a seat at the table noting that he wants to make sure residents have proper representation rather than “utilizing the same people.”
A resident expressed serious concern about the advisory commission, noting that residents in Parkside were “taken advantage of” in a previous CBA. She encouraged Felder to utilize democratically elected ANC commissioners to engage in negotiations on behalf of residents.
With “about 80%” of the RFK campus
falling within the commission’s boundaries, the redevelopment is expected to significantly affect the ward. Potential changes to neighboring communities, community infrastructure and parking sparked discussion among attendees, said Chair Alcorn.
Could the parking areas could be located underground to minimize sunlight blocking and the takeover of “beautiful green spaces” in the neighborhood? asked a resident.
Another resident echoed her serious concerns about whether visitors will use parking decks if constructed. “We already have an issue with parking in the neighborhood that is currently still not being addressed,” the neighbor said. “You’re talking about parking decks, which adds to the nuisance that’s already here, and I’m really concerned,” they added.
Commissioner Wright raised concern about Parkside not being listed as a distinct community in multiple CBA surveys. She emphasized the importance of representation as the wants and needs of neighborhood residents are “dramatically different” than other nearby communities.
Felder said he guaranteed it was an oversight and emphasized the importance of hearing all voices, from all neighborhoods, in ongoing discussions about the development project and how the community can benefit.
The commission took no vote on this matter. Community members are encouraged to share their priorities, thoughts and concerns here: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/ward7rfk.
Other Matters
Joshua Taborn was sworn in as the commissioner for 7D01, representing Kenilworth and Eastland Gardens, following his victory in the April special election.
Cesar Chavez Public Charter School Principal Dr. Joshua Jackson and Executive Director Sanjay Mitchell highlighted the school’s role as a “hub for scholars”
and spoke about the importance of community engagement. The leadership encouraged neighbors to connect, support and volunteer with the school. They also invited community members to utilize their spaces, particularly on weekends and during the summer, when school is not in session.
DC Office of Planning (OP) Director Anita Cozart, and Ward 7 representative Alex Freedman briefed commissioners about the DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The plan will guide the District’s growth through 2050 with a focus on affordable housing, job opportunities, historical preservation, environmental protections, land use policy and connection across neighborhoods through strategic investments. Cozart encouraged Ward 7 and 8
ANC 8F Report
Second Youth Navy Yard Takeover
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6/8F met both in-person at 250 M St. SE and online via Zoom May 20. Present were Commissioners Nic Wilson (6/8F01), Vice Chair Markita Bryant (6/8F02), Chair Brian Strege (6/8F03), Secretary Edward Daniels (6/8F04) and Treasurer Liam Goodwin (6/8F05).
In just a matter of weeks, our neighborhood has witnessed yet another teen crime… terrorization—for lack of a better word— of our neighborhood,” Daniels said, “a planned attack on our community orchestrated by youth from across the region.”
Hundreds of teenagers have converged on Navy Yard twice in a single
residents to share their priorities in the current phase one process. The OP plans to submit a final proposal to the DC Council between 2027 and 2028. Residents are encouraged to visit dc2050.dc.gov to complete a feedback survey and learn more about the project. Pepco representative Hakeem Mumford briefed commissioners on upcoming consumer bill changes. Beginning June 1, customers can expect to see an average increase of $17 per bill. Mumford attributed the increase to the region’s current “imbalance” between the available energy supply and demand.
ANC 7D will meet next on June 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. u
month, first on April 18 and again May 17, leading to huge police responses.
Daniels said youth entered communal spaces of private residential buildings, fought in public spaces and yelled at police officers positioned at metro stations. Summer, historically a time of higher youth presence in public spaces, has not even begun, Daniels added.
MPD Captain Adam Crist said that calls to police from Navy Yard on May 17 began about 7 p.m. when officers got a call about a large fight that was taking place in the area of First and M Streets SE. Another incident took place just before 10 p.m. when adults at the Bullpen (1201 Half St. SE) met a large group of juveniles and a fight took place during which smartphones were stolen. Three juveniles were arrested by MPD, he said, two for robbery and a third for threats and resisting arrest.
Crist said the weekend convergence appeared to be less coordinated than the April gathering, which was organized via social media.
The ANC Secretary said he was tired of hearing that a lack of teen activities and boredom was the excuse. Daniels called for stricter legislation, enforcement of said legislation and accountability for parents of teenagers.
While Commissioner Markita Bryant also expressed anger, she said she was looking for solutions, speaking with the Mayor’s office and MPD Chief Pamela Smith. A parent of a teenager herself, Bryant said
she was going to recommend that a curfew be implemented and that it begin much earlier than midnight.
Currently, children are not permitted alone on the streets between midnight and 6 a.m. Bryant proposed 9 or 10 p.m. as an alternative.
Bryant said she wants to work with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to create spaces for teenagers and for property managers to tighten access and security measures to residential buildings.
But she also called upon parents to “do better with their children,” arguing that many knew that their teenagers were part of the group, since they were able to come pick them up at the end of the night.
Asked for solutions, the O ce of the Attorney General (OAG) said that “deeply multifaceted problems need multifaceted solutions” including addressing the root cause of behavior. He said that there are repercussions for criminal behavior, and 85 percent of cases received by OAG are pursued in court. There was no vote on the matter.
A New Living Classroom Building
The ANC voted to support and application for a text amendment to the zoning in the SEFC-4 Zone to include educational, cultural and institutional uses. The changes would allow Living Classrooms to build a new facility along the Navy Yard boardwalk. The area slated for the building is zoned for park use, while the area just to the west is permitted for development; the applicant asks the zoning commission to extend commercial uses to the intended site as outlined in the master plan for the area.
For 25 years, Living Classrooms has focused on environmental education, workforce development and health and wellness in the District. They manage Kingman Island and serve over 2,000 DC students through environmental education, maritime music and paddling programs with a focus on students in Title 1 schools. The building would allow them to expand o erings.
The proposed design is a pavilion structure, in appearance and scale similar to the lumber shed and the District Winery building with wood, glass and dark met-
al elements. The three-story 17,000 square foot building is to be set on the boardwalk at Fifth Street SE, south of the Navy Yard power plant. Each story is set on an angle to the one below, creating outdoor spaces on each oor as well as varied views from windows on all sides except those facing north, for reasons of Navy Yard security.
The team said they will discuss the design in greater detail at a future meeting of ANC 8F.
Allen Speaks
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) spoke on the budget, noting that the Continuing Resolution passed in March treating DC like a federal agency not only had the e ect of removing $1.1 billion from the current District budget but also of delaying the FY2026 budget process. The Mayor is expected to submit a supplemental budget May 27 outlining proposed cuts to the current budget. Cuts will be steep but feared furloughs of teachers, police or re ghters are not anticipated.
DC Council expects to receive the proposed FY2026 budget on May 27, beginning a 70-day review period. Allen will host a budget town hall to think about how to best balance the budget in a way that does not place pressures on a single demographic of the city. The Council hopes to vote on a nal budget by July 31.
Allen said he supported ranked choice voting, calling himself a big believer. He said it provided an impetus for candidates to earn everyone’s vote by representing their ideas rather than trashing their opponents.
Allen was asked if Trayon White were re-elected to represent Ward 8 on DC Council, would he vote to expel him. “I don't see how the facts of what led to the expulsion have changed and so that probably gives you a pretty good clue,” Allen responded. “But I also think that question isn't always fair to the voters in Ward 8, because I think we have to give the voters of ward eight more credit to understand who the candidates are, what they represent, what person brings to the table and I want to respect that process.”
ANC 6/8F meets on the Third Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is June 17. Find more information and how to join at anc8F.org. ◆
Virtual Login: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/ 82241895770?pwd=30xgxP1oqOWhDHUuX w1vbrC1rYieSe.1 and enter password: anc7d Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace
Brian Alcorn, Chairperson 7D08 – Capitol Hill 7d08@anc.dc.gov
Juneteenth Celebration at the ACM (Power in the Past. Strength in the Future)
Join the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, on Thursday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for a free daylong celebration with family, friends and neighbors to honor the present and re ect on shared tradition and history. The Juneteenth Main Stage is hosted by BeMo Brown. Here’s the lineup: noon, BeMo Brown and Miss H.E.R.; 1 p.m., Lemonade Dream, Teen Poet; 2 p.m., Joi Carter; 3 p.m., Pinky Tha Rapper; and 4 p.m., Black Alley. There is also yoga with Grounded at 10 and 11 a.m. and urban gardening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an indoor/outdoor event. Follow ACM social media in case of inclement weather. Attendees may bring their own prepared food and nonalcoholic beverages in non-glass containers. Open res and grilling of any kind are not allowed. Guests are welcome to bring blankets to enjoy the music outside. Food is available for purchase from local food trucks. Registration recommended. www.anacostia.si.edu
Park Care Day with Friends of Anacostia Park
Join Friends of Anacostia Park for a Park Care Day event on the third Saturday of each month. Help clean up litter, remove invasives plant species or complete park maintenance projects. Meet at the Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion at 10 a.m., where volunteer leaders will provide supplies, orientation and training. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and pants and bring a water bottle. www.nps.gov/anac
Invasive Plant Removal at Kenilworth Park
Join Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens from 10 a.m. to noon, on the rst Sunday of every month through Dec. 7. Help remove invasive species to make room for native ora and fauna. The meeting point is at the parking lot on Deane Avenue NE, near the Kenilworth track. Tools and gloves are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Bring snacks and water. Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and long sleeves that you don’t mind getting dirty. No skills or prior knowledge are required. www.nps.gov/keaq
Let’s Hear It for the Fathers at the ACM
On Saturday, June 21, noon to 2 p.m., join the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, for a heartfelt and creative celebration of fathers/father gures. Hear poet Joseph Green share an original poem in honor of fathers, followed by a “Hand in Hand: Expressive Canvas Art” experience by artist Brian Bailey. This interactive activity will allow participants to pair with a loved one to create a layered handprint canvas symbolizing their bond. Inter-
“What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
On Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the National Park Service at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE, for the annual reenactment of Frederick Douglass’s classic speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” In addition to a dramatic portrayal of Douglass, there will be live music and house tours. www.nps.gov/frdo
ested participants should plan to be on time. Supplies provided. www.anacostia.si.edu
Urban Farm Opens in Ward 8
On June 3, View Strong, powered by The Interrupt, a place-based collaboration bringing nonpro ts together to address social determinants of health in Southeast DC, unveiled its new urban farm at Washington View, a 365-unit a ordable housing development in Ward 8. The View Strong urban farm is the centerpiece of a collaboration between nonprofits, community groups and businesses to improve community health. View
Strong provides food access through the urban farm and a free onsite pantry; workforce development with construction training programs led by Skyland Workforce Center; home ownership opportunities in partnership with National Housing Trust; health literacy and screenings provided by the DMV Chapter of Black Nurses Rock and health and wellness programming for residents and transportation to weekly events in Anacostia Park.
Dirt Bike Clinic at Benning Library
On Thursday, June 12, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Dirt Bike Clinic pop-up at Benning Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE, combines the best of dirt bike science
“Life in DC”: A Solo Exhibition by Roderick Turner
This solo exhibition is presented in collaboration with Hon eur Gallery, 1241 Marion Barry Ave. SE, and Valley Place Arts Collaborative. Through oil paintings, Turner captures decades of transformation in Washington, DC, focusing on the Southeast neighborhoods that have shaped his life and artistic vision. The exhibit runs through June 28. A DC resident since the 1980s, Turner chronicles the subtle yet profound changes across city streets, buildings, and everyday spaces, challenging viewers to re ect on the consequences of gentri cation and urban redevelopment. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday, and by appointment. www.hon eurgallerydc.com
Roderick Turner, “SE Washington DC Construction,” oil on linen, 12” x 31”, 2021.
Changing Hands
Changing Hands is a list of residential sales in Capitol Hill and contiguous neighborhoods from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Realty on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program Graduations
Tzedek DC celebrated the newest graduates of its Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program on May 6 and May 8 ceremonies at the Deanwood Library. Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder and program alumni Lashawn Starkes, Tamia Perry and YoYo Kebede spoke. At each event, a former Washington Commanders player shared their perspective and motivating words. This spring kicked o the second year of the Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program, with double the number of sessions being o ered. Participants from both the in-person Ward 7 and virtual sessions gathered in person for the graduations to celebrate their hard work. www.tzedekdc.org/empowerment
and safe riding. Participants migrate through hands-on labs like polymers, combustion engines, 3D printing and manufacturing, while also learning about how to ride safely using protective gear and electric bikes. Experiential learning labs focus on di erent science themes as they relate to dirt bikes. www.dclibrary.org
Karaoke & Spoken Word Wednesdays at Francis A. Gregory Library
On Wednesday, June 25 and July 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE, o ers a night of creativity and fun. Whether belting out your favorite songs at karaoke or sharing your original spoken word, come for the performances, stay for the good vibes. www. dclibrary.org
Home Ownership Fair at R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center
On Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, meet local lenders and real estate agents; learn
about DC home-buying programs and explore credit repair options and more. Registration required at www.dchfa.org/event/ dchfas-homeownership-fair.
Digital-Device & Workforce Help at Capitol View Library
On the second and fourth Friday of every month, get assistance with your digital devices: Chromebooks, cellphones, tablets, laptops, iPads, etc. (Bring your own device.) From 2 to 4 p.m., explore databases for standardized tests: Ged, SAT, GRE and more. Explore databases that provide live interview coaching, resume creation and tips for landing the perfect career. Capitol View Library is at 5001 Central Ave. SE. www. dclibrary.org
Summer Walking Tour of 11th Street Bridge Park
On Thursday, June 26, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., get a behind-the-scenes look at the future site of the park and new developments, and learn how storytelling and strategic communications are building community awareness for the 11th Street Bridge Park. Tour
leader and communications manager Laticia Taylor will highlight the role of media, messaging and community voices in shaping the park’s identity. www.buildingbridgesdc.org/event/summer-walking-tour-2
Food and Farm Fridays: Free Vegetables
THEARC Farmers harvest vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers from their network of farms in Southeast DC and bring them to you for free every Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Capital Area Food Bank also donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce. DC Central Kitchen gives out prepared meals and has cooking demonstrations, free local business products, hiring fairs and more. Building Bridges, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, is here to make life better for Ward 8 residents. www.buildingbridgesdc.org
Celebrating Black Music Month with Culture Queen at the ACM
On Saturday, June 28, from 1 to 3 p.m., celebrate Black Music Month with Culture Queen at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort. Pl. SE. What do R&B singer Marvin Gaye, godfather of go-go Chuck Brown, opera singer Denyce Graves and jazz singer and pianist Shirley Horn have in common? They are all native Washingtonians. Join Culture Queen in celebrating more of DC’s Black music artists. www.anacostia.si.edu
DPR Summer Programs
Registration Opens
This summer’s offerings include aquatics, summer swim league, youth water polo, senior swim team and learn-to-swim programs; cultural arts, piano, ballet, hip-hop dance and musical theater; sports and outdoor adventure, cheer, tennis, kayaking, pickleball, and intro to lacrosse. Registration for summer programming is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For reduced rates, residents must be approved before registering. View the online application at www.dpr.dc.gov/ReducedRates. For more information and to view a complete list of DPR programs, visit www. DPRprograms.com. u
east washington life
A Hub For Artists
Capital Hill Boys Club Art Gallery
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
In the two interviews I conduct with the founders of the Capital Hill Boys Club (CHBC) Art Gallery (1603 Good Hope Rd SE), I meet a lot of people. Folks stream in, making a beeline for founders Dietrich Williams and Mark Garrett. One woman asks if they have any work for her. A family comes in to ask about using the bathroom and leaves with information on the CHBC after-school program. A man in a Commanders jersey and matching bucket hat opens the door, leans in and says, “I just want to say I love what you’re doing here, and thank you.”
“That kind of thing happens all the time,” Williams tells me. He and Garrett founded the gallery in May 2023. They went on to expand programs with the help of their friend, artist Brian Bailey, Jr. They think of the space as a “hub” as much as a gallery.
They run seven programs from the gallery: a residency program for artists, after school programs, summer camp,
the community-based murals program, a traveling murals program, the new mural festival and a spoken word night on the third Thursday of the month called “Smoking Word” that combines gogo music and poetry. It’s a place to show art, make art, to learn about it, and gather the community together with a focus on art.
Beginnings
The name for CHBC originates with Dietrich Williams who was born in what is now called Hill East, raised by his mother and grandmother. His mom, a functioning addict, was in and out of jail; his grandmother helped raise him, welcoming people into her house, not discriminating against those facing hard times.
Still, it was a lot. In middle school, he and his friends found refuge at the now-shuttered Capitol Hill Boys and Girls Club. When he was about 15, he was hired to work there in the youth development programs. After college, he used that skillset working at THEARC, DPR, DCPS and started the Capital Boys Club with friends he had met at the original. He had spent a career building programs for youth when he met Garrett at a trophy shop.
Garrett was born in Parkside, near the District line and attended the Washington Institute for the Arts. After graduating, he fell out of art for a while. But when mural artist Mark Walker saw him doing chalk art for a service job, Garrett was invited to do a little bit on Walker’s mural. “I was changed from that moment on,” Garrett said. Walker became his mentor, teaching him how to clean brushes, budget materials, hold stencils and paint in the elements —and dream a little bit bigger.
Being part of Walker’s mural project was transformative for Garrett and he wanted others to have that experience. Securing a grant to paint a large monarch at Sasha Bruce House in 2015, Garrett painted with the resident youth. He decided to do more of that work, helping people express themselves through art.
Meshing
Garrett first met Williams in about 2013, when Williams, then a DPR Program Director working on the side as a music promotor, saw some of Garrett’s work
online and asked him to design album covers. They ran into one another again in about 2016 when Williams went to the trophy shop where Garrett worked. The two got to talking about and found a place where their work intersected: youth and art.
They began successfully applying for grants to run community mural programs, notably a 2020 project at Hopkins Gardens with the 11th Street Bridge Project and a mural of John Lewis on Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Later, they painted bike lanes for the SW BID, street murals in front of the King Greenleaf Recreation Center and more recently, five commemorative murals on the side of Peter Bug’s Shoe Repair building at 13th and E St. SE.
But the work of an artist is by nature destabilizing, they said. What they wanted if they were going to grow was a base. At a Georgetown party, Williams was introduced to the new developer of the Hope Laundromat building. He’d heard of their work and offered them the space for a gallery, as-is but at well below market rates. Garrett and Williams went in and started pulling washers and dryers out. They got an East Arts Grant to do improvements and later, a Capital Projects grant from Arts and Humanities to get air conditioning and lighting.
Programs
The after-school murals program is offered at the gallery Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. There’s an inschool program offered at Boone, Anacostia and Garfield elementaries that ends with a youth exhibit. Last year, every kid sold all of their work.
They’ll offer their third season of summer camp in 2025. In addition to language instruction and field trips, campers complete one mural over about six hours a week. The kids painted a mural on the side of DCity Smokehouse last year. This year, they will do a mural on the site of Caribbean Citations, the new restaurant at 1412 Marion Barry Ave. SE. There is also a traveling murals program, which began
(L-R): Brian Bailey, Jr., Mark Garrett and Dietrich Williams in front of the Capital Hill Boys Club Art Gallery (1603 Good Hope Rd. SE)
The artists at the first annual Anacostia Mural Fest in February 2025 gave their time and talent to the project while CHBC donated all materials. Photo: Matt McClure
in 2024. The kids climbed Mt. Rainer in Seattle and taught other kids how to do a paint by numbers mural for the opening of their new school in Seattle. CHBC also took a group of ten kids for a spring break trip to Balata Primary School in St. Lucia, where they painted four murals.
Garrett says the student programs don’t replace art teachers, many of whom have been cut from DC public schools along with budgets. “We are not a replacement for a full-time art teacher,” he said, “we are supplementary.” Kids need art, Garrett said, not just so they understand that they could be artist, but also so they understand history, science and math
“We’re not necessarily building artists,” Williams says of the kids. “We’re building people.” Williams says he wants kids to become well-rounded, to understand the business behind the art and the importance of soft skills and relationship-building.
Art at Center
But CHBC is primarily a gallery. Williams and Garrett are very clear: It’s a place that centers the needs of artists, primarily those from Ward 7 and 8 who often don’t have the resources to become part of the system that would get them exposure. “The idea is to build the artists,” Williams said.
Their first resident was Denise B. Hawkins. Now 69 years old, Hawkins creates masks from jute and signs her work “Ms. D.” Since then, they’ve had painters, tattoo artists and fashion shows. CHBC doesn’t take anything from the Ward 7 and 8 artists who show at the site, incorporating them into gallery applications to create opportunity for them to do their work and get paid. Those resident artists are only asked to do some work with the kids who come for after-school programming.
But there are lots of professional artists coming through as well. I’m sitting with Bailey, Williams and Garrett in the gallery when Keyonna Jones walks in with two researchers.
Jones, the founder of Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC) was one of the seven artists selected to paint the now erased Black Lives Matter Mural. With her she has researchers Heather Shirey and Todd Lawrence, from the Minnesota based research organization Urban Art Mapping (urbanartmapping.org), which documents, maps and archives ur-
ban street art responding to moments of crisis. The researchers exchange cards with Williams and Garrett before going outside to look at the art Jones made for the mural festival.
Open Space
Brian Bailey, Jr., now a leader of CHBC programs, found them like many others do. He walked in as Williams and Garrett were pulling washing machines out the wall and asked what was happening.
It’s gonna be an art gallery, Williams told him. “I was like, hell yeah,” Bailey remembers.
Bailey was working through his artistic vision for the future, he said. Williams and Garrett pushed him in the right direction. “They were people to be artists with and they kind of helped me learn,” Bailey said. “It was like: “imagine and be free here — and not having to work as a solo artist—it’s like a team sort of thing.”
They also had the space, a place where artists could show art “and do what you want to do, without a whole bunch of red tape.” He loved the programming and helping to teach kids to become themselves.
Building Continues
Building the gallery does mean that their focus on their own work su ers. But the trade is worth it, Garrett said. He used to work multiple jobs to pay the bills and try to do art around them. But now he’s an artist constantly around art and other artists. “I’m always interacting with the art community in some way,” Garrett told me. “I do art all the time.”
In the future, Garrett and Williams plan to expand their international and national networks, helping to open up doors for their artists and the kids that work with them. “You know, you just create community,” Williams said. “I think it’s a path for all of us. And this is so much to share.”
This exhibit currently on view is called “Men in Basements, the Intersection of Black Men and Mental Health,” curated by Victor Garrett, an Exhibit Specialist at the Smithsonian.
kids & family
by Kathleen Donner
National Capital Barbecue Battle (free, under twelve)
Family Days for Juneteenth at Mount Vernon
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 19 to 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., learn about Ona Judge, Christopher Sheels, Hercules Posey, and Mount Vernon’s many enslaved people who resisted enslavement and sought freedom before the Emancipation Proclamation. Discover how they defined their agency and the legacies they left behind. Join an Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Specialty Tour at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. This program is included with admission. A free ticket is required to hold your place in line. Tours start at the Mansion circle. All activities included with admission: $28 for adults; $15 for youth six to eleven; and free for ages to five. mountvernon.org.
July 4th Family Activities at the National Archives
Join the National Archives on Constitution Avenue Independence Day celebration. They’re celebrating America’s birthday on the steps of the National Archives with re-enactors, family fun, and the iconic Declaration of Independence reading ceremony. The music starts at 9 a.m. From 10 to 11:45 a.m., there are speeches, readings and music. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there are family activities Inside the building--sign the Declaration of Independence, make you own flag, do a scavenger hunt, enjoy activity stations; meet and have your picture taken with Revolutionary figures Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Ned Hector, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. archivesjuly4.org.
The National Capital Barbecue Battle is on Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, June 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (rain or shine). The two-day event along Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues, between Third and Seventh, features barbecue and grilled food samples all weekend, 30 bands performing across three stages, celebrity chefs, cookbook authors, microbrew and wine sampling and cooking competitions. Kids 12 and under are free. Kids will enjoy sports activities from the Washington Capitals, Mystics, Wizards, DC United and others. There will be exciting BMX stunt bike & skateboarding shows, free food, candy & ice cream samples, fun arts activities and more. Daily pass, $20; two-day pass, $30; family four-pack (adults), $60. bbqindc.com.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Youth and the Future of Culture
From July 2 to 7, on the National Mall, the 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will explore how young people influence and engage with culture, and how they create, innovate, and sustain cultural practices and traditions. Drawing from diverse communities and perspectives, the festival will feature youth-centered—and often youth-led—projects and organizations, and individuals who are generating new ideas, transforming their communities, and confronting contemporary challenges. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with evening concerts Friday through Sunday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All events are free of charge. festival.si.edu.
Next Wave heads to Washington!!! . . . Four high school seniors from the ART FM Next Wave Academy—Aaron Ziegler, Lila Hayden, Jordan Gray, and Maxwell $ Selby—have been selected to represent WXOX on the National Mall in Washington DC this summer at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, July 2 to 7. Stay tuned for more info and their live broadcast from the Nation’s Capital!
CONGRATS! 2025! CLASS OF
VR Safari at the Zoo
Come face-to-face with wildlife in a stunning live-action virtual reality safari. Strap on VR goggles and experience lush jungles and endless savannahs as you journey across the wilds of Africa. Enter the world of the wild and see elephants, leopards and gorillas in their native habitats from the safety of your VR Transporter. Passengers must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult. Manufacturers recommend that users be at least 13 years of age. Children younger than 13 who are at least 42 inches tall may ride with consent of a parent or guardian. General admission is $12. Tickets sold on-site at the VR attraction at the Conservation Pavilion (next to Mane Grill). The zoo is free to visit but entry passes are required, including infants. nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/ virtual-reality-safari.
Honey How?! Family Program at the Botanic Garden
On Friday, June 20, 3 to 5 p.m., drop by the Botanic Garden’s Children’s Garden to celebrate National Pollinator Week and explore the how’s of honey. How do owers attract bees? How do bees make honey? Join the Botanic Garden to taste different honey varietals to understand the connection between floral nectar and honey avor. Families will explore the life cycle and behavior of bees and their relationship to plants and the ecosystem. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration needed. usbg.gov.
The Wiggles: Bouncing Balls! Tour at Capital One Hall
On Friday, June 27, 3 and 6 p.m. (doors one hour before showtime) for the rst time in over ve years, The Wiggles return for an extensive tour of the UK, US and Canada with their new show, based on their smash hit single Bouncing Balls. Experience the magic of this interactive and engaging live show experience set to spark creativity, curiosity and a love of learning through The Wiggles signature mix of entertainment and education. Tickets start at $29. Capital One Hall is at 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, VA. capitalonehall.com.
Disney’s Monsters Movie at Congressional Cemetery
Friday, June 13, 7 to 10:30 p.m., delight the whole family with the heartwarming chaos of Disney’s Monsters, Inc. at Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. Feel free to bring your own beverages and food. Alcohol is permitted and will also be for sale. Keep in mind that all guests will be ID checked upon entry. They also recommend bringing your own blankets, low-lying lawn chairs, etc. (Please do not bring chairs that may obstruct the view of those behind you.) In the event of rain, the lm will be shown on the following Friday evening. Gates open about an hour before sunset and the movie begins at sunset. $10 for adults; $5 for kids, three to twelve. No dogs. Register at congressionalcemetery.org.
Pop-Up Stargazing at Air and Space
Wednesday, June 18, 8:30 to 10 p.m., join Air and Space outside the Museum at the corner of Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, near the silver Delta Solar sculpture, and see the wonders of the night sky. Experienced people will help you to use di erent telescopes to observe a variety of things, including planets, stars, and the Moon. Stargazing is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required. This event is weather dependent and may be cancelled due to rain, clouds, and other poor visibility. airandspace.si.edu.
Three DPR Outdoor Kids’ Swimming Pools Open
Happy Hollow Children’s Pool at 2200 Champlain St. NW; Park View Children’s Pool at 693 Otis Pl. NW; and Lincoln Capper Children’s Pool at 555 L St. SE, are open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Additionally, Park View and Lincoln Capper close from 2 to 3 p.m. Outdoor pools are open on weekends only before Sunday, June 22, in addition to being open on Memorial Day, May 26. dpr.dc.gov/ outdoorpools.
Come Learn With Us!
Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org or call (202) 888-6336
For questions, contact our enrollment team: Call (202) 545-0515 or email enrollment@bridgespcs.org
Join us for building tours & information sessions to learn more about our programs:
Sesame Street the Musical at the KC
From July 10 to Aug. 31, experience the Muppets from Sesame Street UP CLOSE and IN-PERSON in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. This is an opportunity to enjoy the Muppets from Sesame Street in an intimate, joyous theatrical setting, which the New York Times calls “playful and captivating; a beguiling place to play pretend.” Don’t miss sing-alongs of the classic songs you know and love, music that will have you dancing in your seat, and lots of furry fun for fans of all ages. Sesame Street the Musical is most enjoyed for ages two+. Tickets start at $40.25 (which includes fees). kennedy-center.org.
SW Night Market: A Family Friendly Gathering
Market SW, at Fourth and M Streets SW, is on alternate Fridays, 4 to 10 p.m. Remaining dates this season are June 7 and 21; July 5 and 19; Aug. 2, 16 and 30; and Sept. 13 and 27. With a mix of local and creative businesses, food trucks, live music, a fully stocked beer garden, colorful lights, and family-friendly activities, each market creates a lively atmosphere of a neighborhood outdoor living room. The market is directly across the street from Waterfront Station Metro and near Arena Stage. DiverseMarkets.net.
DPR Spray Parks Open for Summer
Here are the DPR Spray Park Rules: Children should never be left unsupervised in any area in the spray park. Infants in diapers or still in training should wear poolapproved garments. No dogs or pets are permitted at or near DPR spray parks. Absolutely no glass is permitted on/or around the spray park area. Food and drinks are not permitted on spray park grounds. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are strictly prohibited at all DPR parks, including spray parks. Find a listing by ward at dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks.
Friday Night Fishing on the Anacostia
Anacostia Riverkeeper’s Friday Night Fishing program is a free, family-friendly, learn-to-fish program. It takes place along the Navy Yard on the Anacostia each summer. Open to all ages. ARK and partner Earth Conservation Corps provide everything you need for you and your family to learn how to fish in a fun and educational environment. Friday nights from June 21 to Sept. 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Diamond Teague Park Recreation Dock. Anacostia Riverkeeper provides fishing gear, safety vests, and a mini demo on fishing, fishing safety and fun facts about the fish in the river. Adults need DC fishing licenses to actively fish. Registration is recommended via the Anacostia Riverkeeper Eventbrite page. anacostiariverkeeper.org/friday-night-fishing.
Art in the A.M. at the American Art Museum
On Wednesday, June 18, 10:30 a.m., inspire early childhood creativity with SAAM during Art in the A.M. Children ages up to five years and their caregivers are invited to the museum before hours to learn, connect, and create in the galleries. During this program, participants will explore landscapes and scenes of American life in the Experience America galleries on SAAM’s first floor, followed by a hands-on diorama crafting activity in the MacMillan Education Center. Free; registration required. SAAM is at Eighth and G streets NW. americanart.si.edu.
Outdoor Cinema at the REACH
Join the Kennedy Center for free film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall of movies for families and young audiences. Films start at dusk. Here’s the lineup: June 6, WONKA; June 13, Black Panther; June 20, Belfast; June 27, The Lion King; July 11, The Incredibles; July 18, Julie and Julia; July 25, Moulin Rouge; Aug. 1, Bend It Like Beckham; Aug. 8, Walk the Line; Aug. 15, Moneyball; Aug. 22, Chicago; Aug. 29, North by Northwest. Registration is not required but encouraged so you can get the most up-to-date status of the films. If not registered, check the website day of film screening for cancellation or location change due to inclement weather--including heat advisories or rain. kennedy-center.org.
Cool Concerts for Kids at Strathmore
Strathmore’s Cool Concerts for Kids promise to offer soul-stirring tunes for people of all ages while creating fun
CONGRATS! 2025! CLASS OF
ways for younger audiences to interact with the music. Cool Concerts for Kids performances are on select Thursdays at 7 p.m. at The Gudelsky Gazebo (The Gazebo stage is across from the Mansion driveway) and run 60 minutes with no intermission. (Be home before bedtime.) Here’s the lineup: on July 10, 7, Divi Roxx Kids; July 17, OldTime Music & Dance Party with Becky Hill, Rachel Eddy & Friends; and July 24, Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 or pay-what-youcan. The Music Center at Strathmore is at 5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, MD. strathmore.org.
Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park
Kids ages four to ¬twelve can run the bases after every Sunday day game throughout the season. This year’s remaining dates are June 8 and 15; July 6 and 20; Aug. 3, 17 and 31; and Sept. 14 and 28. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. An adult must accompany runners to the field. Kids and parents/ guardians can begin lining up at the end of the seventh inning, however fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will still be able to line up once the game has ended. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. washington.nationals.mlb.com.
The Savannah Bananas at Nat’s Park
Banana Ball has become one of the fastest and most entertaining game in sports. It strips away the often-criticized lulls and lengthy pauses typical of traditional baseball, delivering a high-octane and entertainment-packed game that keeps both players and fans on their toes. Banana Ball has 11 unique rules, one of which is that if a fan catches a foul ball, it counts as an out. The Savannah Bananas vs. The Firefighters are at Nat’s Park on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, 4:30 p.m. (rain or shine). Tickets start at $35 (no hidden fees) and must be purchased at FansFirstTickets.com. Kids three and under do not need a ticket but may have to sit on someone’s lap. bananaball.com.
NSO: Disney ‘80s-‘90s Celebration in Concert at Wolf Trap
On Saturday, July 26, 8 p.m. (gates at 6:30 p.m.), highlighting songs and clips from iconic Disney films of the 1980s and 1990s, special guest singers join the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap for unforgettable favorites from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan, Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Hocus Pocus, Newsies, A Goofy Movie, and more. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Ticket prices are the same for adults and children. Tickets start at $40. wolftrap.org. u
