New economic developments

JEN MCLAUGHLIN Artist/Vendor

Ward 8 has seen a lot of new developments. Leaders in the local government in charge of development must help D.C. residents who are low-income and living east of the river. A small community pharmacy located on Good Hope Road is closing. D.C. residents throughout the city must have equal access to goods and services no matter where they live.

MICHELE ROCHON Artist/Vendor

RONALD SMOOT Artist/Vendor

Roses are red and violets are blue, if I don’t get a sub what about you? So what would I do? I can go with you. The moments we share would always be true, the woman like you, my mama would say, “the girl is a breeze, like a wild flower that’s always in the night. She will always fight to be right at the hour in the middle of the night.”

In the United States of America – a supposedly developed country – women still face discrimination. This topic dominated the agenda of a global women’s leadership summit I attended at Howard University last year. The event was held to promote global engagement and impactful partnerships and also bring people together around the following values: resilience, integrity, service and excellence.

I have noticed a recent surge in fights between women, particularly among writers, associates and co-workers that I’ve known for nearly 40 years. I have even noticed this happening among former clergy.

It is unfortunate when others cannot see your “value” and shape their vision of you based on a former lifestyle or past. Washington, D.C. is a microcosm of ethnic groups. But it has changed for the worse. This area sometimes feels like a prison camp. I feel as though people are constantly probing into my personal business asking about my income, my whereabouts and what I’m doing. I no longer like D.C. and will be glad when I leave. I promise myself I will never, ever live here again. It is a nightmare!

I really dislike it when people try to push their value systems or their agendas on me. I am experienced enough to know what I like. And I refuse to live beneath my means.

NIKILA SMITH Artist/Vendor