The Lab is a professional home for creatives from around the DMV and beyond. The magazine was created to tell their stories, and shine a light on our community and collective impact. For more information, visit GatewayCDC org
PUBLISHER
GATEWAY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
MICHELLE DARDEN-LEE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MICHELLE DARDEN-LEE
MANAGING EDITOR
DES’REE MCCRAW
AYOKA BLANDFORD WRITER/COPY EDITOR
AYOUT AND DESIGN
JAIDAH DAVIS
OGRAM PARTNERS
OF MOUNT RAINIER E GEORGE’S ARTS MANITIES COUNCIL
The Gateway Media Arts Lab is a creative industries incubator located in Mount Rainier, MD With a focus on culture, community and the greater good, the Lab helps media arts professionals and other creative entrepreneurs expand their businesses and refine their artistic visions. We have over 70 Lab members. Their products and services facilitate transformation through storytelling, culture, art and design.
The Lab is a lead project of Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) Founded in 1997, Gateway CDC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Our mission is to drive economic revitalization along the U.S. Route 1 Corridor through business and neighborhood development initiatives including promotion of the arts as a community building strategy. Gateway CDC works within the communities of Brentwood, North Brentwood and Mount Rainier, MD and in collaboration with multiple partners to ensure the success of the entire Gateway Arts District
Dear Gateway Community,
As I step down from my role as Board President, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the journey we've been on together since I joined the board in 2016. Over the past eight years, we have accomplished tremendous growth, laid the groundwork for even more exciting developments, and remained true to our mission of supporting artists and creatives in our community
This past year has been particularly transformative Our recent board retreat reaffirmed our commitment to financial stability, inclusive community engagement, and a bold vision for the future. The Vision 2035 plan, currently in development, outlines a thriving arts district "built by creatives, for creatives," where artists can live, work, and grow. Our focus on supporting artist ownership and expanding community spaces ensures that arts and culture remain central to everyday life in the Gateway Arts District.
While I am excited about what lies ahead for Gateway CDC, I am stepping down due to a new professional opportunity that creates a potential conflict of interest I have recently accepted a role as Chief of Staff for Chairman Peter Shapiro at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. This new role demands my full attention and necessitates my transition from the board to ensure both organizations maintain their integrity.
I am confident that Gateway CDC is poised for continued success. Our community is stronger than ever, and I am excited to see the organization flourish under new leadership. Thank you for the privilege of serving, and I look forward to supporting Gateway CDC’s vision in new ways.
Warm regards, Marcus
Monroe
g from the President
NORTH BRENTWOOD The Path of Progress
North Brentwood has a rich history of which many locals are unaware
Established in 1924, it became the first African American settlement in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Situated between Brentwood and Hyattsville, Maryland, North Brentwood consists o acres of land.
Known as “The Bottoms”, the land wa less-than-desirable and gifted to Afric American Civil War soldiers from whit Civil War commander, Captain Wallac Bartlett, in memory of his all-Black regiment in 1887. It became known as “Randall Town” due to the Randall fa who was prominent and among its firs residents The family owned the first home in North Brentwood and opened grocery store which was the first commercial establishment of the town
Entrepreneurial Park is on the site of the Randall house in North Brentwood, the town’s first entrepreneurs. The Randall family operated a grocery store, a coal and ice company; others operated beauty and barber shops The site is being developed to honor the town’s rich entrepreneurial history.
Over the next five years, Randall Town and its residents flourished. New resident Jeremiah Hawkins, served as the town’s first mayor and was elected as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1920. He led the effort to incorporate the town four years later, establishing key roles including cabinet members, councilmen, a police justice, town clerk and treasurer.
This period of development for North Brentwood - and the rise of other African American settlements across the nation - began during the backdrop of the Reconstruction Era and The Great Migration, a surge of African American families leaving the South headed North and West.
However, the creation of “Black Codes” and legislative decisions such as the Supreme Court striking down the Civil Rights Act of 1875 and Plessy v Ferguson began the advent of “separate but equal” and consequently the Jim Crow Era.
Meanwhile in 1904, The Holladay Land Company, created by Captain Bartlett, established the smaller subdivision of Brentwood. This neighboring town was a premium swatch of land and home to all white residents.
Three years after Brown v Board of Education of Topeka, the landmark case that ended separate but equal on paper, many U.S. localities, municipalities and states did not follow suit, enacting their own discriminatory laws. And in 1957, the town of Brentwood installed a metal highway barrier at the intersection of Windom Road and 39th Street, to physically divide the two towns; Brentwood became a ‘sundown town’.
North Brentwood’s historic AME Zion Church, built in 1920, is listed in Maryland’s National Registry
Mural located at The Prince Georges African American Museum.
As the years passed, the collective memory of the towns faded. Many were unaware of the infamous history of the barrier. It was not until local firefighters requested that the barrier be removed to improve their emergency route that the current mayor of Brentwood, Rocio Treminio-Lopez, learned of its origin.
Appalled, she wanted to immediately destroy it, however, she partnered with the mayor of North Brentwood, Petrella Robinson, to produce a solution that would not erase, but would pay homage to, the lived history of the residents of North Brentwood.
“Together, our thought was just that, togetherness... but we must not forget the past...” “When the Mayor approached me, it was about how do we remember the past and move to the future,” said Robinson
As the town representative on Gateway CDC's board, I know we’ll continue to make even more strides. Gateway will provide us with opportunities to share our story and further define North Brentwood as a place of creativity and resilience. --Evan Dame
Mayor Robinson is a long-time resident of North Brentwood and remembers walking past the barrier on the way to school, but not knowing what it was or what it represented.
The mayors would spend the next seven years developing a plan to do respect the past and future. Hence, the Windhom Road Barrier Park project was born.
Sundown towns were birthed by discriminatory local laws and used violence and intimidation to maintain segregation. After 6pm or sunset, it was unsafe if not unlawful for African Americans and sometimes Indigenous, Chinese, Mexican and Japanese peoples to remain in many communities, but especially those designated as “sundown.”
Sundown towns, counties and suburbs sprang up across the country during the Jim Crow Era, however the origins can be traced to pre-Reconstruction. Once the laws were challenged, the same results were achieved with exclusive real estate practices and covenants. Such policies and behavior led to the creation of The Negro Motorist Green Book published by and for African Americans to know which places were safe when traveling and encountering new communities.
WINDHOM ROAD BARRIER PARK
Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) collaborated closely with community leaders and residents over an 18-month engagement process to establish shared values for placemaking. The proposed site plans include interpretive signs, benches, bio-retention planters, tree boxes, pervious curbs and gutters, and residential streetscape planting, extending into the adjacent park.
In the 1950s, a corrugated metal crash barrier was installed to clearly mark the municipal boundary between Brentwood, a sundown town, and North Brentwood, the county’s first incorporated African American town. While the laws and societal attitudes evolved, the structure remained.
OM DIVISION CONNECTION
rican American artists Nehemiah Dixon III and Wesley Clark created e memorial sculpture for Windhom Road Barrier Park. The sculpture ade of epoxy foam and steel is two hands holding a section of the iginal barrier, which is now vertical. Located on the boundary of North entwood and Brentwood, it signifies the unification of the towns. Dixon listed the help of Clark, a Lewisdale artist and sculptor who has a udio in College Park
xon, a DC native who is trained as a painter and later pivoted to ulpting, originally proposed the design. He serves as Senior Director for ublic Programming and Community Engagement for The Phillips ollection.
In late June, a Juneteenth celebration was held as the official opening of the park attended by citizens of North Brentwood and Brentwood. Both town Mayors were speakers and shared the motivation for this historic project.
“The sculpture today is very impressive. It makes me feel that we have accomplished a hurdle, jumped over that barrier, or crawled under the barrier to get to the other side. Here we are on the other side, shared values, common goals, and uplifting of each other ” - Mayor Petrella Robinson
The history of the small, quaint town of North Brentwood runs deep. Imagine being able to visit a club where African American greats including Pearl Bailey and Duke Ellington frequently performed for late-night audiences. Visitors have that opportunity when they cross the threshold of Sis’s Tavern, later known as Baby Dee’s.
Located at 4516 41st Avenue, the tavern was built in 1912 by Thomas F. Randall, whose family was one of the town’s first residents. It served as a grocery store and in 1919, it was sold to Jeremiah Hawkins, the town’s first mayor.
Originally, the property had a covenant that prohibited the sale of alcohol. But after that covenant expired, Marie “Sis” Walls opened it as a tavern operating until 1966.
It was a juke-joint after African American performers left venues such as The Howard Theater in a then-segregated DC. Crowds packed this small, unassuming building for entertainment, fellowship and food and drink.
The tavern later became Baby Dee’s A 1920s addition to the building housed a barbershop that operated until 1996 when Baby Dee’s closed.
Use this historic space to host your next event! Indoor and outdoor spaces are available for use. There is a discount for North Brentwood residents. For more information, contact Sherleeta Hawkings at 301-996-7159.
Sis’s Tavern has since been renovated by the City of North Brentwood and the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation with the support of local, state and federal grant funding. The Neighborhood Design Center provided interior design direction and project management support to complete the project at Sis’s. The Center partnered with residents to create a design for the renewed space, selecting the local artists, Five Creations, for the mural which graces the interior.
Mayor Robinson hosted a grand re-opening of the tavern for the community. People were invited to return laughter, music and energy to the historic juke-joint. Now, it is a gathering space that can be rented by the public for events.
The revitalization of Sis’s Tavern, the Windhom Barrier Park and Entrepreneurial Park illuminate a milestone of one hundred years since North Brentwood’s incorporation. Both landmarks preserve the history of North Brentwood and celebrate the vibrant history of this original African American town. These attractions add to the rich culture of the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District.
WELCOME TO THE
A Proud Founding Partner
Nestled on the border of Brentwood and Mount Rainier, the new Gateway Farmers’ Market is quickly becoming a community hub. Open every Saturday, from 9 AM to 1 PM, it features a diverse array of fresh foods, produce, natural body care products, and farm-fresh flowers This kid-friendly market is bustling with vendors from the Route 1 corridor, D.C. and even
rural Maryland and Pennsylvania. Vendors include Hyattsville’s Cocineros serving tacos, Riverdale Park’s Manifest Bread, and Woodridge’s Zeke Coffee. Shoppers can also enjoy juices from The Waterhole, pastries from Casa Blanca Bakery, breakfast sandwiches from Hog Haven Farm, and spirits from Tenth Ward Distilling Fresh produce is available from Birdland Pastures, Garner’s Produce, and Pecan Meadow Farm amongst
others. The market is becoming know for its lively atmosphere incorporating live music, picnic tables, and grassy play areas for kids It was founded by Brentwood residents Megan Abbot and Gary Hall, with Gateway Community Development Corporation as a founding partner Located at the Bunker Hill Fire Station parking lot (3716 Rhode Island Ave ) the market operates rain or shine through November 30, then resumes in the spring, fostering community connections and local commerce
Maya Johnson
MEMBER PROFILE A PROFILE SERIES
Maya Johnson
FOUNDER OF LOV
Maya Johnson, professionally known as MayaB, is a dynamic and innovative designer who has carved her niche in the world of couture through her self-taught expertise and passion for fashion. With a focus on creating luxury sustainable fashion pieces, Maya has established two distinct brands that cater to diverse fashion tastes: Lover Girl and Naomi Maison Bridal Couture.
Lover Girl represents the epitome of contemporary streetwear, combining edgy, urban aesthetics with high-quality craftsmanship This brand is Maya’s love letter to the vibrancy and energy of street culture, offering pieces that are both bold and wearable Each design is a testament to her ability to blend creativity with functionality, making Lover Girl a favorite among fashion-forward individuals who value both style and comfort.
On the other hand, Naomi Maison Bridal Couture showcases Maya’s expertise in creating exquisite bridal wear. This brand is dedicated to providing brides with luxurious, sustainable designs that make their special day even more memorable. Maya’s bridal creations are characterized by their timeless elegance, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to sustainability. By using eco-friendly materials and innovative techniques, she ensures that every piece is not only beautiful but also kind to the planet
Maya’s innovative approach and unwavering commitment to her craft have earned her a place among the rising stars of fashion in the area Her work continues to inspire and empower, proving that with passion and creativity, the possibilities in fashion are endless.
Donna whitaker
MEMBER PROFILE A PROFILE SERIES
Donna Whitaker
FOUNDER OF SEW CHIC
Donna Whitaker is the visionary Founder and CEO of Sew Chic Fabrics and Crafts (Sew Chic), a dynamic enterprise at the crossroads of creativity, skill, and commerce Sew Chic is renowned for its dedication to serving a diverse clientele, ranging from enthusiastic hobbyists to professional designers, by providing essential materials, tools, and services for a wide array of sewing projects Whether it’s a simple repair or a complex custom creation, Sew Chic is committed to supporting every sewing endeavor with top-notch resources and expert guidance.
Donna’s passion for sewing began at a young age By the age of 10, she was inspired by watching her adoptive mother skillfully sew for neighbors This early exposure ignited a lifelong interest in the craft. Throughout high school, Donna continued to refine her skills, driven by a deep love for sewing.
After a brief hiatus to focus on raising her family, she re-entered the sewing world in 2014, she wanted to share her knowledge and insight with others With Donna’s vision, Sew Chic has evolved into a vibrant hub for sewing education and community. The business offers a comprehensive range of classes and workshops designed to cater to all skill levels. From private class sessions to specialized workshops, Donna provides hands-on training in various aspects of sewing Each session is tailored to help participants develop their skills!
Dedication to fostering a supportive environment for sewing enthusiasts underscores Sew Chic’s mission -- to celebrate and elevate the art of sewing Through her innovative approach and commitment, Donna continues to inspire a new generation, helping them bring their visions to life.
CREATIVE ROUND UP
Open Studios Tour 2024 featured good food, fun, great conversations, and a photoshoot by Lab member, Samuel Achirem Jr. Here are a few scenes from the day.
Mayor Celina Benitez of Mount Rainier, MD, along with former mayor Fred J. Sissine are pictured with Michelle Darden-Lee, Executive Director of Gateway CDC, and Anthony Lee, President Emeritus.
PRINCE GEORGE'S FILM FESTIVAL
The Prince George’s Film Office hosted the third annual Prince George’s Film Festival. This four-day event featured film screenings from both up-and-coming and established independent filmmakers. Attendees also got to enjoy networking receptions, workshops, panels, community events and more.
