Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Howard University - The Community Connection Spring 2018 Newsletter

This original message below includes a set of images, which did not get copied here, unfortunately. 

Howard University - The Community Connection 
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WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY CONNECTION!
Greetings Neighbors,
The Howard Community Connections newsletter keeps you informed about the major events and activities taking place on and around our campus. As we prepare to close out this spring semester, please check out what we have accomplished this spring, and what you can look forward to this summer!

In Truth and Service,

Valarie Turner, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Off-Campus Housing and Community Engagement

Maybelle Taylor Bennett
Director, Howard University Community Association

Sheena J. Davis
Howard University Community Association



KINDRED SPIRITS DOCUMENTARY

Maybelle Taylor Bennett, Director of the Howard University Community Association, was interviewed in February for an independent documentary entitled "Kindred Spirits: Artists Hilda Wilkinson Brown and Lilian Thomas Burwell."  She gave extensive and expert knowledge on LeDroit Park and its storied history. The film focuses on the life and work of these two accomplished African-American artists and educators, and explores their special bond as aunt and niece.

Hilda Wilkinson Brown, who was born in 1894, and graduated from Howard University, lived in LeDroit Park for most of her life.  Many of her paintings are of LeDroit Park and the surrounding neighborhood. The LeDroit Park neighborhood was founded in 1873 by Amzi Barber and Andrew Langdon. Barber was a businessman who served on the board of trustees of neighboring Howard University. Notable LeDroit Park residents include: Duke Ellington, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Anna J. Cooper, Mary Church Terrell, Ralph Bunch, and Walter Washington. For more information, visit www.kindredspiritsfilm.com
 

 ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA PANEL DISCUSSION

Organizing for America, the Michelle Obama initiative designed to get young people engaged in political activism, hosted a panel discussion at Founder’s Library on March 6th. The discussion created an opportunity for dialogue and centered around gentrification, affordable housing, and Howard's role in changing the surrounding communities. Guest panelists included Ms. Tania Jackson, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Brianne Nadeau; Tom Dawes, Development Corporation of Columbia Heights; Derrek Niec-Williams, Executive Director for Campus Planning; Architecture & Development for Howard University; and Nawal Rajeh, Black Workers Center Organizer for ONE DC. 
 


LOWER GEORGIA AVENUE MAIN STREET-NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGY COUNCIL

The Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street is a new community-based economic development program to support small businesses and neighborhoods along the Georgia Avenue corridor from Kansas Avenue to Barry Place. Georgia Avenue Thrive partnered with District Bridges in applying for this grant, awarded Fall 2017 by DC's Department of Small and Local Business Development.

Howard University is a member of the Lower Georgia Avenue Neighborhood Strategy Council (NSC) of District Bridges. This program supports the neighborhood outreach and programmatic development of their designated Main Street areas. It also provides leadership on neighborhood priorities for community-based economic development programming. District Bridges’ mission is to enrich neighborhood vitality by bridging community engagement and economic development opportunities so individuals, businesses, and organizations can thrive together. More information is available on the District Bridges website at districtbridges.org.
 


TRELLIS HOUSE COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROJECTS

Howard University, RISE, Gateway Investments and the owner of the former refrigeration plant on Barry Place entered into a partnership to develop a mixed use housing and retail  planned unit development (PUD) project at the corner of Barry Place and Sherman Avenue called the Trellis House.  The negotiated community benefits package for the Trellis House PUD (2323 Sherman Ave N.W.) included upgrades at the LeDroit Park and the Garfield Terrace Senior Public Housing building community rooms. Improvements have included painting, shelving, new flooring and structural enhancements. New furnishings, fitness equipment, televisions and computers will round out the improvements, making the community spaces more functional, comfortable and relaxing for residents. An HVAC and skilled employment training programs have also been funded.
 
 

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK

Howard University Alternative Spring Break is a unique service learning experience that enables HU students to connect with targeted communities domestically and internationally in activism while combating prevalent social issues, exploring the ethical and spiritual dimensions of leadership, and channeling their unique gifts and talents through the Howard University motto, “truth and service”. This spring break, from March 10-18, more than 800 Howard students traveled to 16 locations across the world focusing on hurricane relief and recovery and serving communities in need. Locations include: D.C., Flint, MI, Chicago, IL, Florida Keys, Bella Glade, FL, New Orleans, LA, Port Arthur, TX, Beaumont, TX, Houston, TX, Puerto Rico, Anguilla, St. Croix, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Haiti, Ghana.
https://storify.com/theprettyphd/weserveeverywhere-huasb-in-truth-service
 


OFFICE OF OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (OCHCE)

OCHCE has been involved in many efforts to support and serve the community this academic year.

Partnership Engagements have included:
The Howard University Cares Volunteer Corps (HU-CVC), where community service requests and volunteer activities of Howard University students and organizations are centralized.  HU-CVC’s mission is to strengthen the community connectivity through leadership and service engagements.  HU-CVC has provided on-hand support and assistance to various community agencies this academic year.  Students have participated in the Park View Community clean-up initiatives, the North Columbia Heights Civic Association Easter Egg Hunt, Georgia Avenue Thrive initiatives, Humane Kindness Week at Howard University Hospital, Health & Fitness Expo – “DC Rock N Roll Marathon, and March for Our Lives on the National Mall. In addition, OCHCE continues to advance student and community support initiatives such as the HU Care Cart, HU Student Food Pantry and Camp Kesem- Howard Chapter.

Camp Kesem- Howard University Chapter (CKHU). 
Camp Kesem is NOW RECRUITING CAMPERS, and is a support service for children impacted by a parent who is living with cancer.  Our passionate college student counselors become a child’s friend through and beyond a parent’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Camp Kesem at Howard Chapter will offer a 1-week free summer camp experience for children impacted by their parent’s cancer from August 13 – 17, 2018.  If you know a child between the ages of 6 – 16 who could benefit from this camp experience, please share our CKHU link: http://campkesem.org/Howard to learn more.   Also, feel free to visit our website to donate to our Camp Kesem at Howard Chapter campers’ experience.  Our CKHU camp site will be at Camp St. Charles in Maryland.
 


Other Interesting OCHCE Information:

Community Complaint Protocol – If you need to report a Howard University student-related community disturbance or concern that creates a nuisance and is ongoing, here are some actions you can take:
• If crime related, contact Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) at 911
• If a Howard student(s) is involved, MPD will contact Howard University Police Department (HUPD) to request back-up, if needed.
• MPD will coordinate with HUPD to share information.
• HUPD will document information to share with OCHCE and the Office of Student Conduct.
• OCHCE will contact reporting party and alleged student violator(s) within 1 business day.
• OCHCE will summon student to meet HU staff within 3-5 business days.
• Mediation conference with student will be held; behavior warning notification will be issued. Repeat violators will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action.
• OCHCE acknowledgement follow up to complainant*
* Any specific disciplinary actions will not be revealed due to the HU privacy policy.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact OCHCE at (202) 806-9216 or e-mail us at: offcampshousing@howard.edu

Tips for Identifying a Suitable Landlord
• Use reliable websites searches or recommendations from a trustworthy person(s).
• Seek properties that are well maintained and meet home safety standards.
• Visit properties to assess home conditions and environment.
• Seek properties that meet fire safety standards required by DC Law.
• Seek only properties with Basic Business License (BBL)  and have successfully completed a home inspection with DCRA.
• Understand leasing terms and review conditions and rules before signing.

Interested in leasing your property to a Howard University student, staff or faculty member, visit OCHCE’s website at: http://howard.offcampuspartners.com
 


IMPORTANT UPCOMING UNIVERSITY DATES

April 27
Formal Classes End

April 30 – May 11
Final Examination Period

May 12
Howard University Commencement

May 13
Residence Halls close at noon

May 18
Residence Halls open for check-in – Summer Session I

May 22 – June 21
Summer School Session I

June 22
Residence Hall open for check-in – Summer Session II

June 26 – July 26
Summer School Session II
 

HOWARD UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TIPS:
 
• BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS!!!
• Always let someone know where you are going, with whom, and your expected return time.
• Be sure you are signed up for the HU ALERT.  Be proactive and sure that an accurate cell phone number is on file in the Bison Web System..  This will ensure that you receive timely notifications regarding critical incidents on and around campus.
• Don’t walk alone during late-night hours.  Walk in groups whenever you can—there is safety in numbers.
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Criminals do not like lights!       
• Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short cuts or secluded areas, these are usually not well-lit or heavily travelled.
• Walk confidently, purposefully at a steady pace and avoid confrontations with strangers.
• If you are wearing headphones or talking on the cell phone, don’t have the volume up so high that you cannot recognize outside noises. Try keeping one ear “unplugged”.
• Be careful when using ATM machines.  Choose one that is located inside a building or a well-lit area.  Be alert of others and conscious of their personal space as well as yours.  Don’t carry more cash than you need and never “flash” money.
• Keep your dorm room locked, even if you are just leaving for a short while.
• Always secure all your valuables, especially your electronics.
• Don’t resist a robber. 
o Give up your property…it could mean not giving up your life.
o If you witness a crime in progress—dial 911 or 202-806-1100 immediately to alert the police.
o  Do not jump into action yourself. 
o Report the crime to the police and try your best to describe the attacker accurately. 
o These actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.
“See Something, Say Something”
“Be Prepared; Make a Difference”

HOWARD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OUTREACH CALENDAR APRIL-JULY 2018
April 14
First Baptist Church of Deanwood Health Fair Expo
10 am – 2 pm
1008 45th Street, NE (45th & Sheriff Road)
Washington, DC  20019
General Screenings (Kid Emphasis)/Information

April 14
Jack and Jill Color Me Healthy Health & Fitness Expo
12 pm – 4 pm
PG County Aquatic Center
Landover, MD
Dental/Hearing & Speech/Information (Kid Emphasis)

April 19
Aware for All Community Health Event
5 pm – 8 pm
Howard University 2397 Sixth Street, NW

Washington, DC 20059
General Health Screenings/Information/Panel Discussion on Research

April 21
The World of God Baptist Church
11 am – 3 pm
6513 Queens Chapel Road
University Park, MD
General Screenings/Dental/Information

April (Date TBD)
Largo Community Church
14th Annual Community Health Fair
11 am – 3 pm
General Health Screenings/Information

May 2
US Health & Human Services, Federal Occupational Health
11 am – 1 pm
Walk to Wellness Health Fair, Ronald Reagan Building
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Health Screenings/Information Stations

May 5
From Hand Out 2 Hand Up, Inc. Health Fair
11 am – 3 pm
Severn, MD
Sickle Cell Trait Testing

May 16
HUH Volunteer Orientation
3 pm – 5 pm (Tower Auditorium)

May 17
World Vision Health Fair
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
300 I Street, NE
Washington, DC
General Screenings/Dental/Information Stations

May 19
St. Teresa/St. Philip/Delaware Baptist/Union Temple Community Health Fair
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
19th & V Streets, SE
Washington, DC
General Screenings/Kidney/Diabetes/Prostate Van/Dental/Information Stations

May 30
Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center Health & Fitness Day
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
3500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE
Washington, DC
General Screenings/Dental/Memory/

June (Date TBD)
First Baptist Church of Glenarden Health Expo
10 am – 3pm
Worship Center located at 600 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD  20774
General Health Screenings/Information Stations

June 13 (Date TBD)
HUH Volunteer Orientation
3 pm – 5 pm (Tower Auditorium)

June (Event/Date TBD)
HUH “Summer Tune-Up” Health Expo
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
HUH Front Pavilion
Washington, DC
General Health Screenings/Information/Family Activities

June 27 – August 5
Mayor’s Summer Youth Program


Contact Us
• Office of Off-Campus Housing and Community Engagement: (202) 806-9216
• Howard University Department of Public Safety (HUDPS): (202) 806-1100
• To report incidents or concerns, complete the Community Concern form online or leave a message on the Community Concern line: (202) 806-9213
• Howard University Community Association (HUCA): (202) 806-2661 and (202) 806-2489.
• Howard University Hospital Department of Community Relations (202) 865-4238
• Howard University Office of External Affairs (HUOEA): (202) 806-2530         

PRODUCED BY THE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
1851 9TH STREET, N.W., WASHINGTON, DC 20059
WWW.HOWARD.EDU


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