Ward 5 Report: Celebrating DC Culture (and a Championship)

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2019 4:39 PM
Subject: Ward 5 Report: Celebrating DC Culture (and a Championship)

View this email in your browser Watch Councilmember McDuffie's opening statement from the hearing on the Go-Go Official Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019.  Neighbors, Last night at the Wilson Building, we had a meaningful hearing on my legislation to make go-go the official music of the District of Columbia. We heard from people representing all aspects of the go-go community, from artists to academics. Go-go is DC. Similar to jazz in New Orleans or country music in Nashville, the District can support this unique musical genre by increasing the existing economic opportunities while ensuring our history and culture are preserved and advanced. I encourage you to view some video clips of the hearing. Dr. Natalie Hopkinson provided historical context before highlighting the economic benefits of the industry. Grammy-nominated artist Raheem DeVaughn spoke of go-go's worldwide reach. Cam Poles of the band Black Alley spoke of the importance of supporting music education in our schools and said: "we need to do everything in our power to not only preserve but advance the culture." Actor and Backyard Band member Anwan "Big G" Glover said simply, "our music saves lives." After the hearing was over, people enjoyed a go-go show in the Wilson Building by Black Passion Experience Band. I am looking forward to working with those who testified and others to advance this legislation. If you did not get a chance to participate in the hearing, I invite you to submit your testimony for the official record. You may do so by emailing the Committee of the Whole at cow@dccouncil.us prior to the close of business on November 13, 2019. In service, Kenyan In this issue of the Ward 5 Report: Happy Halloween! World Series Champions McDuffie's Affordable PLACE Bill Hearing on November 6 Kenyan in the News Kenyan in the Community Expungement Clinic - November 2 DC Peacemakers Summit - November 8 & 9 DMV Black Restaurant Week - November 3 - 10 Leaf Collection Set to Begin November 4 Happy Halloween! For residents looking to celebrate Halloween tonight, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is hosting Safe Haven Events at each district headquarters. Also, the Department of Parks and Recreation has a full slate of events planned. I also encourage you to read MPD's tips for a safe Halloween. Please also be aware that severe weather may be coming through the region tonight during prime trick-or-treating hours.  World Series Champions For baseball fans looking to celebrate Washington's first baseball championship since the Homestead Grays won the Negro League World Series in 1948, details on Saturday's championship parade for the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals are being posted here. McDuffie's Affordable PLACE Bill Hearing on November 6 A hearing will be held on November 6th on Councilmember McDuffie's bill to support long-term local small businesses facing increasing costs, the Protecting Local Area Commercial Enterprises (P.L.A.C.E.) Amendment Act of 2019 or the ‘Affordable PLACE Act' [B23-432]. The public is invited to testify or to submit written testimony. Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing should contact the Committee on Business and Economic Development via email at bmcclure@dccouncil.us or at (202) 727-3888, and provide their name, telephone number, organizational affiliation, and title (if any), by close of business Monday. November 4th. Kenyan in the News Make sure to read Natalie Hopkinson's op-ed in the New York Times which makes a powerful statement on what it would mean for go-go to be recognized as DC's official music.  The Washington Times, WTOP, and the Washingtonian also covered the hearing on go-go music and its cultural importance.  The Washington City Paper offers a preview of DMV Black Restaurant Week. Kenyan in the Community Expungement Clinic - November 2 Explore your path to expungement with Rising for Justice at the Brentwood Recreation Center on Saturday, November 2nd from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  DC Peacemakers Summit - November 8 & 9 DMV Black Restaurant Week - November 3 - 10 The 2nd annual DMV Black Restaurant Week will take place starting this Sunday, November 3, 2019, and concluding Sunday, November 10, 2019. Councilmember McDuffie is proud to recognize this worthy endeavor by supporting passage of a Council ceremonial resolution, which will be presented to the three co-founders next week.  Leaf Collection Set to Begin November 4 The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) fall leaf collection program begins on Monday, November 4 and runs through January 24. Please refer to the schedule above to find out when leaves on your block will be collected. Additional details can be found on DPW's website.