bloomingdale: Ward 5 Report: Celebrating Ward 5's Black History

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie

Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:04 PM
Subject: Ward 5 Report: Celebrating Ward 5's Black History

Neighbors,

This Black History Month across social media we have been sharing stories of African American people with ties to Ward 5 who have made significant contributions to our society and culture. Many people already know about Charles Drew or Senator Edward Brooke, but do you know the story of Dwight Mosley, for whom the sports fields at South Dakota Avenue and Perry Street NE is named?

We have highlighted Paul Washington, for whom the 4600 block of 12th Street NE is ceremonially named. We explored the tragic and heroic history behind the namesake for the Penn Center Building (located at 3rd and R Street NE). We highlighted a Brookland resident who is pursuing an arts degree from the University of the District of Columbia in her retirement and talked about the amazing life of Alethia Tanner and groundbreaking contributions of trailblazing legal genius Charles Hamilton Houston.

Follow our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts as we continue to celebrate Ward 5 Black History through the end of the month. If you have an idea of someone to highlight, share them here, and you may just see it featured on #Ward5BlackHistory.

In service,

Kenyan

In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:

Budget Update

Thank you to all the residents who filled out Councilmember McDuffie's survey of budget engagement. We received hundreds of responses detailing your priorities for the District of Columbia government budget. The input from residents will be used to help inform the letter Councilmember McDuffie will release next week to the mayor outlining his budget priorities.

At the Council, Performance Oversight Hearings continue until March 6 in advance of receiving the Mayor's budget proposal on March 19. Then, Budget Oversight Hearings will be held between March 23, and April 9 and the first of two votes before the full Council on the budget will take place on May 13, 2020.

Legislative Update

Councilmember McDuffie speaking this week at the signing of his legislation to make Go-Go the official music of the District of Columbia.

Kenyan in the News

NBC4 visited Dunbar High School and spoke with students in the Carter G. Woodson Black Studies Academy and Councilmember McDuffie about his legislation to create a course for African American and Cultural Studies at DC high schools.
The Washington Informer also featured an article on Councilmember McDuffie's African American and Cultural Studies Inclusion Amendment Act of 2020.

Kenyan in the Community

Small Business Spotlight: Ward 5's Great Streets Grantees

Last month, Councilmember McDuffie joined Mayor Bowser and District officials at Dudley Beauty College on Rhode Island Ave NE to announce the latest round of small businesses to receive Great Streets grants. The Great Streets program supports existing businesses, helps to attract new businesses, and creates jobs for residents while revitalizing retail corridors. Before Councilmember McDuffie took office in 2012, Ward 5 small businesses had not been a part of this program. Since that time over $5,000,000 in grants have been provided to over 80 Ward 5 small businesses.

The great streets grantees for this fiscal year are Fresh Dry Cleaners DC, Blue Print Barber Shop LLC, Bourn to Cut Inc., New Town Cleaners, The Family Laundromat, Mount Olivet Inc, Sequoia School, A Childcare Development Center, Patrick's Pet Care.

DC Department of Parks and Recreation Summer Camp Registration Opens Next Week

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) operates a variety of affordable summer camps for young people and registration begins next week. Each day next week a new set of camps will open registration at noon. Check the DPR website for the schedule of registration and descriptions of camps.

Protect Yourself and Your Home From Fire

In the last year, at least two people have lost their lives in Ward 5 in fires where the home did not have working smoke detectors. The good news is that the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) is here to help. They will install smoke detectors in qualified DC homes and are also available to answer your general questions on fire safety. For additional information or to request the installation of smoke detectors, visit the FEMS website or call (202) 673-3331.

DC School Lottery Deadline - March 2

The deadline to enter the DC School Lottery for PK3 - grade 8 is March 2 for PK3 – grade 8. If you have questions or to review your options, visit myschooldc.org or call 202-888-6336.

Black History Month Program at the Woodridge Library - February 22

In recognition of Black History Month, on Saturday, February 22 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, the Woodridge Library will host a series of programs honoring Black Veterans. Full details about the programs are available on the Woodridge Library website.

Free Assistance with Tax Preparation

The District of Columbia Public Library has partnered with the AARP to provide income tax return preparation assistance for qualified residents at seven neighborhood libraries. In Ward 5, tax preparation is offered at the Woodridge Library on Tuesday and Thursdays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.