Ward 5 Report: Teaching Black History

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie 

Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 12:43 PM
Subject: Ward 5 Report: Teaching Black History

View this email in your browser Neighbors, As we do every February, we are celebrating the many contributions of African Americans to the United States and, indeed, the world this Black History Month. And while this month of recognition and activities are unquestionably meaningful, the appreciation and understanding of Black history should be happening all year round. That is why earlier this week, I introduced legislation to establish an African American and Cultural Studies course for high school students in the District. This legislation, the African American and Cultural Studies Inclusion Amendment Act of 2020, would require the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education to develop an African American and Cultural Studies curriculum for high school students enrolled in either a District of Columbia Public School or a District of Columbia Public Charter School, and to allow such course to be counted as part of the promotion requirements toward graduation. I was proud to announce this legislation at the Howard University Early Learning Program, where Black history is a foundational part of the work they do, shaping the minds of young children. WUSA9 was on hand to cover the event and capture the children singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing." In service, Kenyan In this issue of the Ward 5 Report: Share Your Budget Priorities Legislative Update Kenyan in the News Kenyan in the Community Small Business Spotlight: Robust Retail Grants Line Dancing at Turkey Thicket - Febraury 7 DC Department of Transportation Ward 5 Open House - February 8 Summer Youth Employment Applications Now Available Turkey Thicket Pool Closed for Maintenance  Mayoral Budget Engagement in Ward 5 - February 18 Share Your Budget Priorities Budget season at the Council is ramping up, and Councilmember McDuffie wants to hear your budget priorities for Ward 5 and the District of Columbia. Click the link and you will have the opportunity to give your feedback and priorities for the upcoming budget. The survey will close on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.  Share Your Budget Priorities NOW Legislative Update The first Tuesday of each month is the regularly scheduled Legislative Meeting and this week's meeting had a full agenda: The Council took its second and final vote on Councilmember McDuffie's Go-Go Official Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019. Councilmember McDuffie's efforts to close the W Street Trash Transfer Station in Brentwood took another step forward with the Council approving revised legislation setting the stage for the District to execute eminent domain and close the facility.  Councilmember McDuffie led the Council in supporting The Langston Initiative proposal to update and operate the three DC golf courses owned by the National Park Service, Rock Creek Golf Course, Potomac East Golf Course & Tennis Center, and Ward 5's Langston Golf Course. Finally, the Council took its final vote to name the new Alethia Tanner Park, located in Eckington at R Street and Harry Thomas Way NE. Alethia Tanner was a remarkable businesswoman and philanthropist who was born into slavery but would go on to buy her own and her family's freedom. Kenyan in the News Watch coverage of Councilmember McDuffie announcing the African American and Cultural Studies Inclusion Amendment Act of 2020 from the Howard University Early Learning Program.  Kenyan in the Community Small Business Spotlight: Robust Retail Grants The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) will be accepting applications for the 2020 Robust Retail: Citywide grants starting January 15, 2020 and closing March 15, 2020. DSLBD intends to award up to $10,000 per business for a total of 40 businesses. Check the DSLBD website for more information or attend an informational session on Monday, February 10, 2020.  Line Dancing at Turkey Thicket - Febraury 7 Get warm and dance the night away at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center for DPR's citywide line dance social.  Please wear comfortable clothes and a bring bottle water to enjoy this fun event. This is an adult event, ages 18 years and up. DATE: Friday, February 7 TIME: 6:00 - 9:00 PM LOCATION: 1100 Michigan Avenue NE RSVP DC Department of Transportation Ward 5 Open House - February 8 Summer Youth Employment Applications Now Available Turkey Thicket Pool Closed for Maintenance  Over this winter, several of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) indoor aquatic centers will undergo scheduled preventative maintenance to include pool drainage, water circulatory system repair, chemical controller service, and outstanding work order abatement. As a result, the Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center in Ward 5 will be closed beginning Sunday, February 9 through Saturday, February 29, 2020. The facility is expected to reopen on Monday, March 2, 2020. Mayoral Budget Engagement in Ward 5 - February 18 Mayor Bowser is hosting a series of forums to engage residents on the DC budget and one of the forums is being held in Ward 5 at the new Edgewood Recreation Center. DATE: Tuesday, February 18 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Edgewood Recreation Center, 301 Franklin Street NE RSVP