The Ward 5 Report -- Friday, 04-02--2021

The large assortment of images in the message below have bee removed, since they all get corrupted during the copy / paste process.

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie <kmcduffie@dccouncil.us>
Sent: Friday, April 2, 2021 9:00 AM
Subject: The Ward 5 Report - April 2nd 

View this email in your browser Neighbor, As the weather starts to change, businesses begin to open back up, and the cherry blossoms hit peak bloom, I believe we are starting to turn the corner in this pandemic. Nearly 20% of District residents have already received their first vaccine shot, and despite the ongoing equity issues in vaccine distribution, our team has been able to work with community partners to meet residents where they are and get folks in the hardest-hit communities vaccinated. Undoubtedly, we must remain vigilant, continue to wear masks, and follow health guidelines to defeat this virus, but we are making progress.  Two weeks ago, we worked with Johns Hopkins Medical and DC Housing Authority to vaccinate 875 Ward 5 residents at Edgewood rec center. We have also helped facilitate pop-up clinics at faith-based institutions in Ward 5, and more hard-to-reach residents are now getting vaccinated. This past week, I received my vaccination to keep my family safe from this virus, and in the hopes that it will encourage others in our communities to also get vaccinated. In the coming weeks, I will be hosting an educational townhall about the vaccine with medical professionals from Howard University Hospital, and I hope you will join us. In service, Kenyan   In this issue of the Ward 5 Report: Legislative Update Kenyan in The News Kenyan in the Community Community Meetings Small Business Spotlight DPR Summer Camp Registration is Open COVID and Vaccine Update     Legislative Update     Yesterday, Councilmember McDuffie introduced the Equitable Impact Assistance for Local Businesses Emergency Amendment Act, which builds upon his previous legislation establishing an Equity Impact Fund that aids and invests in eligible businesses that lack access to capital. Councilmember McDuffie also introduced the Medical Cannabis Emergency Amendment Act today. If passed, this bill would remove blanket prohibitions on individuals with felony convictions to work, own, or operate medical cannabis dispensaries, cultivation, and testing centers.    Kenyan in The News   Check out some of the articles Councilmember McDuffie was mentioned in recenty: D.C.’s vaccine disparities are as big as ever. Here’s why poor Black areas are so far behind (Lola Fadulu & Michael Brice-Saddler – Washington Post) At Confirmation Hearing, MPD Chief Takes Tough Questions On Reform And Accountability (Dominique Maria Bonessi – DCist) D.C. Set to Probe White Power Ties Among Police Ranks (James Wright – Washington Informer)   Kenyan in the Community   CM McDuffie and his team celebrated Tuskegee Airman and Ward 5 resident William Fauntroy's 95th birthday with a drive-by parade.      Councilmember McDuffie joined a walkthrough in Ivy City to highlight the need for recreational spaces in the community.        Two weeks ago, Councilmember McDuffie joined representatives from Edgewood Rec Center, Johns Hopkins Medical, and DC Housing Authority to tour the pop-up vaccine clinic at Edgewood rec center where nearly 1000 Ward 5 residents got vaccinated.      CM McDuffie joined Ward 5 Democrats on Michigan and North Capitol to call for DC Statehood during the hearing for HR 51 in Congress.    Community Meetings   On Wednesday, Councilmember McDuffie moderated a panel conversation with policy experts on ensuring social equity in the cannabis industry. If you missed the discussion or want to rewatch it, you can rewatch the event in full here.   Two weeks ago, Councilmember McDuffie joined his Council colleagues at the Washington Teachers Union event to explain his vision for a more racially equitable education system and support for preserving current school funding.    Small Business Spotlight   Congratulations to Carl's Subbs for selling 34 years' worth of subs out on Rhode Island Avenue. Make sure to support our Ward 5 businesses!      Visa launched their She's Next Grant Program in partnership with IFundWomen to support Black women-owned businesses across 6 US cities, including Washington, D.C. Applicants will have a chance to win a $10,000 grant. Applications are due April 16th, learn more and apply here.   DPR Summer Camp Registration is Open   DPR Summer Camp registration is open sign up to secure a spot here.   COVID and Vaccine Update     To date, 19.2% of District residents have received at least their first shot and approximately 191,190 individuals have pre-registered for and are awaiting a vaccine appointment. We encourage all residents and District workers who are not yet vaccinated to pre-register at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine or by calling 1-855-363-0333. The vaccine is safe and saves lives. You can learn more about current vaccine eligibility and the appointment process here or in the slides below.