Friend –

Tonight's the night! I'm honored to host the 18th annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards at Arena Stage in Southwest DC, and I hope you're planning on joining us! The “Brickies” is our annual celebration and community awards presentation for Ward 6 residents, organizations, and businesses, with hundreds of neighbors joining.

A few logistics for those coming tonight. We'll be at Arena Stage in the Molly Smith Study on the first floor (1101 6th St SW). It's a short walk from the Waterfront Metro Station. Doors will open for the event beginning at 6 pm. If you'd like to bring a friend, neighbor, or family member, that's great -- please just have them RSVP. 

Each year, the Brickies are such an uplifting evening. The people recognized are inspiring, the food and drinks are delicious, the venue is spectacular, and the evening is a reminder of everything great about living in Ward 6. I’m thrilled to celebrate this year’s exceptional winners!

Neighbor Award: Ward 6 Pedestrian Advocates

Normally awarded to a single individual, this year’s award is being shared by neighbors who are working together for safer and better sidewalks throughout our community. The award recognizes the work of Cheryle Adams, Ward 6’s representative on the District’s Pedestrian Advisory Council, and the members of the Capitol Hill Village Sidewalk Safety Team, led by former ANC Commissioner Scott Price. Their combined efforts are pushing the DC government to prioritize the safety of all those who use our streets and sidewalks.

Community Organization Award: Waterfront Village

The award goes to Waterfront Village, an organization of neighbors in Southwest DC focused on connecting and serving older neighbors by building stronger community, delivering key services, and advocating for neighborhoods that ensure seniors can live active, vibrant, and independent lives in Southwest and across Ward 6.

Public Service Award: DC Health’s Ward 6 Rodent Control Team

The award goes to DC Health’s responsive, persistent, hard-working, and dedicated Ward 6 rodent control team, which is ever-present fighting rats in alleyways, behind buildings, in parks, and everywhere else rodents are found. Their work improves the quality of our lives and public health in Ward 6.

Business Award: Solid State Books

The award goes to Solid State Books, a beloved independent bookshop on H Street NE. The store has something for everyone and is a dedicated and active member of the local business community. Scott Abel and Jake Cumsky-Whitlock have created a special space where neighbors meet up, residents join book clubs, and people can grab a cup of coffee while finding their latest great read. They're also a leading voice among local businesses, helping participate in everything from school fundraisers to improving safety and quality of life along the H Street corridor.

Civic Pride Award: The Shirley Chisholm Elementary School Community

This award recognizes the incredible Shirley Chisholm Elementary community of staff, PTA leaders, parents, and students for everything they do to create a safe, inclusive, and passionate environment for student learning. It particularly highlights the hard work over the last few years that culminated in 2024 with a successful effort to rename the school — a process that included the entire school community and resulted in legislation I led through the Council. Chisholm school leadership has also hosted a regular Safety Hub that brings together leaders from the neighborhood, school, public safety, and community service organizations to meet the needs of the whole child and family, building a stronger and safer community.

Special Recognition: The Hill is Home

This new award recognizes the 15-year anniversary of the founding of The Hill is Home, a ubiquitous local blog and social media presence documenting and driving daily life for Ward 6 neighbors. The tireless work and passion of Maria Helena Carey, the blog’s author, is the primary reason for its popularity, along with the regular contributions of local historian and tour guide Robert Pohl, whose pieces are must-reads for anyone wanting to deepen their local history knowledge.

Tonight, we'll enjoy free food and beverages generously donated by exceptional Ward 6 and local DC businesses:

• Representing the H Street Corridor and Northeast: The Queen Vic | Tiki Garden Thai Street Food | Paste & Rind | Sticky Rice | H Street Liquors
  
  
• Representing Capitol Hill: Tunnicliff’s Tavern | Hill East Burger | We, The Pizza | Little Pearl | The Pretzel Bakery | DCanter | Mr. Henry’s
  
  
• Representing Southwest: Good Company Doughnuts & Café | Bartaco | Cordial at The Wharf
  
  
• Representing Mt. Vernon Triangle: A Baked Joint
  
  
• And local, DC Brewers: Atlas Brew Works | DC Brau

Special thanks to Arena Stage, the Hill Rag, Hill’s Kitchen, and CreateDC for their support of the event.

I can’t wait to celebrate with all of you!

Charles Allen