June 3, 2020

Ward 3 Update: Protests, Policing, & Black Lives Matter

Dear Neighbors,

Black Lives Matter. A man, begging for his life, was murdered by the
Minneapolis police who were sworn to serve and protect him. The
circumstances of George Floyd's death have called our nation to action, and
it is wholly appropriate for the District of Columbia to join in the
national protest and work to eliminate racist policies and systems that
foster discrimination and oppression in our community.

I and my colleagues on the Council are continuing these efforts in the
legislature and are working on an emergency bill (for introduction on
Tuesday) to respond to identified policing issues of the moment. Of course,
these efforts will continue beyond this period of protest and I'm keen to
support permanently limiting qualified immunity, prioritizing de-escalation
tactics and nonviolent methods of restraint, and identifying circumstances
for citations to be issued in lieu of arrests. However, with the federal
government's authority and numerous police agencies operating in the
District, there are some circumstances that may be out of our local
control, just as we witnessed on Monday night when the President of the
United States militarized against Americans engaged in peaceful protest.

That night, the President offered verbal provocation, fired tear gas, and
deployed military forces, who, in an extremely dangerous decision, engaged
[1]low flying helicopters against protesters—the force of which ripped
limbs from the surrounding trees. By instigating violence and chaos, all
for an insincere and [2]wholly inappropriate publicity stunt, the President
has only escalated tensions between the government and the citizenry
demanding equality, safety, and true justice. The President set a violent
precedent that evening, but we cannot allow him or acts of violence by
agitators to distract from the real message and intent of peaceful protest.

In the meantime, we should all protect one another and support our local
business so that they can remain open (especially amid the coronavirus
pandemic). And, if possible we should join with the Department of Public
Works and District Department of Transportation who are leading daily
clean-up efforts across the city. On a special note, please do your best to
practice coronavirus safety if you are planning to participate in the
protests. This highly contagious virus is still very much present in our
community—the District reported 9,016 cases today— and you should wear a
face mask and employ coronavirus [3]safety measures to the greatest extent
possible.

Below I have linked resources that I hope are helpful for those who are
looking to support leadership in the peaceful protests and local
coronavirus response. As always, I welcome and encourage your legislative
and policy ideas as we continue to work in this area. Undoing a system
built on prejudice and discrimination will certainly need engagement beyond
policing reform: it will need to look at housing, food access, education,
the built and natural environment, and more. We can be the model and, as
the Nation’s Capital, we should be.

Regards,

Mary

An additional curfew for tonight, June 3rd, in effect from 11:00 pm to 6:00
am

Please see [4]coronavirus.dc.gov for the latest District updates &
resources on COVID-19

If you know someone who would like to receive these updates directly, he or
she may sign up through [5]marycheh.com or by
emailing [6][email protected]

Black Lives Matter DC Legal Support Fund

From Black Lives Matter DC -

While DC does not use bail in the way other jurisdictions do, legal support
is always needed. Legal support is a regular part of our work and
significantly increases depending on the current situation. From Copwatch,
protest support, to jail care and support, representational support all
other related support, it all takes resources. Please donate to ensure we
are able to continue to protect and defend Black People in DC. It is our
duty to fight for our freedom, love and protect one another.

Donate Here: [7]Black Lives Matter DC

From Tom Sherwood for

The Washington City Paper -

Why the Mayor Can't Just Tell President Trump to Go Screw Himself:

The racist history behind the District’s limited home rule and policing
powers

[8]Read the Full Story

COVID-19 Ward 3 Mutual Aid Fundraiser

From the Ward 3 Mutual Aid Network - Ward 3 Mutual Aid emerged from the
citywide DC Mutual Aid Network: a vast community initiative to deliver
essential groceries & hygiene products to those most impacted by the
COVID-19 crisis. While Ward 3 is far from the hardest hit, nevertheless we
have hundreds of elderly, disabled, and other low-income residents who
urgently need our support right now. Since our hotline first went live on
Monday March 23, we have made an average of 50 grocery deliveries per week
to neighbors who have either lost their income or lost their usual source
of food assistance as a result of closures -- and we expect this number to
keep increasing.

Who started the DC Mutual Aid Network? The foundation of this network
predates the COVID-19 pandemic: it was built up over the past five years by
Black Lives Matter, DC Peace House, Movement 4 Black Lives, Black Youth
Project 100, All Out DC, Serve Your City, and many other Black-led groups
around the city. Thanks to the incredible preparedness of these [9]local
Black and Brown women organizers, our first deliveries in Ward 3 were
covered by the Wards 7 & 8 fundraiser. This is testament to the immense
labor of love currently being undertaken by those who already carry so
much: the wealthiest ward in DC was able to answer our first calls for
support because Black women living in the poorest wards are looking out for
the whole city.

Donate Here: [10]Ward 3 Mutual Aid Fundraiser

Our Office is Open

Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is
closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are
teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.

You may continue to [11]email the office directly or reach us via phone
through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget
requests, and constituent services requests.

[12]Facebook [13]Twitter

FOLLOW MARY

References

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Mary Cheh
Mary Cheh Ward 3
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NWSuite 108
Washington, DC 20004
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