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Neighbors,

Next week, the Council will convene for a pivotal series of meetings that will shape the future of our city. On Monday, July 28, we will hold the second and final vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This vote is critical to finalizing investments that impact every ward, from public safety and housing to education, health, and economic opportunity.

Following the budget vote, we will turn our attention to the future of the RFK site. On Tuesday, July 29, we will convene a public hearing on the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025, where hundreds of residents are expected to testify on what this project means to them and their communities.

Then on Wednesday, July 30, we will receive testimony from the Executive and representatives of the Washington Commanders football team as we continue our evaluation of the proposal and its long-term impact on the District.

These are important moments for our city, and I look forward to working with all of you to ensure we make decisions that reflect our shared values and move the District forward.

In service,
Kenyan
Announcements
Next Week!
RFK Campus Redevelopment Act – Joint Public Hearing: July 29 (Public Witnesses) & July 30 (Government Witnesses)
Team McDuffie in the Community
🎙️ Talking RFK with WPGC’s Poet Taylor

This morning at 11 AM, I had the pleasure of joining Poet Taylor live on WPGC 95.5 FM to talk all things RFK Stadium redevelopment. We discussed the once in a generation opportunity this project presents, not just for football fans, but for District residents looking for meaningful pathways to opportunity.

Whether you're a young person excited about the sports complex and youth programs, a returning citizen looking for a fair shot at employment, or a small business owner eager to be part of this historic investment, there’s a place for you in this project. From local hiring and workforce training to contracting opportunities for DC based businesses, we're working to ensure this deal delivers for our communities.

Thank you to Poet Taylor and the entire WPGC 95.5 FM team for having me on and helping spread the word. Stay tuned for more conversations and ways to get involved
Councilmember McDuffie Engages the Next Generation of Leaders

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to sit down with a group of college interns spending their summer gaining valuable experience with G.S. Proctor & Associates.

We had a great conversation about their time in the program, and I shared a bit about my own path in public service. It was refreshing to hear their perspectives and exciting to see their enthusiasm for learning and growing.

Moments like these remind me how important it is to keep investing in the next generation. I want to encourage them and other young people across the District to keep showing up, stay curious, and continue pursuing their goals with passion and purpose.
From Kickball to Conversations: A Memorable Day at Deanwood

On Thursday, July 24th, Team McDuffie had the pleasure of spending the day at Deanwood Recreation Center.

The day kicked off with a fun game of kickball alongside MPD and The Badger Bears, followed by a visit and engaging conversation with the Young Seniors. Next up was an energetic game of dodgeball with the DPR Multi-Sports Camp. The afternoon concluded with an inspiring session with a group of young leaders from the Emmy Award-winning Deanwood Broadcast Journalism Program, featuring special guest Paxton Baker, minority owner of the Washington Commanders.

It was a fantastic day of community, connection, and celebration at Deanwood!

#TeamMcDuffie
Small Business Highlight
Black Pepper Paperie Co.

Black Pepper Paperie Co. is a DC based decorative art and design studio founded in 2017 by Hadiya Williams, a seasoned graphic designer turned artisan. Since then, her passion project has blossomed into a full-time creative business that bridges art, craft, and storytelling through handmade ceramics, surface patterns, stationery, accessories, and home décor, all infused with cultural meaning and aesthetic flair.
From sculptural ceramic jewelry and one of a kind clay goods to printed paper goods, each product reflects Hadiya’s dedication to craft as a living archive. Her work blends tradition and experiment, drawing on West African motifs, mid‑century Black aesthetic, and personal heritage.
Black Pepper Paperie Co. is more than a shop, it’s a cultural force. Hadiya’s pieces center Black narratives and ancestral memory, turning everyday objects into statements of history and identity. Her creations have earned spots in permanent collections at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Visit & follow:
Address: While Black Pepper Paperie Co. operates primarily online, Hadiya works from her studio in Washington, DC, check the website for upcoming pop-ups and events.
Website: studiobppco.com ([link removed])
Instagram: @blackpepperpaperieco
Facebook: facebook.com/blackpepperpaperie
Upcoming Events in the Community
2025 DC Chess Festival in Ward 5 This Sunday at Bryant Street Market

♟️ You’re warmly invited! Join HoodSmart DC for their Summer Chess Festival on Sunday, July 27th, 2025 at Bryant St. Market — a fun-filled day for the whole family!

🎉 Enjoy games, activities, and community vibes as they celebrate the love of chess together.

🌟 Special guest alert: They are thrilled to welcome Joshua Colas, the youngest African-American chess master in U.S. history!

✔️ Play casual and competitive games ✔️ Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages ✔️Live DJ

📍 Bryant St. Market | 🕒 Save the date and bring the whole crew!

Exhibitions also located in Metrobar and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

The DC Chess festival is FREE and packed with an all-day fun!

Please note: A separate fee is required for those joining for the morning chess tournament.

Sign-up Link: [link removed]
DPR Presents Learn to DJ: Summer Camp for Youth with DJ Quicksilva🎶
For more information: [link removed]
Latin American Youth Center Teen Center Show Case Summer Exhibition - Thursday July 31st
National Night Out 2025

Join the Metropolitan Police Department for National Night Out 2025, a citywide evening of community building, neighborhood pride, and public safety awareness. Held on Tuesday, August 5, this annual event is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Residents across all eight wards will gather for cookouts, games, music, and family friendly activities hosted by each MPD District. In Ward 5, the Fifth District’s celebration will take place at Trinidad Recreation Center (1310 Childress Street NE) from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. You’ll have the chance to meet your local officers, connect with neighbors, and learn more about crime prevention programs and public safety resources available in the District.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, National Night Out is a great opportunity to come together, build trust, and show that a safer city starts with strong community ties. For more information and a full list of locations, visit mpdc.dc.gov/page/national-night-out.
The READY Center - FREE Parenting Program for Families of Returning Citizens (6-week program Monday July 28th - Monday Sept 1st

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