Here's our roundup of "must-read" posts from the week:
This week's "must-read" articles look at change. We explore how people can change public spaces, perceptions, and hopefully the future for the many people who ride the bus.
For instance, see how some protesters have been reshaping physical space on Monument Avenue in Richmond.
In Tysons, we learn how high-rise housing can be an appealing home for all ages.
If you're into history, read about how Waldo Schmitt, a crustacean biologist, was obsessed with building a commuter rail subway in DC.
Meanwhile, we recently we hosted hosted “Riding While Black,” a panel discussion, which focused on making the bus better for every rider. You can catch up on the conversation, and read about what we discovered.
Finally, GGWash is looking to hire two new team members to support our elections and community development work. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, read on.
By Wyatt Gordon (Virginia Correspondent) • August 24, 2020
The anti-racist uprisings following George Floyd’s death at the hands of police have defined our current moment and indelibly reshaped America’s cultural landscape. Some protestors, however, have been acutely focused on using this time to reshape physical space.
By Emily Hamilton (Correspondent) • August 27, 2020
High-rise housing is often portrayed as places for the young and childless. Housing for transient young adults before they move out to the suburbs to start families. But Tysons shows that this stereotype leaves out a large number of families who live in high-rises.
Prior to World War II, there were even more commuter rail lines leading into DC than there are now. Most of them ended at Union Station, just like they do today. But in the 1940s a man named Waldo Schmitt proposed a commuter rail subway to bring workers closer to the center of downtown, and to connect rail lines from the east and west.
By Ron Thompson (Transportation Equity Organizer) • August 25, 2020
Historically, how has transportation been used to advance systemic racism? What has COVID-19 revealed about the ties between the Black community and bus transit? What changes are needed to advance racial equity? We discussed these questions and more during GGWash’s recent “Riding While Black” panel discussion, which focused on making the bus better for every rider.
