Dear Ward 8 Residents,
This week, a mural was defaced by a staff member at a Washington Highlands convenience store. This act of disrespect came as a surprise to community leaders as an agreement had been made with the store owner to have the mural painted. I was contacted to investigate this issue by neighbors and community leaders.
This mural paid tribute to 21-year-old Lorraine Marie Thomas, a beautiful young woman from the community who lost her life to gun violence just a month ago.
The mural was a symbolism of a peace zone for rivaling neighborhoods. Violence interrupters and community leaders agreed with the business to paint this mural to bring solidarity to the block.
The DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (KARGO), and the community met after residents in the community refused to patronize the store until the situation was resolved. As a result, the building owner agreed to pay for the restoration of the mural this week.
I want to thank everyone who brought awareness to this cause and came out to support and honor Ms. Thomas' memory. Her family is extremely grateful. All power to the people! #LoveMore ([link removed]*NK-R&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cb5c7c629b2444dca741608d8a0641edf%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637435699161938910%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=0LQDrPJNRHzC16qoCYVpEtwYuM22DfZu%2BzjUiUlmhj0%3D&reserved=0) .
Regards,
Trayon White, Sr.
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[Video credit WUSA9]
"Southeast mural of violence interrupter painted over, spurring protests and promise to make amends."
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Groups of parents, advocates and activists are urging D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to veto a bill passed by the D.C. Council last month that would allow kids as young as 11 to seek vaccines without a parent’s consent.
The bill drew little controversy as it quietly moved its way through the legislative process over the last 18 months; there was no public opposition during a public hearing in June 2019 ([link removed]) . But it started attracting attention ahead of a first Council vote in October, when Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White — who initially co-sponsored the bill — announced his opposition.
“Parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education and care of their children,” he said, citing the example of his own 12-year-old son.
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Wendy Glenn:
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