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Neighbors,

As we enter the second half of 2019, I want to take this opportunity to share some of the highlights from the first half of this year. I am proud of what we've been able to accomplish in this relatively short time frame and excited to continue to press forward to make the District of Columbia a place where each resident can thrive.

In service,

Kenyan
JANUARY
* On January 2nd, Councilmember McDuffie is sworn in for a second full term ([link removed][UNIQID]) representing Ward 5 on the DC Council.
* At the first Council's first legislative meeting, Councilmember McDuffie introduces the Racial Equity Achieves Results Act ([link removed][UNIQID]) . Later in January, Councilmember McDuffie hosts a standing-room-only Race and Policy Symposium ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Led the Ward 5 delegation in the MLK Day Parade and Peace Walk.
* Walked alongside a KIPP College Prep HS student to highlight the importance of safe passage to and from school ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Councilmember McDuffie participated in a community walk ([link removed][UNIQID]) with neighbors in Brookland near Rhode Island Avenue and Brentwood Road, NE.

FEBRUARY
* Ten African American teen authors between the age of 11 and 13 co-authored the award-winning book “The Day Tajon Got Shot”. On February 4, Councilmember McDuffie hosted these remarkable young women to present them with a ceremonial resolution from the DC Council ([link removed][UNIQID]) . Their work on the book began in March of 2015, through a teen writing program developed by Beacon House, an after-school education and youth development nonprofit in the Edgewood community of Ward 5.
* Councilmember McDuffieintroduced legislation to establish the DC Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Research ([link removed][UNIQID]) . The Center would address the nature and impacts of firearm violence on individuals and communities.
* Hosted the Ward 5 Budget Engagement Forum to solicit Ward 5 residents ideas and input on the upcoming DC budget.
* Councilmember McDuffie helped launch Walker's Legacy Foundation's Moms Who Enterprise program ([link removed][UNIQID]) , a new business initiative to provide moms in the District with entrepreneurial skills, resources, and networks to help them grow their businesses.
* Councilmember McDuffie was sworn in as a member of the newly minted Charles Hamilton Houston Commission ([link removed][UNIQID]) , which is tasked with implementing Councilmember McDuffie's efforts to honor Charles Hamilton Houston, a great American, legal giant, civil rights litigator, Dunbar HS graduate, and native Washingtonian.

MARCH
* Participated in a Brother to Brother conversation at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church ([link removed][UNIQID]) about violence prevention and intervention efforts.
* Introduced the “Alethia Tanner Park Designation Act of 2019” to honor Ms. Alethia 'Lethe' Tanner, a civil rights icon and philanthropis ([link removed][UNIQID]) t, by naming a new public park to be located in Eckington after her.
* Councilmember McDuffie led the presentation of a DC Council ceremonial resolution ([link removed][UNIQID]) honoring several original Tuskegee Airmen that live in the District of Columbia.
* Councilmember McDuffie introduced legislation to support small businesses suffering financial distress from District infrastructure projects ([link removed][UNIQID]) . The bill would provide immediate relief for qualifying small businesses including those impacted by the DC Water Northeast Boundary Tunnel construction at 4th Street NE and Rhode Island Avenue NE; as well as businesses impacted by the Monroe Street NE bridge reconstruction.
* Hosted a meeting of Ward 5 leaders, including ANCs and civic association leadership.
* Councilmember McDuffie was a guest on the Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi ([link removed][UNIQID]) , discussing his work on racial equity and matters before the Council.

APRIL
* Marched in the DC Emancipation Day Parade.
* Councilmember McDuffie and dozens of witnesses participated in a hearing for Councilmember McDuffie's Racial Equity Achieves Results Act ([link removed][UNIQID]) . Watch his opening statement ([link removed][UNIQID]) or read the coverage in the AFRO ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Councilmember McDuffie introduced the Advisory Commission on Monuments, Markers, and Symbols Establishment Act of 2019 ([link removed][UNIQID]) to create a commission to review potentially offensive placenames and markers on DC property.
* Councilmember McDuffie introduced legislation to build statues honoring women and people of color ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Councilmember McDuffie took part in honoring a Ward 5 institution, Israel Baptist Church ([link removed][UNIQID]) , during the event to ceremonially rename the 1200 block of Saratoga Avenue NE to “Israel Baptist Church Way.”
* Councilmember McDuffie joined Angie Ange in the Morning ([link removed][UNIQID]) to discuss Howard University's unique status and the importance of respect for our city's history.

MAY
* Councilmember McDuffie spoke to Banneker High School students ([link removed][UNIQID]) who had been advocating at the Wilson Building for a state-of-the-art new school building.
* Hosted a 'Commerce and Coffee ([link removed][UNIQID]) ' small business mixer at the Big Bear Cafe to celebrate Small Business Week.
* Led the Council ([link removed][UNIQID]) in passing a ceremonial resolution to recognize May 20, 2019, as DC Natives Day ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Held a hearing on permanent legislation to close the W Street Trash Transfer Station ([link removed][UNIQID]) in the Brentwood neighborhood.

JUNE
* Introduced legislation to make Go-Go the official music of DC ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Marched in the Capital Pride Parade.
* Opened the Ward 5 Community Office ([link removed][UNIQID]) in Luke C. Moore High School.
* Hosted Ward 5 residents and players from the Senators Satchel Paige League at Ward 5 Night at Nationals Park. ([link removed][UNIQID])
* Celebrated the groundbreaking of the DC PLUG ([link removed][UNIQID]) program to underground select power lines and help prevent future power outages.
* Councilmember McDuffie led the Council in recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute ([link removed][UNIQID]) and 40 years of developing young leaders in the District of Columbia.

JULY
* Spoke at the launch of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Introduced the District of Columbia Clean Slate Amendment Act of 2019 ([link removed][UNIQID]) to help people with criminal records get their lives back on track and reduce the stigma they face when looking for employment and housing.
* Led the Ward 5 delegation marching in the Palisades 4th of July Parade ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Hosted Ward 5 neighbors for Ward 5 Night at Shakespeare Theatre Company Free for All.
* Councilmember McDuffie added racial equity language to the Comprehensive Plan Framework element ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

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