Ward 5 Report: Highlights from the first half of 2019

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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 representing Ward 5 on the DC Council.
At the first Council's first legislative meeting, Councilmember McDuffie introduces the Racial Equity Achieves Results Act. Later in January, Councilmember McDuffie hosts a standing-room-only Race and Policy Symposium.
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.
Councilmember McDuffie participated in a community walk 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. 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 McDuffie introduced legislation to establish the DC Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Research. 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, 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, 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 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 philanthropist, by naming a new public park to be located in Eckington after her.
Councilmember McDuffie led the presentation of a DC Council ceremonial resolution 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. 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, 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. Watch his opening statement or read the coverage in the AFRO.
Councilmember McDuffie introduced the Advisory Commission on Monuments, Markers, and Symbols Establishment Act of 2019 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.
Councilmember McDuffie took part in honoring a Ward 5 institution, Israel Baptist Church, 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 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 who had been advocating at the Wilson Building for a state-of-the-art new school building.
Hosted a 'Commerce and Coffee' small business mixer at the Big Bear Cafe to celebrate Small Business Week.
Led the Council in passing a ceremonial resolution to recognize May 20, 2019, as DC Natives Day.
Held a hearing on permanent legislation to close the W Street Trash Transfer Station in the Brentwood neighborhood.

JUNE

Introduced legislation to make Go-Go the official music of DC.
Marched in the Capital Pride Parade.
Opened the Ward 5 Community Office 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.
Celebrated the groundbreaking of the DC PLUG 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 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.
Introduced the District of Columbia Clean Slate Amendment Act of 2019 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.
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.

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