The District’s mainstream media has not gone out of their way to cover Walmart and their current attempt to locate four stores within DC’s borders. There are a few media activists within the community who have been following the story. Here’s a brief survey.
Longtime DC activist and video journalist Luke regularly posts to DC’s Independent Media Center. All of the following articles include video:
Dozens Protest Outside of Developer’s House
Unions Demand Wal-Mart “Respect DC” at Wilson Building Rally
Anti Wal-Mart Film Screening Packs the House at Plymouth Congregational
On February 25, WPFW’s Spirit in Action program dedicated an entire hour to the issue of Walmart. Empower DC co-founder Parisa Norouzi’s arguments against Walmart coming to DC were pretty unshakeable. I am trying to get a copy of the program to post here. In the mean time, you can find it on WPFW’s Program Archives page. You’ll have to scroll down to Spirit in Action, 2/25/2011.
The Washington City Paper fancies itself alternative press. The jury is still out on that but they did cover our favorite rapper Head-Roc and his efforts to keep Walmart out of the District in their article Head-Roc’s Mouth: Keep D.C. Walmart Free.
Radio journalist Pete Tucker of Fightback Radio looks at the issue from the point of view of small business owner Gary Cha in the podcast Yes! Says No to Walmart.
Although the Washington Times is not alternative media, their article Alexander Aides on Wal-Mart Team about Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander’s ties to Walmart is relevant nonetheless.
Should you have the time and the inclination to get your information in a more sociable way, the group Walmart Free DC has been scheduling free community screenings of the film “The High Cost of Low Prices” in every ward in the city. The next screening will be in Ward 3:
Palisades Neighborhood Library
4901 V St. N.W. – PAL Large Meeting Room
Thursday, March 31, 2011
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Following that is a screening in Ward 5:
Woodridge Library
1801 Hamlin St. N.E.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
If you’d like to do more than just follow the story in the media, Walmart Free DC has begun meeting regularly on Saturdays at Empower DC, 1419 V Street NW. The best way to become involved and stay informed is by subscribing to their list serve. To do so, send an email to walmartfreedc@lists.riseup.net.
The groups No Ward 4 Walmart and Ward Four Thrives appear to be working in conjunction on this issue. If you’re a Ward 4 resident looking to get involved, they can be contacted via their website WardFourThrives.blogspot.com. Their blog has lots of information about Walmart in general and links to a bunch of articles that aren’t posted here. Enjoy!