Reparations: A Very Basic Primer

Reparations: a process of repairing, healing and restoring a people injured because of their group identity and in violation of their fundamental human rights. In 2019, the House held a Hearing on H.R. 40, Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act.  There was no vote but the hearing itself was historic.  We take a look at what led up to this point.

A Timeline Leading Up to The “Revitalization” of Barry Farm

With the deconstruction and rebuilding of Barry Farm under way, it is important to understand some of the key factors of this process, what led up to it and how it has been affecting the existing community. Here is a somewhat concise timeline of events to provide context and stay updated on the fast-changing neighborhood.

Incompatible Allies: Black Lives Matter, March 4 Our Lives and the US Debate about Guns and Violence
   
After the mass shooting in Parkland, student activists did their level best to move the US to adopt gun reform. Grassroots DC's documentary Incompatible Allies asks if the gun reform that they call for is in line with the demands of Black Lives Matter, with whom they claim to have an affinity?

Initiative 77 & The Crisis of The Tipped Minimum Wage

The minimum wage for hourly workers in the District of Columbia is set to increase to $15.00. For Tipped workers, which can include servers, valets, and bartenders, receive $3.89 per hour, with an anticipated increase to $5.00 by 2020. If it seems unfair, that's because it is.

Democracy Spring: Alternative Media News Round Up

Events began on April 2, 2016 in Philadelphia, where more than a hundred activists began a ten-day, 140-mile march from to Washington D.C. By April 11, thousands had joined Democracy Spring and Democracy Awakening in our nation’s capitol to demand Congress take immediate action to end the corruption of big money in our politics and ensure free and fair elections in which every American has an equal voice. . . . → Read More: Democracy Spring: Alternative Media News Round Up

There Are Jobs Available for Returning Citizens in the District of Columbia

Considering all of the barriers a returning citizen faces when they make it home from incarceration, from not having an I.D. or a birth certificate to having no place to live or limited computer skills, it’s no real surprise the unemployment rate for returning citizens in DC is estimated to be about 50%. . . . → Read More: There Are Jobs Available for Returning Citizens in the District of Columbia

Changing the Rules on Graduation Requirements

DC “State” Board of Education has proposed changing the rules for District of Columbia Graduates. Rather than taking all the courses required to get their degree, students could simply pass the right tests and get their degree. With the exception of testing out of math and language courses, many educators think this is a bad idea. The following two articles, taken from the March Citizen Reader, published by highlight the details. . . . → Read More: Changing the Rules on Graduation Requirements

Why a Law Meant to Protect the Poor from Gentrification Doesn’t Really Work

Why the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act is not working for residents of Congress Heights. . . . → Read More: Why a Law Meant to Protect the Poor from Gentrification Doesn’t Really Work

Rallying for Housing for D.C.’s Homeless

Cross-Post from WTOP about the CNHED’s Rally to Fulfill the Promise. Will $100 million that Mayor Bowser has slated for affordable housing make a difference? . . . → Read More: Rallying for Housing for D.C.’s Homeless