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.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Other Speeches

“Again we have diluted ourselves into believing the myth that Capitalism grew and prospered out of the protestant ethic of hard word and sacrifice, the fact is that Capitalism was built on the exploitation and suffering of black slaves and continues to thrive on the exploitation of the poor both black and white, both here and abroad.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from The Three Evils of White American Society. . . . → Read More: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Other Speeches

Turn Up and Shut It Down in Chinatown News Round Up

Video coverage of the Black Lives Matter Movement’s Turn Up and Shut It Down in Chinatown event was fairly extensive, in comparison to other events sponsored by the District’s local progressive community. . . . → Read More: Turn Up and Shut It Down in Chinatown News Round Up

Black Lives Matter New Year’s Resolution

On New Year’s Eve, activists from the Black Lives Matter Coalition gathered in Chinatown to protest the killings of unarmed African Americans by the police. . . . → Read More: Black Lives Matter New Year’s Resolution

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

A Short History of D.C. Public Schools

How DCPS went from a system segregated by race and controlled by an appointed board of trustees, to a system segregated by traditional public schools and charters, controlled by the mayor. . . . → Read More: A Short History of D.C. Public Schools