The Harris family. Courtesy of GoFundMe By Southwester Staff On December 21, 2023, a drive-by shooting outside the Friendly Food Market on Half Street SW and O Street SW killed two people, including local resident Patricia Harris. Harris’ three children, ages 14, 8 and 4, attended neighborhood schools, including Van Ness […]
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi Visits Jefferson Middle School Academy
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Jidé George, Sanaa Wilson, and Kimberly-Celeste “K.C.” Boyd. Courtesy of the Author. By Matthew Koehler In January, Jefferson Middle School Academy welcomed guest author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. Kendi’s new book, Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers, tells the story of Oluale Kossola, who was a survivor of […]
DC Black History Celebration Committee Kicks Off Program in Southwest
By Vyllorya Evans The DC Black History Celebration Committee (DCBHCC) will mark Black History Month 2024 with the theme Black Artist as Activist. The public is invited to join the kickoff event on Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Church, 400 I Street SW. The keynote speaker for […]
Where Are They Now: Southwest Neighborhood Assembly’s Education and and Scholarship Task Force Catches Up with Multi-Year Winner Sergio Rozelle
by Wilma Goldstein The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA) Education and Scholarship Task Force (ESTF) has supported young people in the Southwest DC community for more than 45 years. All together, more than 530 scholarships totaling $444,000 have been awarded to 230 young people who have gone on to great educational, […]
Young Readers: Put Those Gift Cards to Good Use
By Kitty Felde It’s likely that among your children’s holiday gifts this year, there were more than a few gift cards. Left to their own devices, kids will head straight to the electronics store. But if there’s flexibility in what kids can spend their gift card money on, take them […]
Arena Stage Presents Diverse Lineup for Second Half of 2023-24 Season
Step Afrika! performs “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence.” Photo by Jati Lindsay. Courtesy of Arena Stage By Southwester Staff January brings a new calendar year for making resolutions and trendy lists of what’s in and what’s out. It’s still the middle of the planned theater year, however, and Arena […]
Winter Warmth from Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid
By Katrina Avila The enduring mission of Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) remains steadfast: to provide resources to Black and Brown youth and families across DC that others may already possess. Whether it involves offering after-school enrichment and tutoring programs or essential support, SYC/W6MA plays a pivotal role […]