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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
SWNA Task Force Co-Chair Regina Blye to Step Down
By Southwester Staff The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA) and its Emergency Preparedness Task Force, commonly known as Southwest Strong! is known for working to build a disaster resilient community. Task Force Co-Chair Regina Blye is stepping back after dedicated service. Blye is a dynamic advocate committed to high-impact systems change. […]
Local Leader Honored for Service, Volunteerism
Thelma D. Jones. Courtesy of Fredo Vasquez By Mike Goodman As the country looks forward to celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – a day of service and “a day on, not a day off” – The Southwester sat down with one of our own community’s volunteer leaders, Thelma D. […]
Gone but Not Forgotten: A Tribute to Dr. Lori Wilson
By Caitlin Leggett Thelma D. Jones and Dr. Lori L. Wilson at the 2022 Tigerlily Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Courtesy of the Author. The sounds of smooth jazz played by Mystical Waters’ Saleem Wayne Waters filled the open space inside Westminster Presbyterian Church on an October evening. Shades of […]
Southwest Pod of Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid Brimming with Gratitude after Thanksgiving Food Drives
By Regina Mazur As we bid farewell to 2023, the Southwest (SW) Pod of Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) pauses to reflect on yet another year of effectively delivering vital resources to Black and Brown residents in Southwest DC who may face barriers in accessing them. We extend […]