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. […]
Opinion Editorial: Southwest Town Center Parks Are Not Fit for Purpose
By Southwest DC Action On November 30, 2023, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) held a town hall at the Southwest Library to discuss a proposed redesign of the Southwest Town Center Parks. Developers shared that the Southwest Town Center […]
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. […]
Young Readers: Kids Can’t Keep their Hands Off these Giftable Books
By Kitty Felde Kids are reading less. A lot less. Just one in three children read every day for pleasure. According to the National Literacy Trust, daily reading by kids between ages eight and 18 has dropped 26 percent over the past two decades. Librarian Rebecca Opalka says she’s been […]
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 […]