What began as a single restaurant and bar next to the Howard Theater on U Street has now grown into an operation that oversees production and distribution in Delaware and all over the DMV.ÌıÌı

Still, the company says its focus is on bringing value to D.C. neighborhoods and making high quality “beer flavored beer.�

“It’s kind of like a Cheers situation,â€� said Bri DeOrsey, a bartender at Right Proper’s Brookland bar and production facility.ÌıÌı

DeOrsey has worked at the bar for eight years, one of the only employees who has been on staff since before the pandemic. In addition to bartending, DeOrsey also handles event coordination and other responsibilities for the company. Ìı

She said that, even with the company’s expansions,Ìıit’sÌıstill a neighborhood spot, with a neighborhood feel.ÌıÌı

“This was an old autobody shop,â€� she said, referring to the Brookland location. “There are neighbors who still remember it as that.â€� Ìı

While the company strives to keep the vibe local, customers like Bob Woodward and Jocelyn Nieva make the journey, regardless of the distance.Ìı

“There are no great breweries near our house,â€� said Nieva. The two, who live near American University, routinely bike the seven miles to enjoy a drink at the Brookland location.ÌıÌı

“W±ğ’ve been coming here for years, and we love it.â€� Upon hearing the news that a new location is opening inÌıEckington, they both agreed it would be “one more place to drink.â€�Ìı

The new location in Eckington will be the largest of the company’s three locations, though it will be similar to the Shaw location. The overall focus will be to bring value to the community.Ìı

“They don’t really have a restaurant over there,â€� said Thor Cheston. He and his wife Leah Cheston co-own the business. “W±ğ’re looking forward to being of service to the community,â€� he said.ÌıÌı

According to Thor Cheston,Ìıconstruction atÌıtheÌıEckingtonÌıfacility startedÌıtwo weeks ago, butÌıthere’sÌıno official opening date yet.ÌıÌı

“W±ğ would love to have an official date,â€� he said. “As of right now,ÌıMaypril.â€�Ìı

While the brand is successful, the focusÌıremainsÌıon making high-quality products. “W±ğ could sell more than we’re actually producing,â€� said Chris Broome, headÌıbrewerÌıand production manager for the company.ÌıÌı

Broome has been with Right Proper for about two years but has been a brewer forÌı10.ÌıÌı

He said that while other breweries are focused on new and unique, Right Proper is leaning into four core beers, keeping things simple with a focus on the details.ÌıÌı

The choice to keep a limited product line reinforces the company’s overall goal of reducing cost and increasing quality, he said. Ìı

“When you think of D.C. craft beer, we want you to think of Right Proper,â€� Broome said. “W±ğÌıaren’tÌıtrying to re-invent the wheel.ÌıWe’reÌımaking beer flavored beer at the highest quality possible.â€�Ìı

At current capacity, Right Proper brews and distributes about 5,000 barrels of beer per year. Current plans to expand capacity in the next six to 12 months are underway, with a goal of 6,500 barrels per year.ÌıÌı

Going beyond that, however, would be a challenge.ÌıÌı

“The more tanks you have, the more space you need for raw materials,â€� Broome said.ÌıÌı

Since raw materials for beer making attract rodents, the production facility also employs Prima, to help combat pests.ÌıÌı

“Prima is a working cat,� Broome says. “Lots of breweries have them.�

Prima is just one of several ways the Right Proper has been able to innovate through the volatility of recent years. Partnerships such as Zeke’s Coffee, whichÌıoperatesÌıinside the Brookland location, allow the shop to offer something that otherwiseÌıwouldn’tÌıbe on the menu.ÌıÌı

“Zeke’s is very good at making and serving coffee, and we are really bad at it,â€� said Thor Cheston. “W±ğ’reÌınot going to pretend we know whatÌıwe’reÌıdoing, soÌıwe’reÌıgoing to get people whoÌıdo. We makeÌıvery goodÌıbeer andÌıwe’reÌıgoing to stick to what we know.â€�Ìı

For Leah Cheston, it’s also about being able to pivot.  Ìı

“Sometimes it still feels like we’re surviving the pandemic,â€� she said. “You just keep going.â€�  Ìı

She said she and her husband both worked in the restaurant industry and started Right Proper because they saw a need for more places in D.C. where you could get a relaxed, comfortable environment and good affordable food.  Ìı

Over the years, she learned it doesn’t necessarily get easier.ÌıÌı

“There’s no destination really,â€� she said. “You just get better at flexing.â€� Ìı

Like her husband, Leah Cheston expressed excitement about becoming a part of the Eckington community.  Ìı

“W±ğ identified Eckington as a place that needed more amenities,â€� she said.  Ìı

The 5,500 square foot location will seat 180, and will feature a full kitchen, but smaller brewing capacity. While there will unfortunately be no brew cat because of the restaurant, she said the kitchen is sure to be its own draw.  Ìı

“People forget we have really good food,â€� Leah Cheston said.  Ìı Ìı

The new facility will beÌılocatedÌıat 1625 Eckington Place, NW.  Ìı

The post After 12 years, Right Proper is still getting it right first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Howard’s Homecoming has been rapped about, referenced in popular media, and responsible for the of many stars in a wide range of industries. Attracting alumni, members of Greek-letter organizations, businesses, tourists, athletes, movie stars, and recording artists, the event is a major economic booster for the city.

But this year, what the event will look like is still unclear.

In August, President Donald Trump invoked emergency powers, allowing him to increase the number of federal law enforcement officers in the district and deploy the National Guard in an effort to reduce crime. Since then, the Guard’s initial 30-day orders have been extended through Dec. 3, and seven additional states have sent troops.

Federal agents from various agencies have conducted checkpoints and arrested individuals on the streets, sparking protests throughout the city. All of this, in addition to weak economic data and rising unemployment, has had a chilling effect on Howard alumni and local business owners, sources told 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Michael Vasquez, who lives in Maryland, is one of those alumni.

“I am currently undecided about attending homecoming,� he said. “The current political climate in the city makes me uneasy. With the recent threats directed at HBCUs, I worry that the university could become a potential target.�

So far, Howard has not said it will change its regularly scheduled events for this year’s homecoming.

On campus this year, the university has been using numerous methods to help students feel safe, including the , the , and issuing a to the community in March, detailing how one should handle an encounter with ICE. While these efforts are aimed towards students, alumni are still expressing concerns.

“I’m not going to be coming back to the area because of what the Trump administration is doing to D.C.,â€� said Ahmeen Muhammad, an alumnus who lives in Houston. “Being a military member, I have no problem with the National Guard being in D.C., but I’m not coming back to homecoming so I can feel like I’m outside of a [military] post again. I’d rather stay home and sit this one out.â€�

Even without the addition of troops and federal agents, businesses, alumni, and residents say they are dealing with the reality of economic uncertainty as well.

Matt Fay is an advisory neighborhood commissioner on ANC 1B, the district covering Howard University, Ledroit Park, and the U Street Corridor, a popular business district nearby.

“Honestly, I don’t know,â€� he said when 91ÇÑ×Ó asked how U Street businesses are preparing for the event.

“The additional presence of policing resources on U Street have definitely had an impact,� Fay said. “A lot fewer people are going out to eat, to bars and clubs. Business is down.�

Others echoed that sentiment.

Carl Brown is the director of the Howard University Business Development Center. His clients, who are mostly small businesses in D.C., have said similar things.

“Employees sometimes don’t come to work because they hear ICE is in the area. People are not coming to the district to eat. It’s very disrupting,â€� Brown said.

Those disruptions are being felt all over. Howard alumna Keya Stanford is a travel nurse from Georgia. The economic slowdown is forcing her to change her homecoming plans as well.

“Economy, economy, economy,â€� Stanford said. “Eggs cost crazy money, and I don’t even eat eggs.â€�

Brown said he has noticed the university is increasing campus police presence and security, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department driving through campus more frequently. MPD usually works with the university and the ANCs to create traffic management plans.

In years past, the month leading up to the event has been filled with unveilings of performance lineups, ambassadors, and party schedules. The website currently lists 18 scheduled events, information on sponsorship, and a vendor application.

Questions surrounding homecoming events are not uncommon. With so many changes happening in the district, however, some alumni are simply making other plans.

“I most likely will not be attending,� said Howard Alumnus Tristen Neal. “It has nothing to do with the presence of soldiers. Donny ain’t gonna stop me. I just have prior engagements.�

Another alumna, who asked not to be named, said she will not be going to Homecoming because “I was just there for my 10-year reunion last year and only plan to go for significant milestone class reunions.�

The university did not respond to requests for comment.

The post Economic uncertainty, federal law enforcement surge loom over Howard’s 101st Homecoming first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Although they’re two neighborhoods with significant LGBTQ+ populations, voters shared with 91ÇÑ×Ó that the social issues they’re focused on this election season include the economy, abortion, democracy, climate change and marijuana legalization.

“I have friends who are like, ‘If Trump wins, then [gay] marriage will go away, and we’ll be stuffed back into the closet,’� said Joseph Schroder, who wrote in his vote for president at the Shaw polling place. “I don’t think that’s actually true.�

On the other hand, Clifton Hogan, who voted for Harris near Logan Circle, said he’s worried by Project 2025 ideologies as a gay man.

“Obviously, gay marriage hasn’t been made illegal, but Roe v. Wade was decided precedent, but here we are two years later,â€� Hogan said.Ìı

The Shaw/Watha T. Daniel Library was a lively polling spot, with an outdoor line stretching the length of the building. The volunteer site coordinator, who did not share her name in fear of being perceived as representing the D.C. Board of Elections, said the voter turnout has been “overwhelming in a good way.�

The site coordinator said she’s seen a diverse and enthusiastic flock of voters, many of whom registered to vote on the spot. She said this contributed to the long wait times and line, which moved to the shaded side of the library around lunchtime after voters complained of baking in the heat.

People running for office, including Brooke Pinto for D.C. Council and Nicole Shea for Shaw’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission, were also outside the library with their teams campaigning and talking to voters.

Outside the library, Schroeder said he’s focused on the economy, federal debt, and the way the country budgets, which are top-of-mind issues. While his identity as a gay man changes how he culturally views things, he wrote in a candidate because his views don’t align with Kamala Harris nor Donald Trump.

“I’m in D.C., so I feel like I have the privilege of being able to [say] my vote doesn’t matter,� he said. “If I was in Pennsylvania or something, I would have to make a real choice and probably vote for [Harris], but at the moment, I’m sort of casting a protest vote.�

D.C. is notorious for voting blue in each election. In 2020, in the District voted for Joe Biden.

Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church near Logan Circle had a less lively outdoor crowd. Still, voters reported that the printed ballot system was out of order, so everyone was required to vote digitally. One man walked out of the polling place shortly after entering, declaring to passersby that the indoor line was too long for him to wait in during a break between food deliveries.

Jacynta Smith, registered to vote in North Carolina, said she’s focused on bodily autonomy and is hopeful as her home state is a swing state.

She was found outside the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church waiting for Corey Littman while he voted. Littman’s priorities are abortion, climate change and marijuana legalization.

Regarding LGBTQ+ issues: “I’m not personally in that community, but I do want them to have the protections everybody deserves,� Littman said. “It’s not my highest priority, personally, but I do think it’s important.�

Emily Menge voted for Harris at the Logan Circle polling place, prioritizing women’s rights and democracy.

“D.C. is dramatically [Democrat], so I don’t think it’s shocking that most of these people are voting for her,â€� Menge said. “Without D.C. statehood, it … doesn’t make you feel great about your vote.â€�

James Ashton, who was chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump� under his breath as he exited the Shaw Library polling location, said he voted Republican due to the economy and border issues.

David Lublin, department chair and professor of government at American University, said he hasn’t seen many people say LGBTQ+ rights are a number one priority for voters in this election.Ìı

“In particular, I’ve seen this election as a battle of whether abortion or immigration is the most important issue,� Lublin said.

Lublin said transgender issues have been a discussion point for some Republicans, mainly due to gendered sports and restrooms, but “the lack of discussion of same-sex marriage and related questions I think show to what an extent that it’s no longer really a debatable proposition in the U.S.”

The polls will close at 8 p.m. In the Shaw neighborhood, Kamala Harris will tonight at Howard University.

The post Logan Circle and Shaw: Voter priorities and what we saw on Election Day first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Libraries have played a key role in providing access to reading materials that are educational, diverse and creative. Not only do they allow the general public to freely borrow books, but most libraries feature fun community events and educational programs that provide opportunities to learn important life skills. With book banning rising throughout the nation, local libraries are having to support their communities even more with their resources.Ìı

According to a July 2021-June 2022 study done by the free speech advocacy group, Pen America, there have been around 2,532 instances of individual books being banned. In the first eight months of 2022 alone, the American Library Association has recorded 1,651 unique titles that were challenged. This is already an increase from the previous year, marking it as the highest number of banned books tracked since the last twenty years. The majority of the banned books are written by or tell diverse stories and have been the target of multiple groups since 2021.Ìı

At the end of 2021, the ALA recorded the top five most challenged and banned books in libraries, schools and universities. On their list, the first three books, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison, and All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson were predominately targeted for “LGBTQIA+ content, and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images.â€� The reasons for the fourth book, Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez, was due to depictions of abuse and the last book, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas was banned for violence, anti-police messaging and indoctrination of a social agenda.Ìı

George Williams, the media relations manager for the D.C. Public Library, said one of the ways the local libraries show support is by participating in Banned Books Week, an event that celebrates literary freedom. Libraries nationwide can participateÌıin Banned Books Week as they share and promote stories with readers.

Most of the programs that are offered in the D.C. Public Libraries are designed to instill community camaraderie and a love for reading that goes beyond banned books. Williams pointed out some of the resources at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw location that do this include access to computers and wi-fi, study rooms and a supply of multiple books, audiobooks and movies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw library was able to offer contactless book pickups and provided COVID tests toÌıthose who needed them.

“It’s important to note,â€� Williams said. “A library is relevant and important even if it doesn’t offer programming.â€�Ìı

Williams said that a priority of the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw library is to teach literacy at a young age. Events such as the two-year running Evil Laugh contest, the Dinosaur Roaring contest and librarian-led story times are a few of the many ways librarians make books appealing to children. Early literacy, according to Williams, helps children progress in their education while also helping them realize that reading can be for pleasure.

President of the American Library Association, Lessa Peyalo Lozada, agrees that encouraging literacy for all ages is important. Lozada said that literacy at a young age is also “foundational to a productive & democratic society,� and should be encouraged.

“Literacy and learning labs are common, but not as common as we would like them,� Lozada said about the services that provide educational opportunities for the public.

According to Lozada, the libraries prevalent today have grown community hubs that offer services and resources when people need them. Libraries encourage people to learn about essential life skills, while also allowing them to have hard conversations, such as discussing banned books.

Lozada described the process of getting a book banned. It starts when an organized individual challenges a book, either in a school or public library. While each library is different, the overall process is similar in that the challenged book will be read and reviewed by either librarians or a board of trustees before making a decision.Ìı

Lozada said that she’s noticed most of the challenged books are LGBTQ stories and stories written by people of color. She said that she finds banning books to be a disservice to the community as a whole because it silences diverse books and doesn’t give all people the chance to tell their stories.

“The most important thing is for folks to recognize that the library is for everyone,� Lozada said. “If you don’t see yourself in the library, your library workers are there to listen and make you feel seen.�

The post Libraries and their role in preventing book banning first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Organized in tandem with , an organization that empowers local artists, and Shaw Main Streets, an organization supporting local Shaw businesses, the art market will return for its final day on Dec. 18 at 625 T St. NW.

The market is an off shoot of Art All Night D.C., an art festival that celebrates visual and performing arts throughout the District.

Stop by to see and shop. 625 T Street, NW (across from ). Open 11 AM-5PM, every Saturday and Sunday through 12/19/21.

— Shaw Main Streets (@shawmainstreets)

Tia Kane, a member of Artbox DC and organizer of the event, is looking forward to providing a return to norm with COVID vaccines now readily available and people more open to in-person events.

“In the winter months we’re not out as much, so I’m really happy that we’re able to provide an experience at the close of the year that will provide a dynamic experience for the Shaw community,� Kane said.

Kane said Artbox D.C. has had trouble securing artists for some weekends this year, forcing a cancellation of the market on Dec. 11. But Kane expects there will be a plethora of artists at the final weekend, this Saturday, with shoppers eager to get those last-minute gifts.

Alex Padro, head member of Shaw Main Streets, said the local market has been ongoing since 2014, allowing neighbors to stop by and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists as holiday gifts.

When the pandemic struck, the market went virtual in 2020. Artists were still able to sell their work, but not as much as they would have liked.

With the market returning to in-person shopping, local artist Heda Rose, an expressionist painter, is excited not only for the economic opportunity, but also to engage with her customers directly.

“I missed the interactions, the discussions, seeing the effect that the art has on people,� Rose said.

Heda Rose finds engaging with others in-person over her art to be a more wholesome experience because she can observe the reactions and thoughts of people who view her art.

Calisma Asafor Atowo, another local artist, is also looking forward to the market for a similar reason. Atowo believes the market creates an opportunity for people to get to know and meet the artist and experience their work.

“It speaks more to people when they can be a part of something physically. It’s that feeling of just seeing someone and saying, ‘wow I love what you’re doing, and I want to support you,’â€� Atowo said.

Though artists are optimistic, they’ve also faced stocking issues. Kane said group artists that create murals have struggled to get paint for their projects.

To meet consumer demand in the wake of supply shortages, Rose has shifted to creating apparel and merchandise for her artwork. Though Rose continues to paint, the low cost and availability of apparel makes selling wearable art a more favorable option.

“People also like art they can wear,� Rose said.

Overall, Padro believes the market, which he expects will be bustling this weekend, will create a great opportunity for artists and customers alike.

“Neighborhood businesses always like things that bring in additional foot traffic to their blocks. Folks also always enjoy finding unique one-of-a-kind gifts for their family and friends,� Padro said.

“This is one of those opportunities to find something they can’t get anywhere else.â€�

The post Shaw Holiday Art Market returns for in-person shopping first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Omicron has now been , with three cases identified in the greater Washington area of Maryland. No positive cases of Omicron have yet been identified in the District.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser dropped the District’s mask mandate earlier in November — one week before the World Health Organization recognized Omicron as a variant of concern. This week, news of Omicron creeping closer to D.C., combined with an due to COVID-19 this past month, has now prompted the mayor’s office to re-issue an indoor mask ‘recommendation.’

According to the CDC, the COVID-19 Omicron variant than the orginial COVID-19 virus, although more research is needed to understand if Omicron will cause more severe illness. While vaccines are expected to protect people from high risk side effects, hospitalization, and death, are expected to occur.

In the wake of Omicron, restaurants enforce mask wearing

91ÇÑ×Ó spoke with representatives from Busboys and Poets, Alero, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and The Smith about how restaurants are grappling news of the new variant, and the new D.C. mask ‘recommendation’.Ìı

As for the reason that D.C. doesn’t have a mask mandate right now — “I don’t really know why,â€� said Al Em, the manager of Busboys and Poets on 14th St. NW.Ìı

In the wake of Omicron, Em said Busboys and Poets is taking mask-wearing seriously, regardless of whether there’s a mandate to wear a mask indoors. To get booked into the rota, all employees are required to wear a mask on their nose and mouth at all times and also receive complete dosages of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“W±ğ’re just doing our part though,â€� said Em. For a company with more than 100 employees spread across its chain, “we are one of the few companies that does not have a lot of cases. As far as I know, there’s been no COVID exposed within Busboys and Poets.â€�

One block east of Busboys and Poets, upbeat music and colorful banners signal U St.’s popular Mexican restaurant Alero. Manager of Alero Julieta Hernandez said that the mayor’s mixed messaging as to whether or not masks should be worn places a safety stressor on restaurant staff.ÌıÌı

“Personally, I’m more worried because we don’t know what’s going to happen with Omicron, so it can be more difficult now,� said Hernandez.

With the inevitable first Omicron case awaiting D.C., Hernandez said decisive measures would put the Alero staff more at ease. “For me, I’d prefer it to be mandatory mask,â€� she said.Ìı

Safety as a priority — ‘Thank you for your cooperation!’

Ruth Palacios, a hostess from U St. restaurant The Smith, reiterated this sentiment. Even though the D.C. law is not requiring patrons to wear a mask, The Smith is self-enforcing a mask mandate for all people who enter the restaurant.Ìı

At The Smith, “W±ğ always are supposed to have safety as a priority — safety to our customers, because we don’t want any customer to get sick,â€� said Palacios.Ìı

Outside of the District’s famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, a piece of paper triple-taped to the glass door reads: ‘Masks must be worn inside at all times unless you are seated dining. Thank you for your cooperation!�

Owner and Manager of Ben’s Chili Bowl Vida Ali said that while the pandemic was difficult for business, first and foremost, her priority was to protect the safety of the restaurant’s team members and their guests.Ìı

“W±ğ definitely still ask the team to wear a mask, and we ask the guests to wear a mask,â€� Ali said.Ìı

It’s no surprise that the mayor’s guidelines have changed over time correlating with varying incidence rates of COVID-19, said Ali. But, regardless of the COVID-19 status in the city and messaging from the D.C. Department of Health, the restaurants’ philosophy for Omicron has definitively stayed the same as before — masks required.Ìı

“It’s just making everyone as comfortable and as safe as possible,â€� she said.Ìı

The post How U Street restaurants are preparing for Omicron in DC first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Speaking with 91ÇÑ×Ó, Ali explained the necessity for DC NAACP to defend Barry and Hopkinson, two vocal proponents of arts funding redistribution whose re-appointments to the DCCAH were initially blocked by the D.C. Council two weeks ago.

“It was important that we fought for them because we cannot set precedent of silencing strong voices who fight for resource equity,� Ali said.

In the midst of D.C. Council’s attempt to block Barry and Hopkinson from re-confirmation, Ali said the DC NAACP would continue advocating for strong Black voices.

“You need people at the table who are going to fight for resources because resources and money are really what impacts the economic foundation that changes the structure of our society and community, she said.

Council’s initial move to block Barry and Hopkinson generated disapproval

The controversial move to block the Commissioners sparked disapproval from councilmembers and activists alike. Shortly after the blockage, emergency legislation was introduced and passed by 11 councilmembers to approve the re-nominations of Hopkinson and Barry. D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson was the sole dissident of this emergency legislation.

Ali explained that Hopkinson’s and Barry’s advocacy upset larger organizations whose funding was diverted to local artists and smaller arts organizations. Subsequent against Barry’s integrity, and the Council Chair’s accusation that the pair are “controversial and polarizing� members of the commission, led to the blockage of their nominations — and that’s when the NAACP stepped in.

Let me tell you what I don’t want to see on my Monday morning (or any day for that matter) – Chairman Mendelson’s staff attacking an accomplished Black woman with a PhD, calling her a liar, and insulting her ability to do math.

— Alison Horn (@Alison6B09)

Ali emphasized the importance of the pair’s tenure on the DCCAH. Over the two years that the pair served on the commission, Barry and Hopkinson “were two of the most fierce and outspoken fighters for resource equity, and racial equity in the distribution of funds on the commission,� Ali explained.

The DCCAH currently allocates over to the District’s arts initiatives. Barry and Hopkinson identified considerable inequities in how the funding was distributed across D.C.’s eight wards, she said.

The commissioner’s advocacy work on the DCCAH helped to ignite the development of the Task Force on Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In 2020, this committee identified that enhance how the DCCAH can equitably distribute resources across D.C.’s art community, whether by location, or the size of the organization.

Promoting equity and inclusion in the District’s art community

DCCAH Chief of Staff Jeffrey Scott described implementing one of the recommendations proposed by the equity task force.

The Commission is acting more intentionally to collect the demographic data on the communities and the populations that the organization serves, said Scott. Early in 2021, the Commissioners decided to behind the general operating grants to allocate smaller and midsize organizations a large proportion of funding.

This move allows the DCCAH to “have a better sense of where the dollars are going, and what sort of impact they’re having,â€� he said.

In response to the controversy, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson took to Facebook for weekly live broadcast to discuss the imbalance in arts funding in the District. Mendelson deflected responsibility to the DCCAH, which distributes grants among applicants.

“There was until repealed, a set aside for the large arts organizations, but other than that, decisions on grant-making are entirely with the arts commission, and still are with the arts commission.�

The post Arts controversy: DC NAACP says ‘we cannot set precedent of silencing strong voices who fight for resource equity.’ first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

The 2021 redistricting process has been ongoing this fall, with redistricting subcommittee chair Elissa Silverman holding several roundtable discussions with community members from across the District. Much of the discussion has centered around Ward 6 losing population and Wards 8 and 7 gaining population as the wards are rebalanced, but there has also been a focus on Shaw.

Three released on Nov. 1 show that three Shaw census tracts originally moved from Ward 2 to Ward 6 in 2011 would likely rejoin Ward 2 and the remainder of the neighborhood after redistricting.

Sam Rosen-Amy, chief of staff for Silverman, said redistricting Shaw into Ward 2 would align with the principles that D.C. Council is following for redistricting — cohesion and compactness. Cohesion would mean keeping census tracts together within ward boundaries and compactness would mean creating wards that don’t look gerrymandered.

Rosen-Amy said redistricting the Ward 6 “stovepipe� would fulfill the principle of cohesion, as part of the Shaw neighborhood still remains in Ward 2. The stovepipe is a colloquial term used to describe the portion of the Shaw neighborhood moved to Ward 6 in 2011.

“It makes sense that we would look at trying to rejoin it with the rest of the Shaw community and the neighborhoods to the west, which it identifies more with,� Rosen-Amy said.

Rosen-Amy also said redistricting Shaw to Ward 2 would fulfill the principle of compactness, as the removal of the stovepipe creates an area that is less gerrymandered.

Moving most of Shaw back to Ward 2 would reunify the neighborhood, returning the neighborhood to how it once was in the 2000s. For Alex Padro, a longtime representative for the neighborhood, it would be a beneficial reunion, but would also cause some degree of disorientation.

“It would sort of be like ‘Back To The Future’,� Alex Padro said jokingly.

Alex Padro served as an advisory neighborhood council member in Shaw for 20 years and has deep ties to the neighborhood. Padro was around when Shaw was redistricted in 2011, when the neighborhood was separated and moved to Ward 6 to reduce Ward 2’s excess population.

For Padro, the neighborhood’s reunification would make things easier in that neighborhood projects could be streamlined more easily, but it could also leave other Shaw neighbors disoriented in terms of representation. Here’s what that would mean specifically.

Communication and ANC collaboration would improve

According to Padro, by bringing Shaw back to Ward 2, decision making, collaboration, community interaction and application of policies would become easier within the community.

Shaw is currently intersected by multiple wards, which Padro said has made community and local legislative processes more complicated than they need to be.

“What’s difficult about having multiple wards intersect with a single area, is that you have three different wards and three different ANC’S interacting. That makes local decision making, community interaction between government agencies, and consistency with policy application very difficult,� Padro said.

Padro provided an example of where a legislative process became difficult. For the, Padro said three council members and ANC representatives from three different wards all ended up pining on the stretch of 9th Street NW that serves as a dividing line for Wards 1, 2 and 6.

“It just becomes very cumbersome because agencies only have to deal with one council, one ANC and maybe one civic association. If you multiply that by three, that manifests problems in terms of gaining a consensus and outreach,� Padro said.

Padro said returning the neighborhood to Ward 2 would make finding a consensus on projects easier and more streamlined.

Parking would become cohesive again–but could change later on

According to Padro, many people in Shaw still have Ward 2 parking privileges despite being in Ward 6. Moving the Shaw stovepipe back to Ward 2 would align their parking designation with their Ward designation.

introduced by Councilmember Christina Henderson could change how Residential Parking Permits work though. The tentative legislation would create smaller RPP zones tied to ANC boundaries instead of wards.

Amanda Farnan, a communication representative for Henderson, said this would allow people to park long term more easily in the area where they live.

“It also incentivizes people to walk or take the metro to places outside of their ANC in their ward while also allowing residents to park anywhere for under two hours,� Farnan said.

Farnan said ward parking boundaries will freeze temporarily after redistricting. Farnan added that the legislation will likely be implemented next year after redistricting and ANC boundaries are worked out.

Representation would change

Padro said most Shaw members support the potential transition back into Ward 2, but there are still those who would be frustrated by the move.

ANC 6EO2 Representative Alex Lopez is against the potential move because it would again create a situation where Shaw residents are represented by a council member they didn’t vote for.

“It affects relationship building and constituency building within districts or wards. It will take time to reestablish a new relationship with the new councilmember.� Lopez said.

Other representatives like Farnan said the reunification would actually consolidate voting power for the neighborhood because it would be able to elect one councilmember to represent the neighborhood as a whole.

“Neighbors could consolidate their vote, collectively advocate for things specific to their neighborhood and vote for one councilmember that could represent their views. I would say that’s allowing them to utilize their collective power,� Farnan said.

Shaw would likely maintain its mercurial nature of shifting between wards

The post Shaw will likely return to Ward 2 after redistricting. Here’s what that means. first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

The U St. Corridor and 14th St. are home to Hamiltonian Artists, Transformer, and Foundry Gallery — modernist spaces that dissolve the barrier to entry for emerging artists. In comparison to the blue-chip galleries commonly found in New York, these organizations place a greater emphasis on promoting the work of local artists.ÌıÌı

The Hamiltonian’s core focus is to engage the D.C. community with artists based in the region, with lesser importance placed on the market and financials, said HamiltonianÌıAdministrator Jonathan Bella. While government support for local galleries certainly exists in D.C., barriers to financing are pervasive, he said.

“It’s strange because D.C. has some of the best museums in the world — the whole Smithsonian Institution the Hirshhorn Museum, the National Gallery of Art — all of these institutions in D.C., and then you have local spaces that are struggling.â€�

This past year, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) pledged to redistribute funds through its grant program to the District’s more intimate art spaces to promote inclusivity in the art world. In August, the CAH granted out of its $16.5 million budget to a greater proportion of smaller art groups in D.C., 91ÇÑ×Óington Post reported.Ìı

The Foundry Gallery has taken full advantage of CAH’s grant program. Foundry’s show Moment of Interrogation wrapped up on Sunday, and member Gregory O’Hanlon views CAH’s grants as a pivotal financial addition that enables the gallery to host experiential art in a post-pandemic environment.

O’Hanlon contends that the CAH has been supportive of Foundry and smaller gallery spaces in the District.Ìı“The pandemic funding was more widespread and to a broader range of art spaces than prior,â€� he says.

During the height of the pandemic, exhibition spaceÌıTransformer took an innovative approach to assist local artists from the financial sticker shock that rippled across the art industry in 2020. The gallery held an auction to support local artists in D.C.; the funds collected were then released to artists in the form of $500 grants.

MichaelAngelo Rodriguez is a District-based multimedia artist and photographer who applied for the grant. Rodriguez’s first solo exhibition — Otro Tiempo — closed at Transformer last week. Produced over a four-year period, the show features a tranquil amalgam of photo and video work taken from the perspective of a car.Ìı

Each piece in Otro Tiempo captures a unique depth of feeling experienced during a single moment in time. This nostalgia is particularly emphasized inÌı“The Sky Through the Trees,â€� a multimedia piece that glides through a continuous foreground of leaves and filtered sunlight.ÌıRodriguez views this work as the anchor piece of the exhibition because “there’s something so soothing and really meditative about passing through the trees.â€�

Group-show Empirical Evidence, housed at the Hamiltonian Gallery on U St., channels similar themes to Rodriguez’s work, except with a more climate-oriented angle. The exhibition calls for a communal response to the humans’ interaction with the environment, Bella said.Ìı

The diverse perspectives brought to Empirical Evidence demonstrate how individual thought, in collective space, can challenge living systems. In the exhibition, post-pandemic human interaction and individual relationships with the environment are presented in painting, sculpture, video, illustration and screen printing. Ultimately, the showÌıpoints towards the artists’ conceptualization of nature, climate change, and life forms not typically perceptible in everyday lives.Ìı

Moment of Interrogation is the pandemic brainchild of D.C. artist Courtney Adair Applequist, whose study of breath as a meditative and cathartic practice bore a collection of work that reflects her mulled contemplations with Ìıthe ‘-isms’ of society Ìı— sexism, colonialism, and consumerism. Adair Applequist’s relationship with these constructs resulted in a series of paintings, illustrations, and prints that challenge her self-perceptions as an artist creating work in the age of COVID-19.

Collectively, the works presented in Otro Tiempo, Empirical Evidence, and Moment of Interrogation conceptualize what it means to live in a post-pandemic atmosphere, emphasize the ever-changing essence of human connection, and call for a moment to pause and reflect.Ìı

91ÇÑ×Ó reached out to CAH to hear more about funding opportunities for local artists creating in the DMV, but never heard back. From their website, the CAH offered for individuals and not-for-profit organizations to apply to this year, all of which are currently filled.Ìı

On a final note, Bella said that while the CAH funding programs are immensely useful to artists and non-profit organizations alike, the grants that the CAH offers are oftentimes correlated with wealth and education. In response to this problem, Hamiltonian Artists has begun offering workshops that aid local artists during the grant application processes, helping artists see their work to fruition.Ìı

The post DC creatives celebrate the importance of presence, reflection, and human connection first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Student protesters said they have experienced health conditions such as asthma from mold and fungal growth in the university’s dorms.Ìı

“Students have been in the hospital with strep throat and asthma they’ve never had before that’s been caused by the mold in the dorms,â€� said one freshman protester, who preferred to remain anonymous out of fear of getting expelled from the University.ÌıÌı

Vice President of Student Affairs Cynthia Evers wrote in an email to students that they could face academic expulsion if they continue to occupy the university’s space, according to . Students also fear police aggression.

 

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The HU freshman added that students have been coughing up blood from the conditions and that there are rats and roaches in university buildings.

The students are demanding three actions from the university: An in-person town hall with President Wayne Frederick, a reinstatement of students and alumni on the board of trustees and a meeting between the president, the chairman of the board and student representatives to discuss housing conditions.Ìı

Student protesters said they won’t leave the Blackburn University Center until all of their demands have been met.Ìı

The board of trustees voted back in to transition out current students, alumni and faculty representatives from the board so that it can “expand mechanisms across the university to provide broad input from key university stakeholders,� according to the university’s website.

Students are now also asking for academic immunity because of the threats of expulsion they have received. According to the, the campus paper, Frederick said he did not have the power to grant exemptions to those occupying the Blackburn Center.

Frederick agreed to the third demand regarding the meeting over housing. The Hilltop also reported that there was a town hall on Oct. 25 with the Student Life Committee Board that discussed the affiliate positions of the board.

Frank Tramble, vice president of communications for the university, said the university is working to address the housing issues students are facing with Corvias, the university’s partner that manages its property.

“W±ğ are going door to door and ensuring that maintenance happens. We are also following up with our third-party partner Corvias to make sure that they are doing their work,â€� Tramble said.

Tramble added in an email that the university has 38 reports of concerns related to discoloration or suspected fungal growth across more than 5,050 beds. He said students have been placed in temporary housing as the university works to address the issues.

Tramble said the university is at 94% occupancy and has hundreds of beds available in response to student claims of homelessness.

But student protesters don’t agree. Protesters said the remaining housing for underclassmen is either used for COVID-19 quarantine space or is unlivable because of mold.

Public figures are also supporting the protest over housing. Janeese Lewis George, Ward 4 council member, visited student protesters last Wednesday supporting their grievances of gentrification and quality of housing.

“The students’ struggle for proper housing parallels the issues of displacement and gentrification that black families face across D.C.� spokesperson for George said.

Tramble said via email the university encourages any student experiencing housing issues to the office of residence life and university housing for assistance. Tramble added university officials will assist with securing housing and make their food pantry on campus available for students who are food insecure.Ìı

Students say they will continue to protest until all of their demands have been met. They say the protest is not just for themselves, but also for future students.

“How many more years of this before people stop coming to Howard U?,â€� said another student, who also wished to remain anonymous. “W±ğ want things to be better for future bison.â€�

The post Howard University students continue protest over ‘unlivable’ housing conditions first appeared on 91ÇÑ×Ó.