Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  "Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities." - R. David Lankes (Director of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina)  If you've been to one of DC Public Library's neighborhood locations or the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library,…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  As you may remember from a newsletter I sent back in August, the District is facing a crushing combination of pressures threatening affordable housing. These pressures are not merely "bringing construction of low-income housing to a virtual halt,"they are also jeopardizing existing affordable housing buildings, their current tenants, and the investments that the District has made…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  Ward 5 Day is Sunday! I hope to see you on September 22 at Turkey Thicket from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. to celebrate all the things that make Ward 5 great. There will be a little bit of everything for everyone: food, music, racecars for little ones, a youth entrepreneur fair, a basketball…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  September 17, 2024  Media Contact: Melissa Littlepage | mlittlepage@dccouncil.gov | 771-333-9834  WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Council of the District of Columbia voted to dissolve the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs, chaired by Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, following federal charges against Councilmember White. Subsequently, two new sub-committees were created:…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  Ward 5 Week is just around the corner and there are lots of events scheduled where you can connect with neighbors and celebrate all the things that make Ward 5 great. Check out the full line-up below and make plans to join us! It will all start on Monday morning with the Street Designation Ceremony for William…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  At the beginning of the week, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced a joint lawsuit against three federally licensed gun dealers for illegally selling dozens of firearms to a straw purchaser who then trafficked the weapons, mainly into the District. These firearms showed up at several DC crime scenes, including one in Ward 5. I…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  On Monday, the District will celebrate Labor Day. The holiday is a reminder of the power of workers coming together and organizing for labor rights, better working conditions, equitable pay, and more. If you plan to enjoy this long weekend, thank a union! Last year, I joined the picket line with…

On Monday, August 26, DC Public Schools and many public charter schools will welcome students back for the 2024-2025 school year. As a former educator, I always love the energy of this time of year as schools fill back up with students and fresh school supplies. Investing in our Ward 5 schools is how we build healthy…

For nearly two years, I have served alongside Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. on the Council of the District of Columbia. During this time, I have witnessed Councilmember White’s passion for his constituents and his strong advocacy for improving public safety in Ward 8 and throughout the District. Given this background, the recent arrest and allegations…