Schools and community organizations in Washington, D.C. are bringing voter registration and civic education directly to students as the District prepares for upcoming elections and ranked choice voting.
Category: D.C. Community
Posted inD.C. Community, D.C. Events, DMV News, Washington D.C. News
Thousands celebrate culture with ‘Around the World Embassy Tour’
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO On May 2 the 19th annual Around the World Embassy Tour was held in Washington, D.C., with over 69 Embassies welcoming over 50,000 people. The University District of Columbia (UDC), a historically Black institution, hosted several of the embassies. The Embassy Tour is one of the biggest events in […]
Posted inDMV News
Ben’s Chili Bowl reopens after lengthy renovation
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO Whether you are a go-go aficionado, a radio icon, a Hollywood superstar, or just someone from the D.C. area longing for a half smoke, Ben’s Chili Bowl is once again the place to go. The long-awaited grand reopening of the flagship location of Ben’s Chili Bowl took place […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District to freeze Child Care Subsidy Program for new enrollees on May 12Â
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO In early March, parents and childcare advocates met on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building, which serves as the seat of the District of Columbia housing, hoping to convince the mayor and city council to reconsider their decision to implement a freeze on the DC Child […]
Posted inD.C. Community
Ben’s Chili Bowl Seeks community input for new mural as renovations wrap
As Ben’s Chili Bowl prepares to install a new mural following renovations, community members are being invited to help decide which figures will be featured. Retired Army Master Sgt. Elizabeth Ann Helm-Fraizer is advocating for the inclusion of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, highlighting the unit’s historic contributions and ties to Washington, D.C.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
Securing statehood dominates 2026 Emancipation Day conversation in D.C.
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO Washingtonians of all ages, some even in strollers and wheelchairs, filled city sidewalks and streets, enjoyed a liberty-themed luncheon as guests of the mayor, and frolicked on the fields at RFK Campus, April 16 – 19, for a four-day celebration that marked 2026 DC Emancipation Day. Event planners […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District leaders, residents and visitors celebrate Emancipation Day
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO More than 100 years ago, on April 16, 1862, the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, slaves in the District of Columbia gained their freedom. More than a century later, the residents of D.C. gather on an annual basis to honor and celebrate […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Youth lead conversation at 2026 D.C. Teen Summit
The D.C. Teen Summit, held on March 13, brought young people together to lead conversations on mental health, identity and leadership. Through workshops and dialogue, teens shared experiences, built connections and emphasized the need for safe spaces and supportive adults.
Posted inD.C. Community
D.C. Courts authorize community justice workers to assist residents in civil casesÂ
D.C. residents struggling to afford legal representation will soon be able to turn to community justice workers for assistance in civil cases, thanks to a Feb. 5 order from the D.C. Courts. The program aims to help individuals navigate court processes, provide legal guidance, and offer partial in-court support, particularly in eviction, debt, and other civil matters.
Posted inBUSINESS
Wells Fargo modernizes 130 D.C.-area branches through District-by-District Branch Transformation program
Wells Fargo is modernizing 130 branches in the Washington, D.C., area as part of its District-by-District Branch Transformation program, a multi-year effort to revamp 4,000 branches nationwide. The initiative blends technology upgrades with in-person services, aiming to strengthen branches as hubs for financial guidance, relationship-building and community engagement.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ward 3 residents call for more affordable housing, raise alarm over upzoning plans
Ward 3 Housing Justice is pushing back against planned upzoning along Connecticut and Wisconsin avenues, saying new developments risk excluding low-income families despite promises of increased housing. The D.C. Office of Planning estimates the changes could add 10,000 new units, including 2,000 affordable under the Inclusionary Zoning Plus program, but community advocates say that doesn’t go far enough.
Posted inD.C. Community
D.C. community holds candlelight vigil for Julian Bailey, man shot by U.S. Marshal
Activists, family members and friends are calling for justice in the shooting death of Julain Marquette Bailey, who was shot and killed by a U.S. Marshal on Feb. 11 in Washington, D.C.