As Washington, D.C.’s historically Black U Street corridor continues to gentrify, longtime Black-owned businesses like Lee’s Flower and Card Shop and Ben’s Chili Bowl say ownership and adaptability have been key to their survival. While both families acknowledge the economic growth brought to the area, they also reflect on the displacement of longtime Black residents and the changing identity of the once predominantly Black community known as “Black Broadway.”
Category: Washington D.C. News
Posted inBUSINESS
Downtown D.C. shows mixed recovery as jobs, housing lag behind gains in culture
A new report from the DowntownDC Business Improvement District shows a mixed economic picture for the city center, with gains in cultural activity and public safety offset by declines in jobs, tourism and housing development. City and business leaders say downtown’s recovery remains uneven as federal policy shifts and changing visitor patterns continue to shape its trajectory.
Posted inArts & Culture
Theaters and thespians from the D.C. region honored at the 42nd Annual Helen Hayes Awards
The 42nd Annual Helen Hayes Awards celebrated the creativity, diversity and impact of the Washington, D.C.-area theater community, honoring standout productions, performers and behind-the-scenes talent from across the region. Hosted at The Anthem, the ceremony highlighted theater’s enduring role as a platform for empathy, cultural expression and social reflection.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C.’s faith community voice concerns during WIN candidate forum
The pews at Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast Washington, D.C., were filled to capacity on Sunday afternoon, May 17 as the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) provided an opportunity for voters to learn about mayoral, congressional and D.C. Council candidates.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Council passes legislation to combat teen takeovers
The D.C. Council approved a modified juvenile curfew bill aimed at addressing social media-driven “teen takeovers.” The measure expands enforcement tools, while supporters cite safety concerns and critics warn of overpolicing and deeper, unmet youth needs.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Candidates for mayor and D.C. congressional delegate outline vision for District’s future
Candidates for D.C. mayor and delegate laid out their priorities at a debate focused on the District’s future, including housing affordability, education and economic opportunity. The May 2 event brought together contenders for both offices as they outlined differing approaches to statehood, economic growth and addressing inequality in the city.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
D.C. Council extends federal transparency laws
Washington, D.C. transparency laws governing the Metropolitan Police Department’s interactions with federal officers have been extended through November, amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity and debate over accountability, oversight and public trust in policing throughout the District.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. schools bring voter registration to students ahead of elections
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.
Posted inHBCU
HBCU presidents announce collaboration to expand research and innovation
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editordbailey@afro.com Leaders at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the nation have declared an initiative to invest in the future of research and discovery. Fifteen of America’s HBCUs high-capacity research institutions have announced the Association of HBCU Research Institutions. The umbrella organization has a mission to expand world-class research, […]
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 inBaltimore News
Not all missing children cases look the same–and each one brings unique challenges
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Each May serves as a time to recognize Missing and Unidentified Persons Month. This week, AFRO News presents the first of several articles focusing on the cases of Black missing persons in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area and beyond. Any child who goes missing likely faces a dangerous situation, […]
