By Re’Jon Jones
Special to the AFRO
Credit: Photo courtesy of Veda Rasheed
Veda Rasheed is vying to be a council member for Ward 7 with hopes of reshaping the political landscape. Raised in the heart of the community in the River Terrace neighborhood, she shared with the AFRO her commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the residents.
“I am running for the Ward 7 Council seat because I believe Ward 7, where I’ve lived for my entire life, deserves a fierce and active servant leader on the D.C. Council,” said Rasheed. “Former mayor Vincent Gray’s legacy must be continued, and I believe I am best suited to build on that legacy while forging a path through one of the hardest times our city has faced in decades.”
Rasheed has served in various leadership capacities, showcasing her versatility and dedication to community service. As a small business owner and local lawyer, she has contributed to the local economy and been a steadfast advocate for the legal needs of Ward 7 residents.
“Whether through volunteer leadership or elected office, I have served in every branch of D.C. government and have the practical experience to work collaboratively with groups, agencies and other stakeholders across D.C. to address critical issues our ward and city faces,” said Rasheed. “My experience and the relationships I have developed have positioned me to hold our government and agencies accountable to our residents to make sure everyone has the tools and resources available to participate in the myriad of services our city offers.”
“Former mayor Vincent Gray’s legacy must be continued, and I believe I am best suited to build on that legacy while forging a path through one of the hardest times our city has faced in decades.”
Veda Rasheed
Her tenure as the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Single Member District (SMD) 7E01, where she represented Benning Ridge, is one of many examples of her hands-on approach to public service, acting as a conduit between the community and local government.
“While I have been active in the community since I was a child, my dedication to serving the community in public office was sparked by the experiences my own children and family have suffered in places they should be and feel safe,” Rasheed recalled. “No child should experience a bullet being shot through their classroom window or losing their 15-year-old half-brother when he was just steps away from his front door. Our children are the future of our ward, and the experiences they have today create a ripple effect that will be felt by our community for decades to come.”
In addition to her business and public service roles, Rasheed has been actively involved in youth engagement as the Chair of the Ward 7 Young Democrats. She also serves as a commissioner on the Mayor’s Commission on African American Affairs, addressing broader challenges faced by the African American community in the District.
Rasheed explained the issues she sees plaguing the community.
“Our ward also struggles with education, affordable housing and economic development. Many of the problems we struggle with in Ward 7 can be solved by holistic approaches to crime, which often stems from depressed economic development, struggling schools, poor access to affordable housing and a lack of investment in recreational and community spaces across our ward.”
Rasheed’s campaign aims to address key issues facing Ward 7 comprehensively. Public safety, economic development, housing affordability, education and constituent services constitute the pillars of her platform. In terms of public safety, Rasheed advocates for a smart and holistic approach, going beyond traditional policing to create an environment where all residents feel secure and hopeful about the future.
Affordable housing, an issue of growing concern, is also addressed in Rasheed’s platform, not just as an economic challenge but as a means of preserving the diversity and essence of the community. She wants to expand down payment and home ownership assistance programs, increasing housing vouchers in addition to creating accessible financial literacy workshops.
“Housing isn’t just a structure– it’s a foundation for security, community and prosperity. The vision for D.C., especially areas East of the River, is one where every resident can afford a comfortable home, free from the anxieties of displacement or untenable costs,” said Rasheed.
In education, she positions herself as a proponent of a robust system that extends beyond the classroom, nurturing lifelong learners equipped to navigate the complexities of the world.
She cited statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics for D.C. Public Schools, which state that only 32 percent of fourth-grade students meet or surpass literacy proficiency levels.
“Every child in Ward 7, irrespective of their background, capabilities, or challenges, deserves an education that opens doors, broadens horizons, and provides the platform for success,” said Rasheed. “Targeted interventions are crucial. Literacy is the bedrock upon which all other learning stands.”
Her campaign for the D.C. Council Ward 7 has achieved a major milestone by surpassing donor requirements, making her eligible for the District of Columbia’s Fair Election Matching Fund Program. With $10,845 raised from 242 individual donors, predominantly District residents, Rasheed’s grassroots support underscores community belief in her vision for positive change. The qualification reflects a commitment to inclusive politics, prioritizing Ward 7 residents over financial interests. Rasheed’s campaign hopes to gain momentum as she focuses on public safety, education, infrastructure and creating a thriving environment for all Ward 7 residents.
Proactive constituent services form the backbone of Rasheed’s commitment to the community. Pledging to pioneer a new era of responsive services, she envisions a hands-on approach, ensuring accessibility and accountability to the daily challenges and concerns faced by the residents of Ward 7.
The race for Ward 7 Councilmember promises to be a closely watched contest, and Rasheed’s candidacy adds a dynamic and experienced candidate to the field.
As seen on her campaign website, Rasheed promises to “serve with an open ear, a compassionate heart, and a fierce dedication to making positive changes in Ward 7.”
Rasheed is one of five candidates. She is competing against Ebbon Allen, Eboni-Rose Thompson, Kelvin Brown, Ebony Payne and Wendell Felder. The incumbent, Vincent Gray (D-D.C.-Ward 7), will not run for re-election leaving a noticeable opening for those interested in serving at the council level.